Los Angeles Area Film Festival provides opportunities for Independent Film Lovers.

[view:node_ad=5]The Fourth Annual Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival returns to the Los Angeles area January 8-11, 2009 with an exciting line up of independent films from local, regional, national, and international talents appropriate for audiences of all ages.  The weekend’s events take place at the intimate Repertory East Play House in Old Town Newhall, located at 24266 Main Street .

The Festival features quality films from independent filmmakers from around the globe, in addition to films by participants of the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival’s Script 2 Screen youth filmmaking programs. 

“Festival attendees can expect the same high-quality, creative filmmaking they’ve come to enjoy at the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival, with all screenings designed for viewers of all ages,” said Festival Co-Founder Ramon Hamilton.  “Our festival offers a unique setting and a variety of ticketing options, making it affordable for audiences in the Los Angeles area to enjoy original art.”

A few films in this year’s lineup not to be missed include:

•  “Catharsis: The Story of a Survivor’s Art” is a work by California State University , Northridge student and Santa Clarita resident Mason Eng.  The documentary features Irving Belfer, a Holocaust survivor whose wife and son passed in the Holocaust, providing a look at his home, which he has filled with folk art and treasured collectibles honoring individuals who lost their lives as a result of the tragic genocide.

• “His Good Will” featuring James Avery, best known for his role in “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”  This heart-warming story set in 1950 chronicles the story of a young boy struggling against poverty in a small town, and how his innocence and optimism, in the simplest of ways, touch those around him.

• “Reel Life” features filmgoer Eddie Steeples, AKA Crab Man in “My Name is Earl,” in a role where he is magically transported to the world of silent films, meets a starlet, and learns the way of life in a world without sounds.

• “Struck” is a light, fun film about Joel, played by Bodhi Elfman, who is impaled in the chest by a three-foot arrow that doesn’t harm him.  He must learn to live and embrace his newfound protrusion and new way of life, despite the unwillingness of others to accept his strange flaw.

On the final day of the Festival awards will be given to filmmakers in the following categories: Best Junior High School, Best High School, Best College, Best Film Overall, Best Elementary – Script 2 Screen, Best Script 2 Screen Overall, as well as Best Film Shot on Film, and Best COC Youth Film.

Tickets for the Film Festival are now available and are priced at $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.  Weekend/ VIP passes are also available for $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

The SCV Film Festival is sponsored, in-part, by Fujifilm, Gorilla Software, SCV Bank, LA 411, Final Draft, the City of Santa Clarita, and the Repertory East Playhouse.  The Script 2 Screen program is sponsored in part by Facey Medical Group and Sam’s Club.

For more information about the fourth annual Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival, visit SCVFilmFestival.com.

The Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival is dedicated to providing opportunities for interactions that enrich the Los Angeles and Santa Clarita communities both artistically and culturally through independent film.  Directors of the SCV Film Festival Ramon Hamilton and Jennifer Fischer also support the Santa Clarita Film Center and Script 2 Screen after-school and in-school filmmaking programs to help nurture young minds and imaginations.