TAFFF Docs 2024

THE AMERICAN FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES DOCUMENTARY AND SERIES LINEUPS FOR EVENT TAKING PLACE IN LOS ANGELES OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 3

5 Documentary Films and 11 TV Series to Compete for TAFFF’s Documentary and Series Awards 2024

Encompassing a wide range of topics and genres, The American French Film Festival (“TAFFF”), is announcing another eclectic mix of documentaries and TV series in this year’s Festival. Produced by The Franco-American Cultural Fund, the 28th annual event takes place at the DGA Theater Complex October 29-November 3. The five documentary titles and 11 series to be screened during the Festival will also be eligible for the 2024 American French Film Festival Documentary and Series Awards. 

The 5 DOCUMENTARIES in competition for the TAFFF Best Documentary Award 2024 are:

A Family / Une famille  (Written and directed by Christine Angot)  Award-winning French writer Christine Angot is invited for business to Strasbourg where her father had lived and died several years ago. It’s the city where she met him at the age of 13 for the first time, and he started to rape her. His wife and children still live there. Angot takes a camera, and knocks on her family’s doors to push them for clarity about their attitudes to her father’s crime that lasted so many years. A cinematographic journey challenging social norms and family perspectives in dealing with incest.

My Way (Written and directed by Thierry Teston and Liza Azuelos) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE. A compelling voyage to the heart of an iconic French-American song that explores the timeless classic's universal appeal and long-lasting legacy, from 1967 to the present, recounting, deconstructing, and paying homage to a tune that has been recorded 1,278 times by 714 artists in 163 languages, and is the number one most-requested song in karaoke bars worldwide.

Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand / Il Etait une fois Michel Legrand (Written and directed by David Herzog-Dessites) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE. The indomitable, ebullient presence of the great Michel Legrand fills every frame of this freewheeling portrait of the legendary 20th century musician and film composer. But it's the film's jazzy, effusive soundtrack that truly recounts the journey of a man who left an indelible mark on both music and world cinema.  Brimming with endless up-close-and-personal moments with the composer himself and interviews with countless collaborators, the film is an intimate portrait of a genuine maestro.

Tehachapi (Written and directed by JR) Once again, incisive visual artist JR captures the world around him and reflects it back to us in a way that transforms lives, mirrors the humanity within us, and literally changes the way we see the world. This time, his joint subject/canvas is the Tehachapi maximum security prison in Southern California. The idea was simply to photograph a group of inmates, create a monumental photo collage, and paste it on the ground of the prison courtyard, where it would remain for just a few days. Yet, in the process, so much more happened.

The Man with a Thousand Faces / L’Homme aux mille visages (Written and directed by Sonia Kronlund), NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE.  His name is Alexandre, Ricardo, Daniel… He claims to be a surgeon, an engineer, from Argentina, from Brazil... And he lives with at least four different women simultaneously — women literally scattered across the planet. Filmmaker Sonia Kronlund constructs a veritable detective story, mischievously weaving together the astonishing, surprisingly funny tale of a modern-day Don Juan. Through the eyes of the victims, filmmaker Sonia Kronlund investigates to find out who is the man hiding himself behind so many identities.

The documentary program is presented in association with Le Bureau, Mediawan, MK2 Films, Pyramide International, AmaWaterways, and Titra FIlms.

The 11 TELEVISION SERIES in competition for both TAFFF Audience Award 2024 and the TAFFF Jury Award 2024 are:

A Dangerous Friendship / Une amitie dangereuse (HISTORICAL DRAMA. Written and Directed by Alain Tasma.) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE.  Adapted from the historical saga by Juliette Benzoni, Marie des intrigues et Marie des passions, © Plon 2013-2005, and starring a talented young cast, Alain Tasma’s historical series delves into the fierce bond that develops between two startlingly different, yet equally powerful, women in 17th century France — the free-spirited Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Chevreuse, and Anne of Austria, the straight-laced Queen of France now abandoned by her impotent monarch husband, Louis XIII. Marie sets out to bring the royal couple back together, bringing a lust for life and spontaneity into their staid household... as well as more than a few scandals.

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld (BIOPIC. Written by Isaure Pisani-Ferry, Dominique Baumard, Jennifer Have, and Nathalie Hertzberg. Directed by Audrey Estrougo and Jérôme Salle.)  Inspired by Le Monde investigative reporter Raphaëlle Bacqué’s biography, Kaiser Karl, the Disney+ Original series, produced by Gaumont, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld plunges us into the 1970s, a decade that was key to the legendary fashion designer's development, both artistically and personally, and long before he created the distinctive persona that became his trademark. 

Ca C’est Paris (COMEDY. Written by Marc Fitoussi, Edgard F. Grima, Jérôme Bruno, and Marina Defosse. Directed by Marc Fitoussi.) INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE Another behind-the-scenes showbiz romp from the creative team behind the beloved Emmy Award-winning comedy series Call My Agent!. Gaspard Berthille is manager of Le Tout-Paris, a time-honored Parisian cabaret that has, alas, seen better days. Unlike his late father, the night club's legendary impresario, Gaspard has failed miserably at perpetuating the cabaret's success. So he decides to sell the cherished family business to a big supermarket chain. Now he just has to break the news to his troupe.

Day One Escaping Ukraine / Sentinelles-Ukraine (WAR, DRAMA. Written by Frédéric Krivine, Thibault Valetoux. Directed by Jean-Philippe Amar) INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE  February 24, 2022. Lieutenant Anaïs Collet is on leave in a surrogacy clinic in Donbass, when Russia launches a military attack on Ukraine. She and her partner are suddenly trapped there, along with a group of other French couples. The Russian army is just a few kilometers away from the maternity hospital. They're torn — should they stay and wait for the birth of their child, or make haste and flee?

Extra. (COMEDY. Created, written and directed by Jonathan Hazan and Matthieu Bernard) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE. Catherine is a prim and proper wife, mother, and director of an inclusive choral group. Inadvertently walking in on one of her handicapped singers as she's having an orgasm unexpectedly awakens something in her. This fairly atypical family comedy, with its own brand of cheeky good humor, dares to challenge our notions of desire, intimacy and pleasure for people with disabilities.

In the Shadows / Dans l’ombre (POLITICAL THRILLER. Written and directed by Pierre Schoeller). NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE. Devoted apparatchik and political advisor César Casalonga is 100% behind his boss of 20 years, underdog Paul Francœur, in his campaign to become the next President of France. Their long-held dream is suddenly in sight when Paul unexpectedly snatches the party’s nomination from front runner Marie-France Trémeau. But their triumph is quickly dampened by an anonymous phone call declaring that the primary was rigged. Based on the novel Dans l’Ombre, by former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and his own one-time advisor.

Samber / Sambre (CRIME DRAMA. Written by Alice Géraud, Marc Herpoux Academy Award winner Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade) US PREMIERE. In 1988, a woman regained consciousness after being brutally attacked on her way to work one morning. She files a complaint, but the bumbling, sexist cops don't take her seriously. Other crimes follow. Sixty-seven victims and 20 years later, in 2018, the most notorious serial rapist in France is finally arrested in this fictionalized series based on true events.

The Disappearance of Kimmy Diore / Les Enfants sont rois (DRAMA, THRILLER.  Written by Judith Havas, Victor Rodenbach, and Benjamin Adam. Artistic director, Sébastien Marnier) When six-year old social media celebrity Kimmy Diore is abducted in broad daylight, the police launch an intense investigation into the mysterious kidnapping. But given the child's manipulative, at times less-than-forthright, modern-day "stage mother," and her millions of rabid fans, potential suspects are plentiful.

The Confidante / Une amie dévouée (DRAMA. Created by Fanny Burdino, Samuel Doux, Alexandre Kauffmann, Jean-Baptiste Delafon. Directed by Just Philippot). After the terrorist attacks on Paris, a devastated Christelle joins a community of survivors… but her connection to the tragedy isn’t what it seems.

The Trigger / La Fievre (THRILLER. Written by Eric Benzekri, Laure Chichmanov, and Antony Gizel. Directed by Ziad Doueiri) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE.  The glitterati of French football attend an annual awards ceremony when scandal erupts. A Black football star headbutts his white coach and lets out a racist slur, triggering an enormous wave of media backlash, accusations of anti-white racism, and urgent demands for his expulsion from the team. A PR crisis management firm is immediately brought in to diffuse the situation and save the team's future, as a society torn apart by identity conflicts teeters on the brink of chaos and civil war.

Zorro (COMEDY/ADVENTURE. Written by Benjamin Charbit and Noé Debré. Directed by Jean-Baptiste Saurel and Émilie Noblet) NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE. Academy Award Winner Jean Dujardin is Don Diego de la Vega, the elected mayor of Los Angeles. However, the city faces financial problems and his powers as mayor are not nearly enough to fight the rampant injustice. He hasn't pulled out his Zorro costume in 20 years, but this certainly seems like the moment. Yet Diego struggles to balance his dual identity, which is now straining his relationship with his wife Gabriella, who is not privy to his secret life. Can Diego salvage his marriage and his sanity amidst the chaos?

The Television Series Competition is presented in association with Disney+, Federation Studios, Les Films du Cygne, France TV Distribution, Max, Mediawan, Newen Connect, Paramount+ StudioCanal, Titra Films, and AmaWaterways. 

The documentary films and television series will compete for the 2024 TAFFF Awards, which will be awarded during a ceremony held in Paris on November 8. The full Festival line up, including all Feature films, will be announced on October 2. 

TAFFF 2024

JACQUES AUDIARD’S OSCAR BUZZ-WORTHY FILM EMILIA PÉREZ TO OPEN THE 28TH ANNUAL AMERICAN FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 

Sweeping Cinematic Tour-de-Force The Count Of Monte Cristo to Screen Closing Night of the Festival 

The American French Film Festival (TAFFF) will bookend it’s 28th annual edition with two of France’s most-talked-about films this awards season: Emilia Pérez, the Opening Night film, and The Count of Monte Cristo, which will wrap up the six-day event that runs October 29 to November 3 at the Director’s Guild of America Theatre Complex. The announcement was made today by The Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF), the originator of The American French Film Festival. 

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a genre defying musical drama about love and redemption, will be celebrated at The American French Film Festival with a gala, red-carpet Opening Night screening on October 29, presented in association with Netflix. Written and directed by Jacques Audiard, the film was the toast of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, earning the four actresses - Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz - a collective “Best Actress” award. The film will be rerun on October 30 at the Festival. 

The period drama The Count of Monte Cristo, France’s most-expensive film of 2024, will be the Closing Night film, November 3. Written and directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the film had its world premiere as part of the Official Selection of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. 

Both films will compete for the 2024 TAFFF Awards, which will be awarded during a ceremony held in Paris on November 8. 

“We are beyond excited to have Emilia Pérez as our curtain-raiser and The Count of Monte Cristo wrap up the Festival this year - two films that feature music in spectacular ways,” said Cécile Rap-Veber, President of The Franco-American Cultural Fund and CEO of SACEM. “The American French Film Festival has become the place to shine for French films and series at the beginning of Awards season in Los Angeles. There is so much excitement and awards chatter around these two films. We are thrilled to have this mutual support between us and distributors Netflix and Samuel Goldwyn Films, as well as the filmmakers, stars, writers, and composers to celebrate with all of them the cooperation between the American and French film communities and to bring the very best of French filmmaking to Hollywood.” 

Emilia Pérez is an odyssey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emilia can finally live authentically as her true self. The result is as rapturous as it is breathtaking and a testament to Jacques Audiard’s fearless filmmaking in the face of the most-daring of artistic risks. The film features 16 original songs and its affecting score composed by acclaimed musical duo Camille and Clément Ducol. 

Emilia Pérez is produced by Why Not Productions, Page 114, Saint Laurent Productions, France 2 Cinema, and Pathé Films. The film is distributed in the United States by Netflix. It will premiere in select theaters in the US on November 1 and on Netflix in the US, Canada and the UK on November 13. 

For The Count of Monte Cristo (Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) directors Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the dynamic screenwriting duo behind last year's Three Musketeers blockbuster, now take on Alexandre Dumas's swashbuckling 19th century epic of lost love and single-minded vengeance and bring it to the big screen with a stellar ensemble cast and lavish production values. The tale begins with a heroic young first mate Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney), freshly promoted to ship's captain and finally in a position to marry his secret love. However, on the very morning of their wedding day, Edmond is wrongfully arrested for a crime he knows nothing of — a plot hatched by three of the most ruthless of rivals— and shipped off to the formidable Château d'If prison off the coast of Marseille. But the story certainly doesn't end there, as filmmakers and author alike delve into an intimate examination of the nature of revenge, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The moving story is accompanied by an all-encompassing original score from composer Jérôme Rebotier. 

The Count of Monte Cristo is produced by Chapter 2, Pathé Films, Fargo Films, Logical Content Venture, Umedia, and M6. The Count of Monte Cristo is distributed in the US by Samuel Goldwyn Films and will have a US theatrical release in Q4 2024. 

The festival will release the series and documentary selections after September 15. The full line up including all Feature films will be announced on October 2. 

OSCAR Entries 2024

 

Submissions to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film

Submissions are open now to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. Last year there were 88 submissions from around the world. The Oscar went to UK's The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer.

The category was previously called the Best Foreign Language Film, but this was changed in April 2019 to Best International Feature Film, after the Academy deemed the word "Foreign" to be outdated.

The deadline for the submissions is October 1, 2024. The Academy is scheduled to announce a list of eligible submissions in October 2024 from which 15 finalists will be shortlisted on December 17, 2024. The final five nominees will be announced on January 17, 2025. The winner will be announced on March 2, 2025 at the Oscar ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

UPDATED: 10/28/24

Here are all the official submissions to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Film. There are 85 countries/films competing this year.

• Albania - Waterdrop ★★★
• Algeria - Algiers
• Argentina - Kill the Jockey ★★★★
• Armenia - Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev
• Austria - The Devil's Bath ★★★★ 
• Bangladesh - The Wrestler ★★★
• Belgium - Julie Keeps Quiet ★★★
• Bolivia - Own Hand
• Bosnia & Herzegovina - My Late Summer ★★★
• Brazil - I'm Still Here ★★★★
• Bulgaria - Triumph ★★
• Cambodia - Meeting with Pol Pot
• Cameroon - Kismet
• Canada - Universal Language ★★★★
• Chile - In Her Place ★★★
• Colombia - La Suprema ★★★
• Costa Rica - Memories of a Burning Body ★★★
• Croatia - Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day
• Czech Republic - Waves ★★★
• Denmark - The Girl with the Needle ★★★★
• Dominican Republic - Aire: Just Breathe
• Ecuador - Behind the Mist ★★★
• Egypt - Flight 404 ★★★
• Estonia - 8 Views of Lake Biwa
• Finland - Family Time
• France - Emilia Pérez ★★★★
• Georgia - The Antique ★★★
• Germany - The Seed of the Sacred Fig ★★★★
• Greece  - Murderess ★★★
• Guatemala - Rita
• Hong Kong - Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
• Hungary - Semmelweis ★★★
• Iceland - Touch ★★★
• India - Lost Ladies ★★★
• Indonesia - Women from Rote Island
• Iran - In the Arms of the Tree ★★★
• Iraq - Baghdad Messi ★★
• Ireland - Kneecap ★★★★
• Israel - Come Closer ★★★
• Italy - Vermiglio ★★★★
• Japan - Cloud ★★★★
• Kazakhstan - Bauryna Salu ★★★
• Kenya - Nawi ★★
• Kyrgyzstan - Paradise at Mother's Feet ★★
• Latvia - Flow ★★★
• Lebanon - Arzé ★★★
• Lithuania - Drowning Dry ★★★
• Malaysia - Abang Adik ★★★★
• Malta - Castillo
• Mexico - Sujo ★★★
• Mongolia - If Only I Could Hibernate ★★★
• Montenegro - Supermarket ★★★
• Morocco - Everybody Loves Touda ★★★
• Nepal - Shambhala
• Netherlands - Memory Lane
• Nigeria - Mai Martaba
• Norway - Armand ★★★
• Pakistan - The Glassworker ★★★
• Palestine - From Ground Zero ★★★
• Panama - Wake Up Mom
• Paraguay - The Last
• Peru - Yana-Wara ★★★
• Philippines - And So It Begins
• Poland - Under the Volcano ★★★
• Portugal - Grand Tour ★★★★★
• Romania - Three Kilometres to the End of the World ★★★★
• Senegal - Dahomey ★★★
• Serbia - Russian Consul
• Singapore - La Luna ★★
• Slovakia - The Hungarian Dressmaker ★★
• Slovenia - Family Therapy ★★★
• South Africa - Old Righteous Blues
• South Korea - 12.12: The Day
• Spain - Saturn Return ★★
• Sweden - The Last Journey ★★★
• Switzerland - Queens (Reinas) ★★★
• Taiwan - Old Fox
• Tajikistan - Melody
• Thailand - How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies ★★★★
• Tunisia - Take My Breath
• Turkey - Life ★★★★
• Ukraine - La Palisiada ★★★
• United Kingdom - Santosh ★★★★
• Venezuela - Back to Life ★★★
• Vietnam - Peach Blossom, Pho, and Piano ★★

Close Your Eyes

CLOSE YOUR EYES (Cerrar los ojos) 

The Fourth Film from Revered Spanish Auteur Víctor Erice

(The Spirit of the Beehive, El Sur, Dream of Light)

The film had its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival on 22 May 2023.

“A poignant cinematic swan song." —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter

"A slow-burn marvel which climaxes in a sequence of overwhelming profundity and mystery." —David Jenkins, Little White Lies

"A stirring tale about memory, identity, and friendship, and it feels deeply, almost alarmingly personal." —Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine | Vulture

OPENS FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 IN NEW YORK AT FILM FORUM

OPENS FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 IN LOS ANGELES AT LANDMARK'S NUART THEATRE

NATIONAL ROLLOUT TO FOLLOW

Set in contemporary Madrid, an aging filmmaker named Miguel Garay is called upon to recount his memories of working on his final and still unfinished film, “The Farewell Gaze.” During its production, the lead actor and Miguel’s close friend, Julio Arenas, disappeared without a trace, leaving in his wake a mystery that would haunt the lives of everyone associated with the film. Miguel never directed another project, instead living a quiet life as a writer by the coast. He remained reluctant to unravel the mystery surrounding Julio until approached by an investigative television program reviving the case decades later. With careful reflection, he reconnects with the film’s crew, former lovers, and Julio’s daughter, seeking closure for the disappearance and what it meant for all of their lives.

Over three decades after the release of his previous film, revered Spanish auteur Víctor Erice (The Spirit of the Beehive, El Sur, and Dream of Light) returns with a “poignant cinematic swan song” (The Hollywood Reporter). A reflective culmination of Erice’s career in film, Close Your Eyes is a haunting meditation on memory, absence, and the enduring resonance of the moving image.

Written & Directed by: Víctor Erice (The Spirit of the Beehive, El Sur, Dream of Light), Co-Written by: Michel Gaztambide

Stars: Manolo Solo, Jose Coronado, Ana Torrent, Petra Martínez, María León

Producers: Cristina Zumárraga, Pablo E. Bossi, Víctor Erice, Jose Alba, Odile Antonio -Baez, Agustín Bossi, Pol Bossi, Maximiliano Lasansky

Distributor: Film Movement

*** WATCH THE TRAILER HERE ***

Dances With Films 2024

27th Annual Dances With Films Partners with Outfest for LGBTQIA+ Programming

Features Curated Slate, Panel, and More Queer Films

Honoring Pride Month, Dances With Films: LA is proud (!) to highlight its LGBTQIA+ lineup of films in partnership with Outfest, for its 27th edition, unspooling at the TCL Chinese Theater June 20-30. Adding a new co-presenting partnership under the Outfest banner taking place June 27 for a curated slate of short documentaries, narrative shorts and feature films, additional LGBTQIA+ programming, and a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) panel spreads pride across DWF. Outfest will also promote its partnership with DWF to its audience to drive its community to the festival.

“As a discovery film festival, a core mission of Dances with Films is to represent and elevate underrepresented communities,” said festival co-founders Michael Trent and Leslee Scallon. “The opportunity to partner with Outfest, as well as to call attention to other films in the slate with queer themes and messages, fits in perfectly with that mission.”

Outfest Interim Executive Director Christopher Racster added, "Outfest is incredibly proud to be partnering with Dances with Films 27 to present a program of rising LGBTQIA+ voices. As one of the oldest film festivals in Los Angeles, DWF has always championed new talent from our community and provided an important platform to share our queer stories."

The beat goes on at the Outfest day at DWF Thursday, June 27, beginning with a Diversity and Inclusion Panel at 1:00pm at the TCL Chinese Theater to talk about all aspects of the community, the celebrations and the hurdles still to overcome. Moderated by Darrien Michele Gipson Executive Director of SAGindie, the panelists include Effie Brown, CEO of Gamechanger Films and producer of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, IN THE CUT, STAR, and more; Outfest’s Christopher Racster, and actor Alexandra Grey (MacGyver, How To Get Away With Murder, Empire, and The Alienist). 

Living Loud

Broken Art

At 2:45 PM is the first Outfest programming block, featuring two doc shorts. The first is IS GAY MARRIAGE NEXT? directed by Emily Clark. Responding to a Supreme Court case in 2003, a groundbreaking cover of Newsweek featured a lesbian couple and asked: Is gay marriage next? A young, closeted woman saw the magazine and found the courage to come out. Two decades later, she searches for the couple who gave her hope. Together, they explore the LGBTQ political landscape then and now. In a post-Roe era, this compelling story asks a familiar question with a haunting twist: is gay marriage next—to go? LIVING LOUD is directed by Carin van der Donk and Sarah Teale. In 2020 Fogo Azul, an all-woman and non-binary drumming group from New York City traveled to Salvador, Brazil to learn from Banda Dida, the first black, female samba reggae drumming troupe and to take part in Carnival. Then in 2022 Adriana Portela, the charismatic leader of Dida, traveled to New York to rehearse with the 115 women of Fogo Azul to participate in the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. What follows is a portrait of empowerment, joy, inclusion and the enduring power of the drum.

At 4:45 PM comes the narrative shorts block, beginning with BROKEN ART, Ryan Powers’ story of a man who struggles to accept the one major flaw in his near-perfect relationship. Powers stars opposite Emrhys Cooper. In Andrew Bourne’s CHURCH CAMP, Josh, a gawky counselor, puts the “bi” in Bible Camp. He misplaces a note revealing his secret, and races to find it before the worship service. In the process, he confuses his clueless youth minister and drags his rag-tag campers through a slew of camp misadventures. In THE PARADISE ROAD, writer/director Lisa Marie Tedesco takes recently married Ellie takes Shae on a romantic excursion to the west coast seaside for a moment of happiness and seclusion before inevitably coming to terms with a life-altering decision. In Ryan Nordin’s SCRAPS shy art student Gus works at his Uncle’s Montana woodshop. He’s distracted by attractive skateboarder Bridger Owens who trades him skating lessons for board-crafting tips. After a few weeks of skate lessons, Gus and Bridger become fast friends. Finally, after a boozy bonfire party in the woods, a vulnerable conversation sparks intense feelings that both Gus and Bridger can no longer deny. Finally, Al Braatz’ STARRY EYED is a queer dark comedy about a delusional romantic on a quest to reignite an old flame. Blinded by love, the line between romantic gestures and illegal ones becomes blurred.

Advanced Chemistry

Almost Popular

At 7:00PM June 27, Outfest and DWF present David Beck and Jennifer Bobbi’s World Premiere of REGARDING US . In the film, after losing her teaching career in the Catholic school system, a transgender woman has a profound impact on the lives of two children–one with two fathers in marital strife, and the other a recent transplant from a conservative household. When the children form a unique bond, new questions and old prejudices erupt. 

Additional LGBTQIA+ programming at DWF includes Louisa Hill’s Los Angelez, making its West Coast premiere June 22 in the Pilots Block 3. Amelia’s got a date with the hottest woman in the world. Only problem is—she’s never been on a gay date before. Panicking that she’s not queer enough, Amelia attempts to reinvent herself in the two hours before her crush arrives.

Then there’s Clarke Childers’ ASHES TO DUST which makes its world premiere Wednesday June 26 in the Fusion Shorts block. Estranged siblings Elizabeth and Danny reunite in their childhood home after the death of their eccentric mother. Without a will or any instructions, old wounds are quickly reopened, and disagreements abound. A Ouija board may be the only way for “Mom” to provide the guidance they both desperately seek.

Spark

Paradise Road

Becoming a “chosen family” can have its growing pains in Jason Lee Courson’s world premiere TV pilot SEEKING, screening Saturday June 29. Broad City meets New Girl and Will and Grace with a sprinkling of Kimmy Schmidt, “Seeking…” is a show about three roommates (2 gay men, 1 straight man) all from different backgrounds, learning to cohabitate and navigate love and life in the big city.

Among the queer features, Nayip Anthony Garcia’s ALMOST POPULAR (featuring Disney Star Ruby Rose Turner) follows two high school juniors who go on a quest to fulfill their dream to become part of the elite POP Girls who rule the school. That world premiere screening is June 22.  Nicolas Giuricich SPARK, making its US Premiere June 24, follows a hopeless romantic struggling to build intimacy with a man who inexplicably makes him time loop back a day every time they make love. 

As his feelings for the man grow, so do his suspicions that this stranger is aware of this cosmic insanity too. June 26 brings the West Coast Premiere of Etana Jacobson’s ADVANCED CHEMISTRY, in which a scientist who has developed a compound to enhance bonding injects his married best friend to help her stop cheating on her wife, but when he also injects the wife, it backfires when she falls for him. Parker Brennon’s queer horror anthology HAUNTOLOGY (making its world premiere June 29) is framed by a young woman taking her 12-year-old sister with runaway aspirations on a journey around town, where she tells supernatural tales in which characters have more in common with the youngster than they first realize.

Stills from Church Camp - Scraps - Regarding Us

ABOUT DANCES WITH FILMS

Now in its 27th year, Dances With Films champions the unflinching spirit at the very core of the independent film scene. With most film festivals relying heavily on celebrity, DWF have relied on innovation, talent, creativity, and sweat equity that revolutionized the entertainment industry. And that reliance continues to prove successful with alumni moving on to write, direct, and produce celebrity-studded vehicles, star in blockbuster movies, and television series, produce multi-million-dollar film and create hot TV shows. For more information about the Dances With Films LA film lineup, events, passes, and tickets, go to: https://danceswithfilms.com/.

LAGFF Orpheus Awards

Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Closing Night Orpheus Awards & Party

Karyofyllia Karabeti Honored with 2024 Orpheus Award

Photo credit: Vanessa Skopeo (@HeartSparkStudios)

Several hundred guests attended Closing Night of the 18th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival on June 9 at Silver Screen Theatre, Pacific Design Center. The critically acclaimed MURDERESS (FONISSA), starring Karyofyllia Karabeti and directed by Eva Nathena, was featured and included a live dialogue with the film’s star and director. The screening was preceded by a lively red carpet hosted by influencer Becca Brazil and followed by the Orpheus Awards. 

The Orpheus Awards hosted by Arianna Papalexopoulos honored renowned Greek actress Karyofyllia Karabeti with the 2024 Orpheus Award. Awards Presenters were Angelo Hatgistavrou: Best Animation, Maria Korinthiou: Best Short Film, Jaswant Shrestha: Best Documentary, Eliza Gerontakis: Honoree Award, Elena Evangelo: Best Performance + Best Director, Marie Avgeropoulos: Best Film. 

The Closing Night reception and party were presented by The Kolovos Family, appetizers and catering by NICK THE GREEK, wines by AVRA, VIP Room catering by Petros, Cocktails from Kleos Mastiha, Dulce Vida Tequila, and Empress Gin, Water from Smart Water, soft drinks and cookies by Optima Foods and VIP gift bags from Chrysofora olive oil and Hellenic Aesthetic.

LAGFF 2024 Jury Panelists: Spiro Skentzos, Colin Campbell, Andrew Wagner, Jaswant Shrestha, María Elena de las Carreras, Eugene Brancolini, Cheng Guo, Portlynn Tagavi, Chris Tsirgiotis, Hugh O’Gorman, Lisa Ogdie, and Jourdain Searles.

LAGFF 2024 showcased 80+ films over 9 days in theatres and one week online (June 9-16), including feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation, and retrospectives, highlighting the depth of the Greek Film Industry today. The on-line portion of the Festival (June 9-16) offers virtual screenings and events on the LAGFF platform powered by Eventive and presented by the GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION. On June 13, a Distribution Agreements Webinar with Entertainment Attorney Carol T. Contes and Freestyle Digital Media's Head of Digital Film Distribution Bill Vergos is geared toward independent filmmakers.

The 2024 Orpheus Winners:

ANIMATION

Ready by Eirini Vianelli - Best Animation

Claw Machine by George Salameh - Special Jury Award

SHORTS

Wings by Fivos Imellos - Best Short

Buffer Zone by Savvas Stavrou - Special Jury Award

DOCUMENTARIES

Kristos, the last child by Giulia Amati - Best Documentary

Laughing in Afghanistan by Anneta Papathanassiou - Special Jury Award

BEST PERFORMANCE

Best Performance - Dimitra Vlagopoulou for her role in Animal 

Special Jury Award - Karyofyllia Karabeti for her role in Murderess

BEST DIRECTOR

Best - Adonis Florides for Africa Star

Special Jury Award - Eva Nathena for Murderess

BEST FILM

Animal by Sofia Exarchou

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Audience for SHORT

ONE NOTE MAN by George Siougas

Audience Award for DOCUMENTARY

Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field by Michael Selditch

Audience Award for FEATURE FILM

JAUNT by Alexi Papalexopoulos

Discovery Days Honorable Mention

Four Funerals And A Wedding (Montenegro) 

Director / Writer: Nikola Mijovic

Producer: Maja Kecojevic (Parangal Film)

Discovery Days Winner

Nearby Faraway (Greek, Germany) 

Director / Writer: Sonia Liza Kenterman

Producer: Myrto Stathi (BYRD)

Photo credit: Vanessa Skopeo (@HeartSparkStudios)

Now in its 10th edition, the DISCOVERY DAYS story & screenplay lab continues to serve as an industry leader in developing artistic international feature film projects as well as fostering ties between filmmakers from Southern Europe / the Balkans and the Los Angeles community of cinema. Many films that have participated in the lab go on to successful paths, including MEDIUM directed by Christina Ioakeimidi, screening at this year's LAGFF. Under the leadership of director Araceli Lemos, Discovery Days received a record number of submissions and ultimately selected seven projects. The team includes Joel Garber (Producer), Karina Logothetis (Producer) and Nasos Gatzoulis (Programmer). To celebrate Discovery Days' 10th anniversary edition, Greek sculptor Kyriakos Rokos created this year's award.

DISCOVERY DAYS 2024 Jury: Mo Perkins, Orly Ravid, Dea Vasquez, and Jonathan Wysocki.

DISCOVERY DAYS 2024 Mentors - https://www.lagff.org/discovery-days/meet-the-experts-2024/

MADE IN ENGLAND

From Executive Producers Martin Scorsese & Thelma Schoonmaker

MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL AND PRESSBURGER

OPENS IN NEW YORK JULY 12 AT QUAD CINEMA

OPENS IN LOS ANGELES JULY 26 AT LANDMARK NUART THEATRE

NATIONAL ROLLOUT TO FOLLOW

Martin Scorsese's personal journey through the films of Powell and Pressburger, the visionary British filmmakers behind classics like The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, offers a captivating exploration of their genius and enduring influence on cinema.

Directed by: David Hinton

Narrated by: Martin Scorsese

Producers: Nick Varley, Matt Wells

Running Time: 113 minutes

US Distributer: Cohen Media Group

** WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE ** 

Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, “You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic.”

Now, in this documentary, he tells the story of his lifelong love-affair with their movies, including The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann.

“Certain films you simply run all the time and you live with them.” Scorsese says. “As you grow older they grow deeper. I’m not sure how it happens, but it does. For me, that body of work is a wondrous presence, a constant source of energy, and a reminder of what life and art are all about.”

Drawing on a rich array of archive material, Scorsese explores in full the collaboration between the Englishman Powell and the Hungarian Pressburger - two romantics and idealists, who thrived in the face of adversity during World War II but were eventually brought low by the film industry of the 1950’s.

Scorsese celebrates their ability to create “subversive commercial movies” and describes how deeply their films have influenced his own work.