From September 20-29, the 2018 LA Film Festival showcased new American and international cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives, and provided the movie-loving public with events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers and film industry professionals. LA Film Festival is a key part of the exhibition arm of Film Independent, a non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists. As part of our continuing outreach efforts aimed at independent filmmakers, for the 24th consecutive year the DGA was a sponsor of the festival.
On September 22, the DGA sponsored one of the festival’s most popular events, the annual Directors Coffee Talk panel. Held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, this year’s panelists were Directors Tamara Jenkins (Private Life), Wash Westmoreland (Colette) and DGA Independent Directors Committee member Karyn Kusama (Destroyer). The trio engaged in a conversation about their craft and the state of the industry moderated by Kusama.
On September 24, the Guild hosted a luncheon for directors with films presented at the festival. Speaking on behalf of the DGA, Director Sam Taylor-Johnson (A Million Little Pieces) explained how easy it is for filmmakers to work with the Guild. Also attending the luncheon was DGA Director-member Kyle Patrick Alvarez (13 Reasons Why) who represented the Guild’s Independent Directors Committee.
About the Festival