Thompson on Hollywood

LAFF: Kids Are All Right Scores During Lakers Riot, 30 Films to See

The Thursday night opening of the LA Film Fest was not quite what the organizers had hoped for, with the NBA final game right next door at the Staples Center. That was one risk the LAFF took this year by moving the festival downtown. Film Independent chief Dawn Hudson insists that the influx of apartment dwellers and lively night life downtown is bound to invigorate the fest. (But Westsiders especially dread the drive during rush hour.)

By Anne Thompson
|
June 19, 2010 10:35 AM
|
0 Comments

More:

Oscar Talk Summer Edition: Post-Cannes, Box Office Blues

In our second Oscar Talk Summer Edition, In Contention's Kris Tapley and I cover his cross-country road trip, award contenders emerging from Cannes, and the disappointing summer so far, with some debate over indie darlings Winter's Bone and The Kids Are Alright, which opens next week's Los Angeles Film Festival.

By Anne Thompson
|
June 12, 2010 3:57 AM
|
2 Comments

More:

Eclipse World Premieres at Los Angeles Film Festival

Film Independent has announced its official selections for the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs June 17 to 27 in downtown LA.

By Sophia Savage
|
May 4, 2010 6:48 AM
|
0 Comments

More:

LA Film Fest Move Downtown Ignites Debate

The Los Angeles Film Festival move from its home in Westwood (which worked well for four years) to downtown Los Angeles is stirring mixed response. It's not dissimilar to the reaction to Film Independent chief Dawn Hudson's taking the Indie Spirit Awards from the beach to downtown. That didn't play so well either. I don't mind going downtown for the occasional museum or concert visit-- but the idea of threading my way through rush hour traffic repeatedly over the course of a festival (June 17 to 27) gives me pause. (David Poland agrees.) UCLA-adjacent college town Westwood, with its cluster of movie theaters was easy to get to, walkable and intimate. I think that while the LAFF believes this will expand their base and accommodate growing attendance, they're taking a serious risk.

By Anne Thompson
|
April 9, 2010 10:12 AM
|
3 Comments

More:

Los Angeles Film Fest: Preview

The Los Angeles Film fest is looming large; tickets went on sale Monday. Fest director Rich Raddon and programmer Rachel Rosen are offering a wide swath of entertainment designed to pull in moviegoers of every stripe.

By Anne Thompson
|
April 6, 2008 5:35 AM
|
0 Comments

More:

LAFF: Bloggers Poolside Chat

I had fun moderating the blogging panel poolside at the W. From right, Sasha Stone of Awards Daily, Kate Coe of Fishbowl LA, Jeff Wells of Hollywood Elsewhere and I all agreed that we are obsessed; speed is of the essence, although, Stone said, one can always throw something up fast and tweak it later.

By Anne Thompson
|
June 29, 2007 6:21 AM
|
0 Comments

More:

Transformers: LAFF Premiere

Transformers took over Westwood last night, playing on multiple screens with crowds jamming Broxton Avenue will-call tables and an after-party on the street.