Running July 26-28 at the Let Live Theater in Hollywood, the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival offers screenings, panel discussions, and guest speakers – all focusing on the festival’s tag like to “Inspire, Embrace, Empower.”
The 3-day event begins with an opening night party, a block of international shorts, and a Q & A with filmmakers. Now in its 5th year, the festival is dedicated to establishing an inclusive and multicultural experience through independent films.
Independent film producer and educator Sonja Mereu is helming as festival director for the second year. She says a record-breaking number of submissions were received this time around, with the final selection offering “unique perspectives on the human experience” that audiences just won’t see anywhere else.
Mereu has been involved in LADFF since the festival began. “Our founder Hollis McLachlan and I bonded over our shared passions for special education instruction, feminism, and film-making, so when she decided to launch the festival, she asked me to be involved and help to realize her vision.”
When McLachlan left the LA-area, she selected Mereu to take over as festival director. “In my second year, the things that have remained the same are the venue, the Let Live Theater in WeHo, our programmer Nicholas Ybarra, and our support from the City of West Hollywood and WeHo Arts,” she says. “Throughout the life of the festival, our mission has not changed, but this year we did change our slogan from ‘Celebrating Multi-Culture’ to ‘Inspire. Embrace. Empower.’”
According to Mereu, this shift, along with a change in the logo to include a globe and clenched fist “reflect that while the event is still a celebration, it is also a global call to action. We aim to empower our film makers and audience to not only celebrate people of all kinds, but to fight for equal rights, equal representation and a safe place for all people to be themselves.”
Along with this supportive emphasis, the festival has also added an event, an opening night reception held next door to the theater at The Other Space. The gathering is designed to create community among the audience and filmmakers, and encourages networking and socializing before and after the screenings.
What Mereu most wants people to know about the festival is that LADFF screens a truly diverse set of films. “Rather than festivals that focus on a particular population, whether that’s LGBTQ, African American, Native American, our festival screens diverse and international set of films in every screening block,” she attests. “For example, in our opening night shorts block, we are screening 8 films. The films come from 6 different countries, telling stories that involve physical disability, aging, homosexuality, living with autism, child abuse, and cultural gender roles.” She adds “I also want people to know that the event is thought provoking, while also being a really fun experience.”
To truly experience the festival, Mereu recommends that attendees buy the VIP pass that offers access to every screening of the weekend. “The VIP pass includes the Opening Night Shorts block and reception, which is a great way to begin the festival experience and meet the film makers.” However, she notes “For people who only have time on the weekend, we have a number of guest hosts throughout the day on Saturday who will be moderating the Q&As. The day ends with the awards ceremony on Saturday night.”
Among the offerings, festival programming includes a child-friendly block, “Power to the Young People,” which runs at 3 p.m. Saturday, and includes two inspiring short films, followed by the documentary film Purple Dreams, about an inner-city high school production of The Color Purple.
Other highlights include Mind Over Matter, a documentary about the life of musician Brandon Mendenhall of Korn and the Mendenhall Project, who overcame cerebral palsy to become a celebrated rock ‘n roll guitarist; and the Come As You Are LGBTQ block, featuring seven LGBTQ stories told from a wide range of perspectives.
For tickets to opening night and other festival programming, visit: https://filmfreeway.com/LADFF/tickets
For more information about programming, visit www.ladff.com
LADFF is presented with the support of the City of West Hollywood’s WeHo Arts program. The Let Live Theater is located at 916 N Formosa Ave. in Hollywood.
- Genie Davis; Photos courtesy of LADFF