As part of our continuing outreach efforts aimed at independent filmmakers, for the 18th consecutive year the DGA was a sponsor of Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF).
On June 15, the Guild hosted a luncheon for directors with films that were presented at LAFF. Director Todd Berger (It’s A Disaster, The Scenesters) explained how easy it is for independent filmmakers to work with the DGA and spoke about the advantages of working with an experienced directorial team to keep projects at ‑ or under ‑ budget. Also on hand to answer questions and mingle with the filmmakers were DGA members Freida Lee Mock (G-Dog, Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner), Charles Burnett (Mulatto Saga, Relative Stranger) and Lauren Greenfield (Thin) whose new documentary The Queen of Versailles was playing in the Festival.
On June 17, the annual DGA sponsored LAFF Coffee Talk: Directors panel featured Directors Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Red Riding Hood), Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick) and Lawrence Kasdan (Darling Companion, Dreamcatcher) who discussed the state of the industry, their careers and how they eventually found themselves in the director's chair.
From June 14-24, LAFF sought to connect the movie-loving public to critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent in the heart of Los Angeles. Widely recognized as a world-class event, this year’s festival screened over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries. LAFF also featured gala premieres, panels and seminars, short film programs, music video showcases, free outdoor screenings, live musical performances, and unique signature events.