For the 15th consecutive year the DGA acted as a sponsor of Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF) as part of our continuing outreach efforts aimed at independent filmmakers.

On Friday, June 19, the Guild hosted a luncheon for directors with films being presented at LAFF and DGA Independent Directors Committee member Jamie Babbit (The Quiet) spoke to them about the advantages of DGA membership in the Guild. Then on Sunday, June 21, DGA director-members Zach Helm (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium), Todd Phillips (The Hangover) and Jason Reitman (Juno) conducted the 2009 LAFF Coffee Talk: Directors panel where they spoke about their careers and membership in the Guild.

Widely recognized as a world-class event showcasing the best in new American and international cinema, this year's LAFF featured more than 70 feature films including narratives and documentaries, along with gala premieres, panels and seminars, short film programs, music video showcases, free outdoor screenings, live musical performances, and unique signature events. The estimated attendance for this year’s festival was 85,000.