The Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM) recently concluded its third annual event, which took place from April 9 to 12. Co-founded by Micah Gottlieb and Sarah Wallace, the festival aims to provide a dedicated platform for new, independent, and arthouse cinema.
A Curated Approach to Independent Film
Unlike many of its predecessors that rely on submission-based entries, LAFM operates as a curated festival. Micah Gottlieb stated that the goal is to focus on films that hold an important place in the broader cinematic landscape.
The selection process is handled directly by Gottlieb and Wallace, who utilize their professional relationships with distributors and festival programmers. They intentionally avoid delegating this task to interns to ensure a higher level of care and investment in the lineup.
This curated strategy resulted in the screening of niche titles such as “Shades of Silk,” “Salegna Sol,” and “Chronovisor.” While the founders argue the festival is for all viewers, some of the content may lean toward a “highbrow” sensibility.
The Challenge of Accessibility
One highlighted film, “Chronovisor,” follows a reclusive academic in New York who discovers a monk-built machine capable of photographing all of human history. While visually appealing, the film included a 20-minute sequence of book notes and paragraphs, leading some to find it more akin to a book than a movie.
Logistical challenges also surfaced at the festival’s venues, which stretched from Chinatown to Beverly Blvd. The theatre on Beverly Blvd was noted for its vintage atmosphere but lacked ramps for wheelchair users and presented safety hazards for the visually impaired due to its pitch-black interior.
while Sarah Wallace noted that sites were chosen for their proximity to lively streets, the downtown Beverly Blvd location was described as not particularly walkable. This posed a significant challenge for attendees without cars attempting to access social venues after screenings.
Future Potential and Growth
Despite these shortcomings, the festival is driven by a deep passion for the craft. Sarah Wallace described her inspiration as the specific feeling of a crowd gathered together in a dark room.
Due to the fact that the event is only in its third year, It’s believed to hold substantial potential for the future. The founders’ dedication suggests they possess the necessary ideals to guide the festival toward greater success.
To improve, the festival could consider reshaping its layout. Moving activities to more walkable, outdoor locations may reduce costs while creating a more inviting and accessible environment for all attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does LAFM differ from the Los Angeles Film Festival?
While the Los Angeles Film Festival often featured relatively mainstream, submission-based films, LAFM is a curated festival that focuses on new, independent, and arthouse films.
What is the plot of the film “Chronovisor”?
The film follows a reclusive academic in New York who uncovers a legend about a machine built by a monk that can photograph all of human history, leading her into a scholarly conspiracy.
Where were the LAFM screenings located?
The screenings were held in several different locations across the city, ranging from Chinatown to Beverly Blvd.
Do you consider a curated selection process is more effective than a submission-based one for discovering new indie talent?
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