In this month's issue you will find:

Film actors, directors, and writers alike flock to Los Angeles for the chance to make it big. But not all filmmaking is fueled by an appetite for fame and fortune. Nonfiction and documentary films can be used as educational tools for audiences, to spread awareness about an issue or promulgate the need for action. Similarly, independent films are a form of free speech, giving a voice to the oppressed and engaging the public in discourse about social, political and cultural conflicts. Over eight thousand miles away in Qatar, the film industry is not as ubiquitous. At the Girls Creativity Center in Qatar, Fatima Alsharshani coordinates art programs for youth and women. After participating in a filmmaking workshop jointly conducted between her Center and the U.S. Embassy, her passion for empowering young women through art and cinema was ignited. Her dedication to the girls and eagerness to learn earned her a spot on the IVLP Program "Documentary and Short Film Production". The LA portion of the program was arranged by Mable Kong, our Director of International Programs.

 

In August, five storytellers like Fatima came to Los Angeles to explore institutions that provide training and professional development for filmmakers, and to observe how film festivals bring the filmmaking community together while supporting the development and distribution of independent films. Their first meeting took place at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, where they met with Rand Soares, Stage and Studio Manager. This appointment laid the foundation for their time in Los Angeles, as they got a crash course in the more hands-on aspect of filmmaking, such as stage-setting and studio management.

 

Filmmaking used to be reserved for high-budget studios and star-studded casts. In this digital age, the art of filmmaking has reached far beyond the big screen. The delegation visited  YouTube Space LA, a place where established and emerging YouTube creators can thrive. At this talent hub, creators can learn from industry experts, collaborate with others, and have access to the latest production and post-production digital video equipment, all available at no charge. Spaces which provide and share resources are essential in the filmmaking community, especially for those who would not have the means to access the equipment themselves.

 

Breaking into the film industry is a daunting task in itself, decidedly so for those from Qatar. Filmmaking requires a slew of crew members, a myriad of equipment, and perhaps most difficultly obtained, funding. Luckily, non-profit organizations like Film Independent provide services to independent filmmakers. There, they have cameras and casting rooms to rent, a resource library, sample budget and business plans and every conceivable film periodical. Evan Ward-Henninger, Associate Director of Membership, explained how Film Independent produces the LA Film Festival each year. In doing so, they strive to increase diversity in the film industry while also building the audience for independent film. The group's next meeting was with the International Documentary Association (IDA), which works to promote nonfiction film and video, support the efforts of documentary filmmakers around the world and increase public appreciation for the documentary form. Simon Kilmurry, Executive Director, spoke about the various services IDA offers, such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and screenings for members and the general public.

 

A documentary and short film production program would not be complete without an excursion to the famed Universal Studios in Hollywood. On a studio tour, the visitors were taken behind-the-scenes of famous TV and film sets, and enjoyed themselves on thrill rides. Finally, the visitors had a synthesis session with Rachel Gandin Mark, Program Director, American Film Showcase, and Director of International Programs at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, who helped them summarize lessons learned and discuss possible applications in their future professional work.

Kristin McCowan  is the newly appointed Director of International Relations and Chief of Protocol for the City of Los Angeles. A native of Santa Monica, Kristin is returning to L.A. from Washington D.C. after working in several positions in the Obama Administration. Most recently she was a presidential appointee serving as Director of Presidential Transition and Senior Advisor to the Director of the Office of Administration in the Executive Office of the President. Before joining the White House, she was a presidential appointee at the Department of Homeland Security. Kristin held various campaign and fundraising positions prior to her appointments with the Obama Administration. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Northridge and her Master of Public Administration from the USC. Kristin lives in Santa Monica with her husband Albert Decall and her one year old son Justin. In her role as Director of International Relations and Chief of Protocol, Kristin will serve on the IVCLA Board of Directors. We are pleased to welcome her back to the Los Angeles area..

Join us for an evening of delicious cuisine, music, and dancing as we bid farewell to our Ukrainian visitors before they return home!

Spend a fun evening getting to know our honored guests who are invited to the United States through the Open World Leadership Center. These distinguished leaders in environmental sustainability will explore energy efficiency while in Los Angeles.

 

Come celebrate with us as we share dinner, dancing, and drinks. We will toast our Ukrainian friends and bid adieu as their program in Los Angeles comes to a close.

 

Please note that space is limited, and 

prior registration is required to attend.

Register Now!