L.A. Film Fest 2011

Ahhh! Summer is in the air, and we here at XLA couldn't be more excited! With the change of season comes a slew of festivals to look forward to, as was previewed in a recent issue of our ExperienceLA newsletter.

One of those festivals, opening on June 16th, is the world-class Los Angeles Film Festival presented by the L.A. Times. 2011 marks the 17th year of the festival, which will showcase over 200 features, shorts and music videos representing more than 30 countries. The L.A. Film Fest will return once again to Downtown, with most events taking place at L.A. Live

Staff Picks: Upcoming events we're excited about!

Memorial Day and Father's Day (this year, it's June 19th!) are both coming up and that means summer is just around the corner! Here are a few events that have us buzzing about here at ExperienceLA (in a somewhat chronological order):

Calling all film lovers: L.A. Film Festival

It's that time of year again when film enthusiasts of all types get to experience new, and up and coming films and talent from around the world, including the US. We're talking about the L.A. Film Festival. Now in its 16th year, the line-up offers something for everyone. (Pictured: Focus Features' "The Kids Are Alright")

LA Film Fest: Dirty Hands, The Art & Crimes of David Choe

Last Saturday, I stopped by the Majestic Crest Theatre in Westwood to see the documentary "Dirty Hands, The Art & Crimes of David Choe". When the film first began, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I had briefly read the synopsis about some do-whatever-he-wants bad boy artist and his rough soulful journey toward his own salvation... Was this going to be an attempt at trying to unnecessarily draw out profound meaning or shock value from some artsy fartsy situation, or was this going to strike a chord with the audience?

As an artist, I have a tendency to be highly critical when it comes to other artists and the messages that they communicate. I could be apologetic, but in actuality, I'm trained to be this way... to dig beyond the flash of "artsyness" and trends and what I'm told is great to find something that's more raw and authentic, as ugly as it can be.

I'll admit that the documentary was a little too long, and sometimes disorienting in its swirls of colors, commentary, and just plain crazy antics on the artist's part (at one point, David's being interviewed while submerged in water up to his neck out in Africa in search of dinosaurs). But after some thought, I realized that what I initially mistook as the usual mix of arrogance and nonchalance was actually his natural air as an artist... because artists tend to be counter cultural in nature, bordering on defiant and even absurdity in hitting and satiating their creative needs. And by the end of the movie, when I finally oriented myself amid the swirls and snippets of interviews and artworks to fully realize the difficulties and poignant depths of his trials, I realized that while David might really be crazy, he's just more willing than most to go with his impulses and experiment, regardless of the outcome. Seeing as how that's one of my biggest weaknesses as an artist, he's definitely garnered my respect.

The LA Film Fest's well underway, with just a few days left before it makes its glorious exit with a closing gala screening of "Hellboy II". Be sure to check out Family Day on Sunday that's full of free activities, a petting zoo, and more, along with other awesome screenings!

-Sarah Koo, ExperienceLA Marketing Assistant