Movies play a part in so many of our lives. If you are a lover of independent films, head to the New Media Film Festival at the Landmark Theater in Westwood on Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10.
Celebrating its sixth year, New Media Film Festival returns to the Landmark Theater for its fourth consecutive year.
“To us, the Landmark on W. Pico is a state of the art theater that aligns with our mission and innovative implementation,” said founder/director Susan Johnston. “There is a language that the teams have that is relatively fast and fluid, so there are no long meetings or paperwork. We are a great fit!”
The two-day event offers talks, panels, and seminars featuring financial strategies, distribution, and other information vital to the success of the films.
Filmmakers can ask questions and find out about various ways to improve techniques, promote their films, etc.
The networking element alone has created a myriad of success stories.
The general public can enjoy the camaraderie and the chance to mix and mingle with industry professionals and star talent.
“Opening night is magical…there is excitement and anticipation in the air,” said award-winning producer Randy Bellous.
The Opening Night Programming Ticket or VIP All Access Badge will allow the public entry into the VIP soiree, which features an international art exhibition with wine and cheese.
The red carpet press junket adds to the allure and celebratory atmosphere. Networking begins here with industry leaders who will be in attendance.
This year’s New Media Film Festival will include 100 New Media films and content from more than 16 countries.
With 20 categories screening at the event, the competition is steep but exhilarating to watch as gifted contestants all compete for the grand prize (valued at $45,000).
Perhaps Academy Award winning producer Nicholas Reed put it best…“The New Media Film Festival seemed like an outlier when it started in 2010, with their strange categories, web series, 3D storytelling, digital comics…now, all of a sudden, these phrases are the new normal.
The NMFF is always looking to the future…challenging creators, the market and the audience to discover new storytelling.”
The festival culminates in an impressive lineup of films featuring celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, Leonardo DiCaprio and more. Also taking place on closing night, New Media Film Festival presents Leonardo DiCaprio with the Socially Responsible Conservationist Award for his conservation dedication and efforts via Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
“Worst Shark Attack Ever” director Veronica Grey (International Surfing Champion) will be accepting the award on behalf of Leonardo DiCaprio. The film is part of the SRC – Socially Responsible Content category this year, in which DiCaprio is featured in the opening scenes. New Media Film Festival takes place at the Landmark Theater on Tuesday, June 9, from 6 pm to 11 pm (red carpet opening) and Wednesday, June 10, from 9 am to 11 pm.
Tickets run from $15 a session to $35 for opening night including a VIP wine and cheese soiree.
For more information, call 310.288.1100 or visit www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com.
