ANIMATION & DOC PROGRAM 17-A

ATLANTIS ROCKS is an animated adult comedy satire, where a sanitation worker named Fleming decides to confront the dump that is his life and sanitize the shit out of it. Fleming’s journey is equal parts chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious.

This pilot blends absurd humor with surprising depth, capturing the spirit of shows like SpongeBob SquarePants but for adults, the banter of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with a dash of character arcs similar to My Name is Earl.

Featuring voice talent from Phil LaMarr, Tara Strong, Vico Ortiz, Olan Rogers and Coty Galloway.

WORLD PREMIERE

Noon

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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ANIMATION & DOC PROGRAM 17-A

VanTongerloo was a Hippopotamus. He had a dream.

You have to see it to believe it.

IFS PREMIERE

Noon

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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ANIMATION & DOC PROGRAM 17-A

After discovering a fortune, a man embarks on a hallucinatory quest for truth, as a plea for humanity and reverence for nature resounds. Inspired by true events.

Tony follows the life of a gritty, modern-day cowboy whose discovery of gold profoundly transforms him. A western at heart, this film is rendered entirely through thousands of handanimated frames using chalk and paint.

The story draws from the experiences of director Ben Marlowe’s father, a criminal defense attorney, and one of his most unconventional clients. Visually mesmerizing and thematically resonant, Tony explores a path less taken - when the laws of nature triumph over the lure of fortune.

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

Noon

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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ANIMATION & DOC PROGRAM 17-A

The Happy Foot/Sad Foot sign is an Los Angeles legend. Sure, it's not the Hollywood sign, but it has its own cult following.

Designed to be an advertisement for a local foot clinic, the two-faced rotating sign was beloved by Angelenos and became known as a local "fortune teller". It started to get international recognition when it made its way into best-selling novels and songs from award-winning rock bands.

When gentrification threatens the sign, a community of artists and activists come together to try and save it.

WORLD PREMIERE

Noon

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA PROGRAM 17-B

After questioning his place in the world, Tim's interaction with a stranger one evening at a bus stop furthers his questioning. Later that night, Tim discovers he has ended up with something that doesn’t belong to him, something that could provide him a possible escape. A split-second decision throws his night, and further life, into a momentary release from the reality he has been living in.

WORLD PREMIERE

1:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA PROGRAM 17-B

After receiving traumatic news about her brother, a recovering addict is thrust into crisis. As she wages an internal battle against her past habits, her friends try to prevent her from going back to her old life. A story of separation and connection, and how far people will go to protect the ones they love.

WORLD PREMIERE

1:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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AWARD SHORTS PROGRAM 17-C

Emily returns home after her mother’s death, only to face her estranged twin sister and her sister’s new boyfriend, who manipulates her into questioning her reality.

WORLD PREMIERE

2:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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AWARD SHORTS PROGRAM 17-C

Triptych is a sonic and cinematic rock album told in three visual parts. Composed in the wake of personal betrayal, it traces a woman’s mythic arc through confrontation, reclamation, and release.

Pistols at Dawn is the duel—an act of courage, restraint, and symbolic victory. Strut erupts in triumph and radical self-love—a fearless embrace of authenticity and power.

Hallelujah is the return to self—a moment of acceptance, reflection, and the quiet strength of still having love, even for what tried to break you. Driven by lyrics, choreography, and bold visual language, the film merges sound and storytelling into a new kind of sensory experience.

Triptych doesn’t ask to be watched or heard. It asks to be felt.

WEST COAST PREMIERE

2:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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AWARD SHORTS PROGRAM 17-C

Surrender to the Sound is about Angel City FC’s unrivaled women’s soccer supporter groups, dubbed ‘La Fortaleza,’ as they devotedly take on their second season. In particular, this film focuses on one main character, Lesly Vanessa, as she navigates her personal struggles through her second family, AC Pandemonium, one of Angel City FC’s official supporter groups.

Other supporting characters, such as Ruby Badio and Kris Resari, emphasize the passion and hard work of a women’s soccer supporter. Through this primarily verite film, the supporters stay loyal through loss, and not only redefine what it means to be a women’s soccer fan, but to represent Los Angeles.

IFS PREMIERE

2:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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AWARD SHORTS PROGRAM 17-C

At an old motel where the guests check in with secrets and check out in silence, two restless maids turn their monotonous job into a twisted game of deduction.

Cleaning rooms isn’t just about scrubbing sheets—it’s about piecing together the lives (and lies) of those who stayed the night. But when they stumble upon “blood splatter” and their dismissive boss refuses to call the cops, they take matters into their own gloved hands.

Armed with windex, wit, and an unhealthy amount of curiosity, the duo sets out to uncover the killer. As they dig deeper, their amateur sleuthing turns deadly, forcing them to outsmart a murderer who already knows they’re on to him. In this darkly comedic drama, every unmade bed and abandoned suitcase tells a story—some messes, though, can’t be cleaned up so easily.

WORLD PREMIERE

2:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA AWARD SHORTS 17-D

Amber, a deeply introspective and emotionally complex person navigates feelings of disconnection, regret ...and longing for change.

WORLD PREMIERE

3:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA AWARD SHORTS 17-D

This quiet, emotionally resonant film is about the kind of rejection that doesn’t scream, but lingers.

Just a few hours before a birthday celebration, Jay is still reeling after coming out to his girlfriend. As he tries to hold himself together, subtle remarks about bisexuality from those around him cut deeper than anyone seems to notice. Jay’s experience is shaped not only by his queerness, but also by the weight of his Korean American upbringing—where vulnerability is often left unspoken.

With restrained performances, naturalistic dialogue, and intimate direction, Before the Party explores queer invisibility, cultural silence, and the quiet ache of being misunderstood. It’s a story for anyone who has ever questioned whether their truth might be too much for the people they love.

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

3:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA AWARD SHORTS 17-D

A young girl and mother travel a long way to their new home, only to discover the neighborhood is a bit rougher than they expected.

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

3:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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DRAMA AWARD SHORTS 17-D

After Steve, a queer Korean American teenager, discovers his deceased grandfather was queer but kept it secret, he discovers his grandfather's activist past and his mission to protect Steve from the hatred he faced. In deciding to keep this a secret, it tore their family apart.

Now, armed with this newfound understanding, Steve must reconcile his family's fractured relationships and embrace his own identity to bring them back together.

WORLD PREMIERE

3:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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COMEDY AWARD PROGRAM 17-E

A night spent with the worst neighbors in the world. Written and produced by Andy Danish.

IFS PREMIERE

4:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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COMEDY AWARD PROGRAM 17-E

Cynthia, A school teacher from a small town, meets her movie-star idol Buck Perry, who’s in town shooting his latest blockbuster. They meet on the film set, and have instant chemistry. Back at Buck's hotel suite, things escalate predictably - each revealing more and more, until Buck finally reveals his biggest secret.

"The Face" is a throwback to romantic comedies of the Doris Day era. But its message about celebrity worship is evergreen. Are movie stars really “just like us”?.

WORLD PREMIERE

4:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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COMEDY AWARD PROGRAM 17-E

In this warm lit Brazilian dinner table, only the best dishes are served...Beans, rice, steak, orange soda, anger, resentment, sarcasm, dispute.. and much more!

Have a seat and enjoy dinner with them!

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

4:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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COMEDY AWARD PROGRAM 17-E

“It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story” is a mini biopic following the whimsical life and career of iconic '80s accordion-playing “comedienne” Judy Tenuta.

Judy Tenuta became nationally known in 1987 for her first HBO comedy special “Women of the Night”, starring alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Rita Rudner, and Paula Poundstone. She’s a two time Grammy nominee, winner of “Best Female Stand-Up Comic” at the American Comedy Awards in ’88, toured with legendary comedian George Carlin, and made dozens of notable MTV appearances.

Written and directed by Taylor Blackwell. Starring Taylor Blackwell and Alan Tudyk. This film a love letter to the self-proclaimed “love goddess”, and was made in close collaboration with her estate, family, and friends. Judy’s real costumes and accordion were used in the film.

WORLD PREMIERE

4:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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COMEDY AWARD PROGRAM 17-E

In his pursuit of the best birthday ever, comedian Nick Thune realizes he’s always wanted to lose somebody. Not death but to be followed by someone so he can get away. In a stroke of genius, Nick hires a private investigator to follow himself around… only to find out that losing him isn’t as easy as he thought it would be.

WORLD PREMIERE

4:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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SPECIAL EVENT - Red Carpet Press Photo Event #1 4:30pm-5:30pm

Get your press & personal photos taken on the IFS / L.A. Film Festival Red Carpet before the Award Ceremony and show off those swanky threads!

Due to massive Red Carpet Photo Event crowds in the age of selfies & social media: the festival has created three separate Red Carpet Press & Photo Events - to make sure everyone gets the photos they need.

This event, the Red Carpet Photo Event #1 is for Award Ceremony Attendees Only.

Award Ceremony Ticket is required for entry to Red Carpet Press & Photo Event #1.

Red Carpet Photo Event #1 takes place from 4:30pm-5:30pm - prior to the Award Ceremony.

Award Ceremony attendees can get press and staff photos while dressed up in their Award Ceremony threads, and then disperse to the Award Ceremony, just in time to line-up for entry.

Those not attending the Award Ceremony, may attend the second Red Carpet Photo Event (#2) which takes place after the Award Ceremony is underway.

Red Carpet Press & Photo Event #1 - AWARD CEREMONY ATTENDEES ONLY

Award Ceremony Ticket Required for Entry to Red Carpet Event #1

Red Carpet Press & Photo Event #1: Schedule

4:15pm: Line-Up Begins for Red Carpet Photo Event #1 - Ceremony Attendees Only.

4:30pm: Red Carpet Photo Event #1 Begins: w/ Getty, Wire, & Fest Staff Photographers.

5:30pm: Red Carpet Photo Event #1 Ends. Red Carpet Closed.

5:35pm: Award Ceremony attendees to be directed towards the Award Ceremony entry line.

5:40pm: Award Ceremony Line-Up Begins at LA LIVE

Red Carpet Photo Event #1 located at L.A. LIVE Venue - To Be Announced

Award Ceremony located at LA LIVE: Venue - To Be Announced

4:30pm - 5:30pm

May 17th L.A. LIVE Venue: To Be Announced

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HORROR AWARD SHORTS 17-F

Funny Bunny is a surreal horror film about a babysitter’s night that spirals into a waking nightmare. The child she’s watching begins losing teeth at an alarming rate, and an eerie stuffed toy named Funny Bunny seems to be at the center of it all.

As the night unfolds, the line between reality and delusion blurs, and the babysitter finds herself trapped in something far more sinister than she ever imagined. The film blends psychological tension, physical horror, and fever dream visuals to create an unsettling experience. With sharp practical effects and a creeping sense of dread, Funny Bunny is both bizarre and terrifying—a modern bedtime story gone horribly wrong.

WEST COAST PREMIERE

5:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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HORROR AWARD SHORTS 17-F

Loosely inspired by the chilling urban legend “Humans Can Lick Too…”, this psychological horror follows Justin, a man caught between longing and fear. Reeling from a painful breakup, he escapes to the suburbs to house-sit for Carla, an old family friend, and care for her loyal golden retriever, Lucky. But as the nights wear on, an unsettling presence lingers—watching, waiting.

And Justin begins to question whether he’s ever truly alone.

WORLD PREMIERE

5:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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HORROR AWARD SHORTS 17-F

Two outcasts who work at a small town's video store must solve the mysteries of the town's dark past when one of them goes missing. Will Hannah find her way to Julie or will she, too, become just another flickering image on the screen?

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

5:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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HORROR AWARD SHORTS 17-F

Narrated by Paul Giamatti, “The Specter of Christmas” reimagines ’Twas the Night Before Christmas as a creepy holiday comedy, where seasonal cheer collides with the vintage chills of classic pulp horror.

WORLD PREMIERE

5:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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HORROR AWARD SHORTS 17-F

Anne Leighton, best known for her role as Rachel Wood on the NBC series Grimm, teams up with director Patia Prouty (Arrow, Banshee Origins) in the riveting short film Swipe. Written and produced by Colin Francis Costello (Storage, The Stream), Swipe is a fast-paced thriller that delves into the terrifying consequences of digital harassment.

The story centers on Megan (Leighton), who opts to spend her Friday night at home, exploring the dating app - "Date or Hate." Her quiet evening takes a dark turn when a potential match, a persistent and menacing stalker with a mohawk, played by Christopher Wolfe (Brooklyn Nine- Nine), refuses to take no for an answer.

WORLD PREMIERE

5:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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SPECIAL EVENT - IFS / L.A. Film Festival Award Ceremony.
The 34th Annual IFS AWARD CEREMONY is where the IFS Film Society membership honors the best independent cinema of the year.

This Award Ceremony celebrates truly independent filmmaking, with awards democratically chosen by votes from the 140+ members of the IFS Film Society, tonight being presented to this season's Award Winners.

Surprise celebrity guests are also are known to stop by and greet tomorrow's legends at what has become the largest, most talked about event of the festival every year. This Is The Event Not To Be Missed. Come join us for the fun! Get tickets early, as this event sells out quickly each year. To make sure you get a seat at this popular event, check out our tickets sales online!

Award Ceremony Tickets are only available for sale online at ifsfilm.com.
Purchased tickets must be redeemed at L.A. Film Fest Box Office at L.A. LIVE for event entry.

AWARD CEREMONY: Event Schedule

4:15pm - Red Carpet line up for Award Ceremony Ticket Holders BEGINS.

4:30pm - Red Carpet Photo Event #1 for Ceremony Ticket Holders BEGINS.

5:30pm - Red Carpet Photo Event #1 for Ceremony Ticket Holders ENDS.

5:45pm - Award Ceremony Line Up BEGINS.

6:05pm - Doors Open & Ceremony Seating BEGINS.

6:10pm - No Late Entry after 6:10pm.

6:10pm - Award Ceremony BEGINS.

Award Ceremony located at L.A. LIVE

5:45pm - 7:40pm

May 17th L.A. LIVE Venue: To Be Announced

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SPECIAL EVENT - Red Carpet Press Photo Event #2 from 5:45pm-6:30pm. For filmmakers not attending the Award Ceremony.

The IFS / L.A. Film Fest Red Carpet re-opens after Award Ceremony starts, to allow time for press photography for all of our festival filmmakers who are NOT attending the ceremony.

The festival has created two separate Red Carpet Press & Photo Events to make sure everyone gets the press and staff photos they need.

Red Carpet Photo Event #2 is for those with films not attending the Award Ceremony.

Red Carpet Photo Event #1 ends at 5:30pm, just prior to the Award Ceremony, and the Red Carpet will be closed for 10 minutes as our Award attendees are ushered to the ceremony.

This Red Carpet Photo Event #2 begins after Award Ceremony is underway.

Red Carpet Press & Photo Event #2: Schedule

5:30pm: Red Carpet Event #1 for Award Ceremony ENDS.

5:45pm: Line-Up Begins for Red Carpet Photo Event #2.

5:55pm: Red Carpet Photo Event #2 begins w/ Getty & Staff Photographers.

6:30pm: Red Carpet Photo Event #2 Ends.

Red Carpet Photo Event #2 located at L.A. LIVE.

5:55pm - 6:30pm

May 17th L.A. LIVE Venue: To Be Announced

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EPISODIC & COMEDY 17-G

Josie and Janie are inseparable best friends just trying to stay afloat —until Janie gambles their rent payment on a shady ad for their cleaning business. What starts as a scrappy attempt to make ends meet spirals into a high-stakes day full of chaotic clients, moral gray areas, and an offer they probably should refuse.

As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the two must confront what they’re really willing to risk. Set against the sprawling contradictions of modern-day Los Angeles, "Clean Queens" is a dark comedy full of grit, heart, and just enough bleach to cover the blood.

IFS PREMIERE

6:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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EPISODIC & COMEDY 17-G

When Dylan, a kind hearted, albeit naive young man, gets his first PR job at what appears to be a reputable company, he’s ecstatic. However, after he arrives at a nearly empty office space and meets his two unhinged “coworkers”, he can’t help but feel like something's off. Which, unfortunately for him… is true.

Without yet realizing it, Dylan has just entangled himself in a mob run shell company. His “coworkers”, Liam and Mark, are actually violent enforcers, and he was hired for the sole purpose of acting as the clueless fall guy when things inevitably go off the rails.

WORLD PREMIERE

6:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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This film is a raging romp through the final desperate hours of an indie film set.

With time, budget, and crew morale dwindling, a problematic lesbian director duo attempt to complete their film by any means necessary. The film features magnetic performances by its directors Boni Mata and Kayla Dawn Marcus - alongside an ensemble cast of fresh comic talent. Don’t miss this electric bite-sized feature.

WEST COAST PREMIERE

7:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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Bradley Weiner is one of the most powerful senators in Washington. The only problem? His oblivious step-daughter, Mary Sue, refuses to stay out of the news with her partying, hookups, and drugs.

As the bad press risks the Senator’s chances at re-election, he determines that his only choice is to have Mary Sue murdered. It’s perfect! Killing two birds with one stone – eliminating her from his career, and creating true sympathy for his tragic loss.

However, after Mary Sue unintentionally dodges the killer and (through a bizarre course of events) in fact kills him herself, a monster is unleashed inside of her that clearly stems from someplace deep and scary. It’s going to take a lot more assassins and a lot more effort to put away this firecracker.

WORLD PREMIERE

7:45pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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Infatuation becomes obsession in the age of social media when suddenly outcast nerd Ira Scholsberg finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. When he becomes entangled in the ruthless social world of the popular jocks his dream of fitting in becomes a nightmare as he navigates tricky bisexual love triangles and drug abuse in 'MEAN BOYS.'

WORLD PREMIERE

8:30pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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KILL CITY: Dead on the Money is inspired by cult classics like Pulp Fiction, Sin City, Reservoir Dogs, and Jackie Brown. The film is raw, razor-sharp storytelling. It bleeds stylized violence, crackles with whip-smart dialogue, and introduces you to unforgettable characters you’ll love, hate, or fear—sometimes all at once. Welcome to KILL CITY!

WORLD PREMIERE

9:45pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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In a barren, desolate land where abortion is outlawed, Mowanza struggles with her unwanted pregnancy. When she hears of a distant land with a lenient abortion policy, Mowanza, armed with only a half-empty water bottle and a battered car, embarks on a journey across the desert towards the lush land of Iropus in the hit festival film "Under The Burning Sun".

IFS PREMIERE

10:00pm

May 17th Regal Cinemas / L.A. LIVE 14

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PARTY EVENT - Award-Night After-Party

Join us for the biggest and most exciting party event of the year: the Award-Night After-Party.

Socialize with filmmakers and industry professionals - at our most special party event.

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 at: ifsfilm.com

All Party & Reception Event Tickets must be redeemed at the festival Box Office (located in the lobby of Regal Stadium Cinemas / L.A. Live) to be exchanged for Festival Party Entry Passes.

Sat Night After-Party venue located at (or near) L.A. LIVE.

Award-Night After-Party Schedule

Saturday, May 17th | 9:00pm - 12:15am

Line up for entry begins at 8:50pm

9:00pm - 12:15am

May 17th L.A. LIVE Venue: To Be Announced

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