Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Film and cinema in all forms are celebrated in Los Angeles throughout the year with a wide variety of film festivals. Everything from film noir to comedy shorts have their own dedicated film festival, where members of the film community and the public are invited to screen and take part in Hollywood’s rich film culture.
Here are some of the most notable film festivals.
Winter
Scandinavian Film Festival
The Scandinavian Film Festival is held at the beginning of the year and is dedicated to showcasing films from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. The festival aims to give Los Angeles audiences a view of Scandinavian culture and filmmaking. It is held mid-January in Beverly Hills.
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF)
The PAFF festival, held early February at various LA locations, is a two week showcase of film screenings, music and art workshops, actor showcases and more. The festival screens more than 150 films, representing African diversity from filmmakers around the world.
Los Angeles Italia Film Festival
This week-long event is dedicated to celebrating Italian films, producers, directors, actors and Italian film culture. The festival is traditionally held at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood in mid February.
DocuDays
DocuDays is a two day screening of the year’s Oscar-nominated documentary films, showcasing and celebrating the best of the documentary films. It is held right before the Academy Awards, at the end of February in Beverly Hills.
Spring
LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival
Offering the best in funny short films and filmmakers, the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival is the largest comedy film festival in the US. The festival is four days of film screenings, industry panels, awards and parties. It also hosts the Movie Magic Screenwriter Screen Competition. The festival is held in early April in downtown Los Angeles.
Festival of Film Noir
Organized by the American Cinematheque, this festival shows rare original films, many of which are not available on DVD. Many of the films have been recently restored by the Film Noir Foundation and the UCLA Film and Television Archive. The festival is held for 2 weeks early April at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
At this festival, Bollywood comes to Hollywood. The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles screens films from or about India made by both Indian and international filmmakers. Viewers experience the latest and best films exploring Indian culture. The festival occurs for a week in mid April in Hollywood.
City of Lights – City of Angels French Film Festival
The City of Lights festival is a week-long showcase of French movie premiers. It is one of the largest festivals of French film in the world with over 50 screenings. The festival is held in Hollywood in mid April.
Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival
The Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival screens films by Brazilian filmmakers and films about Brazil. The four day festival is held in late April.
The Newport Beach Film Festival
The Newport Beach Film Festival shows more than 350 international, independent and studio films. Festival goers can enjoy screenings, actor showcases, music and arts events, fashion shows, and parties. The week-long festival happens at the end of April to early May at various locations in Newport Beach.
Summer
Los Angeles Film Festival
The Los Angeles Film Festival showcases the best of American and international independent cinema. Many of the favorites shown at well-known festivals like Sundance are shown at the Los Angeles Film Festival. The 10 day festival includes panels, seminars, gala premieres and special events. It is held in mid June at various venues in downtown Los Angeles.
OUTFEST, The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
OUTFEST is one of the largest film festivals in Los Angeles and one of the region’s largest gay and lesbian arts events. The ten day event features more than 200 films, nine venues and draws an audience of more than 40,000 people. OUTFEST is held mid July at various locations in Hollywood and other areas of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival is a ten day event celebrating Latino filmmakers, and film featuring Latino culture and locales. Also included are galas and plenty of special events. The festival is held at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood in July.
HollyShorts Film Festival
The HollyShorts Film Festival is a showcase for short films from across the globe. Audiences can attend premieres, screenings, panels, forums and mixers for filmmakers, producers and more. The festival is held in Hollywood in mid August.
