Los Angeles Festival of Movies: a new era for independent cinema

In recent years, Los Angeles has faced significant challenges in maintaining a prominent film festival, with the closure of the Los Angeles Film Festival, the collapse of Outfest, and leadership changes at AFI Fest. Despite these setbacks, the city remains a vibrant hub for cinema enthusiasts, thanks to local institutions like the Academy Museum, the American Cinematheque, and the UCLA Film and Television Archive. In this context, the newly launched Los Angeles Festival of Movies aims to bridge the gap, offering a platform for both new works and retrospective titles. Co-presented by Mezzanine and Mubi, the festival is set to debut its inaugural four-day edition on April 4, with programming led by Micah Gottlieb and Sarah Winshall.

Gottlieb, 32, and Winshall, 38, have expressed a desire to create a space for films that often struggle to gain traction in the commercial-heavy landscape of Los Angeles. “Film festivals in L.A. are often defined in relation to the commercial film industry,” Gottlieb noted, emphasizing the need for a festival that caters to an audience interested in non-traditional, independent films. Winshall echoed this sentiment, highlighting the underestimated audience for such films in Los Angeles and the festival’s role in providing a gathering space for cinephiles.

Venues and Programming

The festival will be hosted at three distinct locations: Vidiots in Eagle Rock, 2220 Arts + Archives in the Historic Filipinotown, and Now Instant Image Hall situated in Chinatown. Each site has been thoughtfully chosen to enhance community engagement and post-screening dialogues. Recently established east of Hollywood, these venues are intrinsic to the burgeoning filmgoing scene emerging in that area.

The opening films will include Eduardo Williams’ avant-garde documentary “The Human Surge 3” and Chantal Akerman’s 1982 drama “Toute une nuit,” both of which will see their Los Angeles debuts; the latter being shown in a newly restored 4K version.

The festival will also feature a talk by ex-Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon and author Rachel Kushner, discussing their personal connections to Los Angeles and its cinema.

The Role of Microcinemas and Pop-Ups

The rise of microcinemas and pop-up cinemas has provided alternative avenues for film exhibition, emphasizing the shared experience of cinema. Originating in the 1990s, microcinemas offer curated screenings of avant-garde and independent films in intimate settings, fostering direct interactions between filmmakers and audiences. This model has spread globally, with successful organizations like Microcinema International facilitating film dissemination across 40 countries.

Pop-up cinemas, on the other hand, capitalize on unique and unconventional spaces to create immersive film events. These venues range from rooftops to former factories, offering a social experience that often overshadows the film itself. In London, pop-up cinemas have become commercial ventures, with events like Hot Tub Cinema and Secret Cinema drawing large crowds. Despite their popularity, these events have faced criticism for prioritizing the social aspect over the cinematic experience.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, with its rich cinematic history and diverse audience, presents a unique landscape for film festivals and alternative cinema experiences. For occasional travelers, attending the Los Angeles Festival of Movies offers a chance to engage with the city’s vibrant film culture and discover films that may not be available elsewhere. The festival’s emphasis on community and discussion provides an enriching experience beyond the traditional cinema setting.

For expert travelers, exploring the microcinemas and pop-up cinemas in Los Angeles can offer a deeper understanding of the city’s evolving film scene. These venues provide a platform for underrepresented films and foster a sense of community among cinephiles. Engaging with these alternative forms of cinema can offer insights into the broader trends shaping the film industry and the role of Los Angeles as a cultural hub.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles Festival of Movies and the city’s microcinemas and pop-ups represent a dynamic and evolving film culture. They offer unique opportunities for both occasional and expert travelers to engage with cinema in innovative and meaningful ways. Whether you’re attending a festival screening or exploring a pop-up cinema, Los Angeles invites you to immerse yourself in its cinematic landscape and discover the diverse voices shaping the future of film.