News
TFT PARTNERS WITH L.A. FILM FEST TO BRING AWARENESS TO SOCIAL IMPACT FILMMAKING
Two Unique Panels will include festival filmmakers, the Burkle Global Impact Initiative and the United Nations
This new initiative of social impact filmmaking in collaboration with this year’s Film Festival continues to move forward Schwartz’s vision to re-imagine entertainment and performing arts education as an interdisciplinary enterprise grounded in humanistic storytelling, innovation, social responsibility and global diversity.
“Story can be an extraordinary force for good; for transformation; for positive social change. Story has the infinite power to connect us across time and space, and frame the human narrative by transcending borders, cultures, boundaries and barriers,” stated Dean Schwartz. “We are honored to partner this year with LAFF and Film Independent in support of this very important topic around social impact filmmaking.”
On Saturday, June 15, Schwartz will host a conversation on Border Crossings: Migrant Storytellers with “Purgatorio” director Rodrigo Reyes, “I Was Born in Mexico, But...” director Corey Ohama and “Workers” director Pepe Valle. The discussion will focus on the imaginary lines that have divided us for centuries. These filmmakers will explore the meaning of the national vs. global, legal vs. illegal, alien vs. native, and the power of film to tell the human stories of those who have the courage to cross boundary lines to find a better life. Prior to the panel at Regal Cinemas, L.A. LIVE, Regal 12, “Purgatorio” will screen for audiences beginning at 1:30 p.m. The panel will begin at 2:50 p.m.
On Monday, June 17, Schwartz will host a by-invitation-only conversation and panel on Social Impact Storytelling, which includes filmmakers whose works are in the festival; Brian Gott, Program Director for the Burkle Global Impact Initiative; Jeffrey A. Brez, Chief Advocacy and Special Events Director for the United Nations; Danielle Zapotoczny, Creative Community Outreach Initiative Director for the United Nations, as well as UCLA/TFT graduate filmmakers. The panel will focus on the unique collaboration between the Burkle Institute and the United Nations to support filmmakers who bring awareness to global, humanitarian and advocacy issues through their work.
“We’re so happy to partner with Dean Schwartz and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, who have a deep commitment to social impact storytelling,” said Josh Welsh, Co-President, Film Independent. “To be able to work with the Dean, as well as the Burkle Global Impact Initiative and the United Nations at the Los Angeles Film Festival is just fantastic.”
The Los Angeles Film Festival is scheduled for June 13-23 with the majority of screenings held at L.A. Live.
About the Los Angeles Film Festival
The Los Angeles Film Festival, taking place June 13-23, 2013, is widely recognized as a world- class cinematic event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals and emerging new talent by bringing them together in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world. The Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, several Outdoor Screenings, intimate Coffee Talks and more. Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos. The Los Angeles Film Festival is produced by Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting and supporting independent films and filmmakers. In addition to the Festival, Film Independent also produces the acclaimed Spirit Awards, honoring vanguard films that embody innovation and originality.