It is undeniable that Los Angeles is synonymous with Movies,
Actors, and On Set Filming as there have been numerous films
that have been shot in the metropolitan area and outside its
borders. Many fledgling and driven people flock to the city, in
hopes in meeting contacts through the many networks that
this fast paced Metropolis offers, after all, it is how this writer
landed a job with the LA LOFTS Realty ® magazine, DTLA LIFE.
The Film Festival held on August 23rd at the AT&T Center al-
lowed many upcoming actors and filmmakers to get recogni-
tion, perhaps make contacts, have fun, and socialize with a
viewing crowd. Upon entering, my guest and I were treated to
a red carpet experience, with headlights illuminating the path-
way, as the shutter and flash captured our well-dressed forms.
Anticipation built in as we took the steps to the upper lobby,
the bar waiting outside on the balcony to accept out comple-
mentary drink tickets.
The atmosphere was most inviting, as guests approached
each other and engaged in delightful conversations. Soon, the
auditorium doors would open to treat the crowd to ten short
films and one feature.
Each film offered something amazing, something new, or even
something unconventional. With the ability to create depth
within 10-20 minute films was a feat most impressive with
some of these films, individual acting skill displayed as each
scene rolled through, and of course the ability of capturing
all of these sequences in such a professional manner was an
outstanding combination that one would normally only get by
attending a box office hit (minus all the CGI.) If some of these
films were made into a full film, no doubt that I will be in line to
buy a ticket.
I noticed that there was no scrutiny by any of the viewers,
as it seemed to be a large support group applauding for the
great efforts that compiled together to create these works of
cinematography. I knew that there were some films that the
crowd favored more than others, being that after each seg-
ment of films, the audience had a chance to ask questions to
the directors themselves as they stood upon stage to answer
any inquiries.
My guest, Brenda, and I shared favorites; God Maskingevaer-
lyd was something out of a Guillermo Del Torro film, giving a
sense of dread in this hillside home with a war in the contextual
background, death being a common occurrence in a young
boy’s life, desensitizing him to it. Rosita Lopez for President
sure captured the adoration of the audience, with a deep un-
dertone that finally surfaced near the end of the film as a high
school girl tried to open up the heart of an older gentleman
who had some hardships with family. Market Hours struck
home, as the entire film was shot at the Grand Central Market,
and with a “cute” story to go along with this intimate setting of
diversified cultures.
App was one of those films that seemed to be more aimed to
deliver a message to the audience about social media web-
sites and smartphone reliance. Finally, Operation Barn Owl
was an all-around set of story, acting and filming skills, and
“Hollywood Endings” be damned as it was pulled away from
us as the male lead walked away from the female lead during
a seemingly romantic scene shared by two.
I am truly grateful to have been invited to this event; the experi-
ence was amazing, the films were spectacular, and the crowd
had no qualms about socializing with strangers such as me as
I had a remarkable time during this event, and will be looking
forward to attending again. The next New Filmakers Festival
will take place again on September 20th at the At&T Center in
Downtown LA.
New Filmakers Festiival - Los Angeles
AT&T Center
1139 S. Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.newfilmmakersla.com/