Los Angeles Film Festival is moving to downtown Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Film Festival is moving to downtown Los Angeles for its 2010 event taking place June 17 – 27. Confirming rumors that festival organizer, Film Independent, planned to move the annual event to downtown’s L.A. LIVE adjacent the Staple’s Center, the change is consistent with the group’s other annual headlining event, the Independent Spirit Awards held the weekend of the Oscars, which also moved to the venue this March. Film Independent called the change, “reflective of the festival’s continued growth and its efforts to embrace the cultural diversity and energy of Los Angeles.”

LAFF will present its screenings and events at the new Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, the REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater), the Downtown Independent, the Soundstage Theatre at the GRAMMY Museum, Orpheum Theatre, and California Plaza. The festival will maintain its tradition of nighttime screenings at the outdoor John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood and The Los Angeles Times will again serve as presenting partner, as it has since 2006.

LAFF had been centered in LA’s Westside district of Westwood Village since 2006 where it moved from its previous location around the West Hollywood area. Over 16 years, it has grown, says organizers, from one venue with 5,700 attendees to a long list of locations, attracting over 85,000.

“The festival’s move to downtown Los Angeles allows us a unique opportunity to celebrate the history and future of our city,” said LAFF Director Rebecca Yeldham in a statement. “Our new location will continue to pave the way for LAFF to realize its potential as an international destination event, and unites our filmmakers and audiences with the diverse arts community that exists downtown.”

Over 200 features, shorts, and music videos from more than 30 countries make up the main body of the festival. LAFF’s official film selections will be announced in early May.

Book Your Stay Now

Located just blocks from the main LA attractions in downtown Los Angeles, the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens offers contemporary elegance with sophisticated Asian-fusion décor. Each of our 434 guestrooms including 20 suites features deluxe bedding, a spacious floor plan, and modern amenities including WiFi and premium television channels. Picture windows offer beautiful views of the Los Angeles skyline. Guests of our Los Angeles hotel can enjoy the convenience of our free shuttle service that stops at popular Los Angeles attractions and sites within a three-mile radius of the hotel including the Staples Center, LA Convention Center and the LA Live entertainment complex.