11th Annual LA SKINS FEST – CALL FOR FILM ENTRIES

Presented by COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL

LA Skins Fest Announces 2017 Call For Film Entries For 6-Day Festival in Hollywood, CA

Los Angeles, CA May 9th, 2017 –(www.laskinsfest.com)—The LA Skins Fest, presented by COMCAST NBCUniversal, announced today that they are now officially accepting film entries for their 11th Annual film festival taking place November 14th-19th, 2017 in Hollywood.

“There are still too few positive images of Native Americans in mainstream Hollywood films. The LA Skins Fest continues to work with the industry to enhance our profile and create a constructive connection,” cited festival board member Shirley Cheechoo.  “Our goal is to create a conduit for Native talent and provide real opportunities.”

Once again, this year’s festival will offer a week long series of events throughout Hollywood. The film festival will premier exciting new Indigenous films at the TCL Chines Theater in Hollywood, present the 5th Native American Sketch Comedy Showcase, provide the 7th Writers Pitch Workshop and host Native American filmmakers from throughout North and South America.

“We are excited to continue our success, prestige and opportunity for Native American filmmakers. Every year, we grow our endeavors so the Native American community can become a larger part of the overall entertainment industry,” said, Ian Skorodin, LA Skins Fest founder and director. “Our annual film festival not only provides an incredible venue for our filmmakers but offers access to creative executives and casting personnel.”

The Festival is an initiative of the Native American non-profit the Barcid Foundation and aims to showcase the rising talent in Native American filmmaking. This year the LA Skins Fest is expanding the screening series to accommodate the growing talent in Indian Country.

“2016 was a great year for Native cinema and we were excited to provide new distribution opportunities for our filmmakers. Through our Comcast partnership, we provided exhibition on a nationwide digital platform.” stated LA Skins Fest Coordinator, Patricia Gomes. “Native filmmaking continues to progress with every festival. We look forward to seeing what Indian Country has done this year.”

In 2017, the LA Skins Fest is adding a new on-line component to this year’s festivities. Native American filmmakers will have an opportunity to showcase their work on a nationwide platform and have their films offered to millions of viewers.

“Great festival! It exceeded my expectations…had many events that offered opportunities to network and meet other film makers. I attended the writers workshop and met with several executives from several notable networks and studios…you actually get to network with pretty important people in the industry which is a rare opportunity,” said Nicole Garcia (2016 LA Skins Fest Filmmaker).”They even screened our film at the legendary TCL Chinese Theater! The festival is setup to provide ample opportunities to gain new contacts and have a great experience.”

Corporate support of the Los Angeles Skins Fest plays an essential role in the life of the festival and emphasizes the festival’s commitment to quality, exploration, and excellence in the art of cinema, TV and new media. The Los Angeles Skins Fest is privileged to partner with some of the world’s most renowned brands; including Comcast NBCUniversal, HBO, National Endowment for the Arts, CBS Entertainment Diversity, CBS Corp, Streampix, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, ABC-7, Writers Guild of America-West, KCETLink, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Lionsgate, A+E Network Television, ABC/DISNEY Television Group, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Ramona Band of Cahuilla, Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, SAG/AFTRA, Department of Cultural Affairs – Los Angeles, and Kohls Department Store.

Applications are available at www.laskinsfest.com. Entries must be postmarked by September 22nd, 2017. Late deadline October 6th, 2017.

The 11th Annual LA Skins Fest provides information in its entirety at www.laskinsfest.com. Film stills and Festival images are available upon request. Email contact@laskinsfest.com for more information.

About The LA SKINS FEST

The prestigious Los Angeles Skins Fest ranks among the country’s best film festivals and is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and critics. The LA Skins Fest is considered a major launching ground for Indian Country’s most talked about films. Founded in 2007, the Los Angeles Skins Fest, now presenting screenings in the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, is a multi-day and multicultural event celebrating the art of film, TV and new media. The Los Angeles Skins Fest’s long?standing commitment is to join filmmakers and film connoisseurs together to experience great cinema. The exciting schedule consists of dozens of filmmakers presenting their newest works, special artist development programs, tributes to community leaders, special events, and remarkable films. Festival headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA.

Media Contact:

Patricia Gomes, Festival Coordinator

323 466 7400

contact@laskinsfest.com