FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alia Quart Khan, Film Independent
Tel: 310.432.1287 or aqkhan@filmindependent.org

Contact: Gina Pence, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or gina.pence@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2015 CLOSING NIGHT:

ELI ROTH TO DIRECT LIVE READ OF FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2015) – Today the Los Angeles Film Festival, produced by Film Independent with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced a very special Closing Night. For the first time, the Festival will include a Live Read, a regular feature of Film Independent’s programming over the last four years. For Closing Night, writer/director/producer/actor Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Grindhouse, Hostel, Inglorious Basterds) will direct a Live Read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Follow @LAFilmFest on twitter for cast announcements.The film, which came out in 1982, was directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe. The Festival opens this Wednesday, June 10.

Stephanie Allain, Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival had this to say about the historic event, “I can’t think of a better way to close this year’s Festival than with a Live Read! Eli Roth is directing a quintessentially LA story, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”

“We’re so pleased to have Eli Roth lead the Live Read of one of his favorite films,” said Elvis Mitchell, Film Independent Curator.

This year is the 21^st edition of the Los Angeles Film Festival (June 10-18). The 2015 Festival will showcase 81 films of which 45 World Premieres (39 are in competition), four International Premieres, six North American Premieres, four US premieres and 20 LA premieres. There are 60 short films and over 50 new media works representing 35 countries. The Festival opens with the LA Premiere of Paul Weitz’s Grandma. The Festival also features Gala Screenings of the television series Scream, The Final Girls and Seoul Searching.

Online & Social Media:

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/LAFilmFest and Twitter @LAFilmFest. Official event hashtag: #LAFilmFest.
Website: LAFilmFest.com

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL
The Los Angeles Film Festival is a key part of the exhibition arm of Film Independent showcasing new American and international cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. The Festival produces one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals, and award-winning talent from our City of Angels and around the world. The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film at The GRAMMY Museum®, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, Coffee Talks, LA Muse and more. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students and a special section devoted to expanded storytelling across the web, TV and gaming. The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times. The Official Host Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. The Premier Sponsor is Southern California BMW Centers and the Principal Sponsor is Jaeger-LeCoultre. Platinum Sponsors include American Airlines, Dolby Laboratories, Inc., and EFILM | Company 3. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the Official Beer Sponsor. Sauza 901 Tequila is the Official Spirits Sponsor. The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency. More information can be found at lafilmfest.com.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a member, visit filmindependent.org.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country and has been covering California for more than 133 years.

ABOUT L.A. LIVE
L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $3 billion downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring Microsoft Theater, a 7,100-seat live theatre, a 2,300 capacity live music venue, a 54-story, 1001-room convention “headquarters” destination (featuring The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE  hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower) , the GRAMMY Museum, the 14-screen Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatre, broadcast facilities for ESPN along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space.

Developed by Los Angeles-based AEG, L.A. LIVE, considered to be the nation’s most active ‘live content and event campus,’ has become the region’s most in-demand and busiest hospitality location featuring 260,480 sf of conference center and ballroom facilities, world-class restaurants including The Farm of Beverly Hills, WP24, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Katsuya, Lawry’s Carvery, Rock ‘N Fish, Rosa Mexicano, Starbucks, Triple 8 China Bar and Grill, Ford’s Filling Station, Smashburger, Live Basil Pizza, Tom’s Urban 24, Yard House, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, BOCA at the Conga Room and others; 100,000 sf special events deck, the famous Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, the celebrity owned Conga Room, the one-of-a-kind GRAMMY Museum, saluting the history of music and the genre’s best known awards show all centered around Microsoft Square, a 40,000 sf outdoor event space.

With the music venues coming on-line in October, 2007, and the hotel, residential and meeting space components opened as of April, 2010 combined with the assets, resources and infrastructure of STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center, L.A. LIVE showcases more events, award shows, sporting competitions, concerts and hospitality options than any other destination in the world.

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