The Los Angeles Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary June 11-19 at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, with a diverse slate of nearly 200 features, shorts and music videos from 40 countries.

The Festival's signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film Nights at the GRAMMY Museum, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, and Poolside Chats.

A special section - LA Muse - launches this year, focusing on Los Angeles as a source of inspiration for filmmakers and artists worldwide. From Chinatown to Echo Park, LA has been a muse for artists to find their voice, tell their story and perfect their craft. The 20th Anniversary of the festival is dedicated to the City of Angels; a cinematic reflection of our city-muse through a program of films, performances, and panels.

The Festival also screens short films created by high school students and includes a unique section devoted to music videos. At the conclusion of each Festival, select films receive Jury Awards in the following categories: Best Narrative Feature; Best Documentary Feature; Outstanding Performance in the Narrative Competition; Best Narrative Short Film; Best Documentary Short Film; and Best Animated/Experimental Short Film. Additionally, Audience Awards are given for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature, Best Music Video, and Best Short Film.

The Los Angeles Film Festival, or LA Film Fest, is produced by Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting and supporting independent films and filmmakers that embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. In addition to the Festival, Film Independent's marquee events include the popular Film Independent at LACMA series, and the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, Film Independent Forum and Directors Close-Up. less