Whether you love to laugh or love to make them laugh, the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival is planning a night of comedy you won’t want to miss. This June, along with all the inspiring films, provocative conversations and live music and dance events, we’re adding a comedy talent search to the Festival festivities. “We know there are funny people out there who might not have access, so with the help of Funny Or Die, we’re trying to connect the dots. This is a chance to be seen and heard. So make us laugh,” says Stephanie Allain, Los Angeles Film Festival Director.

Make ‘em LAFF is a talent search designed to discover content creators of color and underrepresented voices who specialize in comedy. The Los Angeles Film Festival and Funny Or Die invite artists and comedians to submit short videos (less than five minutes) that showcase your diverse, unique and authentic comedic voices. Short films, webisodes, animation, stop motion and music videos are welcome.

The top 25 top videos will be announced and streamed on the Funny Or Die website on May 15. From those 25 short-listed films, Funny Or Die and Los Angeles Film Festival guest curator Elvis Mitchell will select 10 finalists to screen their films in conjunction with a live comedy show at the GRAMMY Museum during the 20^th Anniversary of the LA Film Fest. The winner of the Make ‘em LAFF competition will be chosen by a jury comprised of Funny or Die founder Chris Henchy, Issa Rae (Awkward Black Girl) and comedians Hannibal Buress and Kumail Nanjiani. The winner will have their next video produced by Funny Or Die and receive a talent hold deal with a cash prize presented by FOX Audience Strategy. Under the deal, the winner will be presented across the Fox entertainment businesses. Under the deal, the winner will be presented across the Fox entertainment businesses. Visit the Make ’em LAFF page on the Funny Or Die website for full competition details. The deadline for submissions is May 9, 2014.

The Los Angeles Film Festival runs June 11-19 at Regal Cinemas at L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 in downtown Los Angeles. Passes go on sale to the public on Tuesday, April 22. Check back on Tuesday, May 6 for the final line-up announcement.

Pamela Miller / Website & Grants Manager