Time change for L.A. f ilm fest

Moving to the fall is a strategy that aims to get more love for the films that show in L.A.

Beginning in 2018, LAFF will be held in the fall instead of the summer.

In a move that could drastically impact the film festival landscape in the city, the L.A. Film Festival will move out of its summer slot and next take place from Sept. 20-28.

“Everyone wants the film festival taking place in the heart of the film business to be strong, and this move is one big step in that direction,” said Jennifer Cochis, director of the L.A. Film Festival, in an email.

“Repositioning the festival will allow it to be of better service to audiences, filmmakers, and the industry,” Cochis added. “The summer is an increasingly challenging time for artist-driven films, and when we looked at the calendar to see what other window we could occupy, we all felt the fall was where we belonged.”

Within the world of film festivals, the two essential factors are geographic location and position on the calendar. Fest organizers fight for high-profile premieres and the splashy red carpets that can go with them.

The move puts the LAFF in more direct competition with the local AFI Fest, which traditionally occurs in November during the runup to Hollywood’s awards season.

“There are many films that could use additional love, particularly in Los Angeles, that premiere well in advance of AFI,” said Cochis. “Additionally, L.A. Film Festival will continue to be the exhibition arm of Film Independent, playing exciting new work by underrepresented voices. I think the two festivals will continue to coexist and mutually benefit each other.”

Responding to the LAFF move, an AFI spokesperson said, “[AFI] celebrates all activities that shine a proper light on storytellers and their stories.”

In its summer position the LAFF was in a difficult place on the calendar for an inventory of films to program, and struggled to find a unique identity.

By moving after the powerhouse trio of fall fests at Venice, Telluride and Toronto, which premiere many of the season’s marquee titles, the LAFF may open up a new stream of possibilities to bring to local audiences. Among the awards season hopefuls opening in Los Angeles in the window between this year’s Toronto and AFI festivals are “Victoria and Abdul,” “The Florida Project” and “Lady Bird.”

“Frankly, I’m not hung up on who plays something first, I’m much more excited by being able to support storytellers in a way that is meaningful for their films,” said Cochis.