Director: Leslie Buchbinder
PG-13 USA
Best Score - Tomeka Reid
Best Song - "We Head Out" by Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet
The first 3-D Film Screening in our festival's history!
This documentary about the life and work of artist and marine H.C. “Cliff” Westermann (voice-acted by four-time Academy-Award nominee Ed Harris), was conceived and directed by Leslie Buchbinder, and features interviews with Ed Ruscha, Frank Gehry, and many others.
As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War who struggled with the ramifications of modern warfare, Westermann’s dramatic personal history can be traced through his beguiling, surreal artworks.
The film is executive produced by the international art icon KAWS, and award-winning documentary producer Caryn Capotosto, whose prior projects include "Won’t You Be My Neighbor," "Best of Enemies," and more. Westermann features music by legendary artists Laurie Anderson, the Kronos Quartet, and Terry Allen, with an original score by MacArthur Genius Grant winner Tomeka Reid.
3-D FESTIVAL PREMIERE
12:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Ella Sahlman
PG-13 USA
AFTERNOON SHORTS 14-A
Great Canyon is a live action / animated hybrid which chronicles a queer first date through the lens of the anxieties and insecurities that exude from the main character.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
2:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: M. Goriachkovsky & Corey Cao Nguyen
PG-13 USA
AFTERNOON SHORTS 14-A
On Thanksgiving night, Mary comes home from college and confides to her Vietnamese, Catholic family about her secret dream: to become a pornstar!
Chaos, screams, and biscuits fly all over a beautifully adorned dinner table - Thanksgiving is ruined…or is it? Through her mother’s rage, dad’s confusion, and brother’s mockery, can Mary get her family to accept her new profession of choice? Or is this just her last supper as their perfect daughter?
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
2:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Our festival Award Ceremony hosts and noted film historians David Del Valle and R. Miles Hunter take to the cinema stage to welcome our filmmakers and guests to the festival!
David & Miles provide a few tales of creating and working in Hollywood for a combined 90 years, before overseeing an open question and answer forum for general questions regarding the festival in this LIVE Q&A Event.
Answers to how to best navigate the festival, how to find out when films are screening, which films have the buzz this year, tales about the history and members of the Independent Filmmakers Showcase and our IFS Film Society, gossip and stories from our festival's rich history, and to give their learned insight into the past, present, and future of independent cinema.
WORLD PREMIERE EVENT
2:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Philip Ford
PG USA
Commemorating the new "Republic Pictures Horror Collection" boutique Blu Ray release by Kino-Lorber, the festival proudly presents a screening of the newly released 4k restoration by Paramount Pictures of this 1946 Republic Pictures poverty row horror-murder-mystery that features voodoo, murder, and a unique (some might say misleading) take on the word "zombies".
Written by Dorrell McGowan and Stuart E. McGowan, starring Robert Livingston, Adrian Booth, Ian Keith, Thomas E. Jackson, Charles Trowbridge and Earle Hodgins.
Followed by a Q&A with film historians David Del Valle R. Miles Hunter who provided the special features commentary track for this film and others in the new Kino Republic Horror Collection Box Set.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
3:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Our IFS/L.A. Film Festival Award Ceremony Hosts for the last ten years are noted film historians David Del Valle & R. Miles Hunter - who might be better known for their historical and entertaining Commentary Tracks found on boutique BluRay releases of classic films.
To commemorate the newly released "Republic Pictures Horror Collection" Box Set from Kino-Lorber, which features new commentary tracks by David Del Valle & R. Miles Hunter for multiple films in the set including Valley Of The Zombies and The Catman of Paris, our two hosts stop by before the Award Ceremony to discuss Poverty Row Horror Films in general and to answer any questions about those films.
WORLD PREMIERE EVENT
4:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Jessica Ryan
R Canada
A girl sends a sexually explicit DM to her celebrity crush in "I Swear to God I'm Not Crazy"
This hilarious, uniquely-on-point comedic commentary is also a no-budget short film made with a one-person cast and crew. Created by Jessica Ryan, as a part of her 4-year-long tiktok series "Uncut Jessica"-- where she tries to avoid deportation by scheming her way into the film industry.
Screens with Jessica Ryan's feature "Landlord".
WORLD PREMIERE
4:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Jessica Ryan
PG-13 Canada
Best Experimental Film
In the face of eviction, a young runaway barricades herself into her new apartment.
A war ensues between the runaway and the omnipotent Landlord. This film is a no-budget feature film with a one-person cast and crew, created by Jessica Ryan, as a part of her 4-year-long tiktok series "Uncut Jessica".
Screens with the short film "I Swear to God I'm Not Crazy".
WORLD PREMIERE
4:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Aristides Mantilla
PG Mexico
SHORT FILM BLOCK 14-B
This dramatic film is follows Joaquin, a lonely homeless kid who finds a lifelong friend in a little puppy, only to find out the dog is lost and has an owner. After Joaquin's older brother refuses to keep the puppy, Joaquin must find the owner and bring the puppy back home, and in doing so he finally finds true friendship.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
6:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Joell Jackson & Richard Louprasong
PG-13 USA
SHORT FILM BLOCK 14-B
A film about a Brooklyn boy dating L.A. girls, and the cultural clash between the two.
This films recipe is two cups of “Insecure”, a cup of “Sex and the City” and a large dash of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Enjoy the comedic journey that the main character known as "Surreal" takes you through, as he searches for love, lust, and everything in between, ...only to truly notice the taboo relationship between New York and Los Angeles.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
6:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Jenelle Smith
PG-13 USA
SHORT FILM BLOCK 14-B
Filmed in one shot, this story follows a woman who struggles to play a game of cards with a friend, after they become interrupted by her partner.
Friendship and its relation to the responsibilities we have for those around us, gets dissected in observing the relationship between Maddie and her friend Saddie, as they are tested with a distressing situation that occurs with Maddie's boyfriend.
Domestic violence and its consequences get looked at through the lens of surrealism, dissociation and vulnerability, in this short film that has taken the festival circuit by storm.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
6:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: John McKey
PG USA
SCI-FI SHORTS 14-C
Tracing a journey through the memories of an Astronaut who is stranded after crash-landing on a barren desert planet.
In his most desperate moment, the Astronaut finds solace and motivation in memories of a safer, happier time in the presence of the woman he loves. The memories are not entirely harmonious, though, as they reveal a truth he must accept in order to move on. These memories form his imperfect OASIS.
The film explores themes of connection, isolation, and perseverance in a meditative science fiction narrative.
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
6:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Richard J. Dubin
PG-13 USA
Best Episodic Project
SCI-FI SHORTS 14-C
A narrative film where an otherworldly manifestation releases a consciousness-altering mist that sends humanity spiraling into a surreal journey of self-discovery and revolution.
Set in a near future, this story follows Luka, a man in his early 30s who, despite having all societal markers of success, feels profoundly out of place. When the Pulse event occurs, he finds a sense of belonging amid the chaos. As traditional power structures crumble, Luka becomes the unlikely leader of a movement poised to redefine human consciousness.
"Pulse" is a poignant exploration of transformation, challenging viewers to question reality and embrace the potential for new worlds.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
6:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Dameon Victorian
PG-13 USA
SCI-FI SHORTS 14-C
Issac P. Clark is determined to expose the company he works for, THE FOUNDATION. In spite of that fact, Issac's plan is immediately turned upside down once his Supervisor catches wind of his treachery.
WORLD PREMIERE
6:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Reggie Johnson II
R USA
SCI-FI SHORTS 14-C
Ordinary people become unwitting participants in a voyeur's game in this science fiction thriller in the vein of Strange Days and Blade Runner.
WORLD PREMIERE
6:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
The Friday All-Ages Social is the second of our six ticketed Film Festival Party Events, and the only ALL AGES party reception event this year.
Hang out with fellow festival attendees in a casual setting where you can meet your favorite festival filmmakers at our all-ages reception event. The Friday Social takes place from 6:45pm to 8:15pm on Friday, June 14th at an L.A. Live Venue - to be announced.
Purchase a Festival Party Ticket Package to be able to check out all of our festival parties and events.
Party & Event Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY
All Party & Reception Event Online Tickets must be redeemed at IFS/Hospitality Box Office (located in lobby of Regal Stadium Cinemas/L.A. Live) to exchange for Festival Party Entry Passes.
Festival Party & Reception Events
Friday All-Ages Social
All Ages
6:45pm - 8:15pm
June 14th LA LIVE Venue - To Be Announced
Director: Brandon Bernath
PG USA
PREMIERE SHORTS 14-D
Beverly Holloway, an aged Brentwood heiress and Danny Dynamite, her young Japanese rockabilly boyfriend, break up... again. But this time, it's serious.
Beverly decides to throw a pool party and invite all of her friends.
Will Beverly and Danny get back together, or is it finally over?
Starring Daigo Yamashita, "Pool Party" was created in collaboration between renowned fashion brand, L'AGENCE, and THE CHOOSE LOVE organization.
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
7:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Justin Cooper Hankinson
PG USA
PREMIERE SHORTS 14-D
Xiomara, a young woman from Guatemala, is hired to be the caregiver of an elderly widow named Judith. As they begin their working relationship, Xiomara must contend with Judith's moody disposition while also trying to curtail her hoarding. After a serious accusation and her hopes of earning enough money to return to school are put in jeopardy, she wonders if the job is even worth it - or if this woman is worth helping.
WORLD PREMIERE
7:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Chris Mitri
PG-13 USA
PREMIERE SHORTS 14-D
Mourning the death of his wife, Adam seeks the comfort of those closest to him in order to help get him through this unimaginable situation.
In the vein of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, "til Death" explores the relationships between lovers and friends when faced with the challenging decisions after a loved one passes.
WORLD PREMIERE
7:30pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
Director: Ryan Moore
PG-13 USA
Best Thriller Feature
This Feature-Length Thriller is about a filmmaker who is struggling with her mental health, and after reaching a breaking point, decides to kidnap a famous social media influencer in an attempt to coerce them into playing the lead in her latest project.
What ensues is a psychological cat-and-mouse game that culminates in a surprising and horrifying climax. This film seamlessly shifts from darkly comedic to intensely disturbing, while exploring the loneliness and desperation of an artist on the verge of a total breakdown who refuses to be ignored.
IFS FESTIVAL PREMIERE
8:20pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14
The Friday Night Gala Reception is the third of our six ticketed Film Festival Party Events.
Hang out with fellow festival attendees in a casual setting where you can meet your favorite festival filmmakers and movie stars at this 21 & up event. Our Friday Night Reception takes place from 8:45pm to 10:00pm on Friday, June 14th at an L.A. Live Venue - to be announced.
Purchase a Festival Party Ticket Package - to be able to check out all of our festival parties and events.
Party & Event Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY
All Party & Reception Event Tickets must be redeemed at the IFS/Hospitality Box Office (located in lobby of Regal Stadium Cinemas/L.A. Live) to exchange for Festival Party Entry Passes.
Festival Party & Reception Events
Friday Night Reception
21 & Up
8:45pm - 10:00pm
June 14th LA LIVE Venue - To Be Announced
Director: Jan Miller Corran
R USA
Best LGBTQ Feature
Samantha Porter is a world renowned jazz pianist, who at the age of 40 something is diagnosed with progressive hearing loss which will soon end in total deafness. How can she go on when hearing the music and composing is her life, and soon she won't hear it?
Super fan Abigail McCarthy comes to the Empire Club to listen to Samantha and her trio. As the music unfolds, the thoughts of a relationship begin to take hold. Soon, a love affair brings much needed joy into Samantha's life. How can she go on? Abigail just may be the answer.
IFS ALUMNI
WORLD PREMIERE
10:00pm
June 14th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14