The Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM) is set to launch this weekend, offering a refreshing take on film festivals by focusing on independent features and steering clear of market-oriented distractions. Co-presented by Mubi and Mezzanine, LAFM aims to provide a platform for contemporary indie productions in a city that has been missing such an event since the closure of the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2018.
The festival's lineup includes a diverse selection of films, ranging from West Coast premieres of acclaimed selections from Sundance, Locarno, and Rotterdam, to restorations of works by renowned artists like Chantal Akerman and Niki de Saint Phalle. The curated program also features unique offerings such as 'Rap World,' a world premiere comedy by alt comedian Conner O'Malley, and 'I Saw the TV Glow,' a high-profile horror film exploring '90s media and trans identity.
LAFM's emphasis on sharp curation and regional personality sets it apart, drawing inspiration from renowned film festivals like the New York Film Festival and True/False documentary fest. The festival's compact four-day schedule, with evening screenings on Thursday and Friday, caters to a working audience seeking quality independent cinema experiences.
The festival's venues, including 2220 Arts + Archives and Vidiots, provide intimate settings for screenings and post-film discussions, fostering a sense of community for cinephiles in Los Angeles. LAFM's founders envision the festival as a catalyst for independent film culture in the city, aiming to maintain a fluid and dynamic approach that prioritizes the films above all else.
With a strong lineup and sold-out screenings already, LAFM is poised to make a significant impact on the independent film scene in Los Angeles, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers and unique cinematic voices to shine.
