The LA Film Festival has been a staple of Los Angele's Hollywood and Indie culture for almost two decades.
After 18 years, the iconic festival is coming to an end.
Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which organizes Los Angeles Film Festival explains why the decision to end it happened:
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the LA Film Festival over the past eighteen years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new.”
The LA Film Festival was founded by Robert Faust as the 'Los Angeles Independent Film Festival' in 1995. According to The Hollywood Reporter, LA Film Festival has had a somewhat 'nomadic existence' in recent years.
With the announcement of the end to the LA Film Festival, Film Independent said it will shift its focus to a variety of year-round programs and initiatives, including several that traditionally coincided with the festival like The Portal, a showcase of VR and immersive storytelling; (The Hollywood Reporter)
Josh Welsh also added "We are all deeply grateful to [festival director] Jennifer Cochis for her vision, passion, and creativity, and we’re enormously proud of the Festival that she oversaw these past two years. We remain committed to serving filmmakers and film audiences across Los Angeles.”
"In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
How do independent filmmakers feel about the elimination of this festival? I'd love to hear back from some of you guys.
Photos: Getty Images