MUMBAI: Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced the official selections for the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Film Festival will run from Thursday, 18 June to Sunday, 28 June. Now in its fifteenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival is widely recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.
The 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries. This year, the Festival received more than 4,600 submissions from filmmakers around the world, with the final selections representing several World, International, North American, and U.S. premieres. For the first time this year, international films will be included in the narrative and documentary competition categories.
"The 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival is a celebration of culture, cinema and community: a festival where everyday movie lovers can see films they otherwise might not see, hear first-hand from the artists and filmmakers that inspire them, and get a sneak peek at the great movies of the summer," said Los Angeles Film Festival director Rebecca Yeldham. "It’s a beautiful program, and I can’t wait to share it with our audiences."
"We’re very proud to be sharing a collection of outstanding work with the Los Angeles public this year," said Los Angeles Film Festival director Programming Rachel Rosen. "Whether it’s discovering exciting new filmmaking talent, seeing an anticipated film from a favorite director, or getting an in-depth look at a beloved classic, audiences have a range of unique film experiences to choose from in the Festival slate."
"Our goal at Film Independent is to represent the breadth of stories being told and to reflect the issues that are happening on a local and global level through the art of cinema," said Film Independent executive director Dawn Hudson. "With the Los Angeles Film Festival, we at Film Independent further support our year-round work of cultivating a community of filmmakers and filmgoers alike."
Universal Pictures’ action-thriller Public Enemies will screen as the Centerpiece Premiere at this year’s Festival. Filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger the bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the public.
Passes to attend the Festival are available immediately for Film Independent members, and beginning 18 May for the general public. In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the ZonePerfect live.create. lounge, where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. General admission tickets to individual films go on sale beginning 29 May .
The 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen more than 70 feature films, 70 shorts, and 50 music videos.
