Los Angeles, CA, October 19th, 2018 – The LA SKINS FEST, presented by COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL, announced today its full list of over 70 features and shorts that will be screened through the festival’s 6-day run and the first ever Hollywood Pow Wow (November 13th – 18th, 2018).
“NBCUniversal embraces the power of diverse storytelling and has great respect for the rich traditions of Native Americans,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at NBCUniversal. “Our partnership with the LA Skins Fest helps us share these unique narratives with the world.”
“As Universal continues to identify Native American talent to broaden the narrative, and introduce these voices to our creative teams, we’re so grateful for the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with LA Skins Fest,” said Janine Jones-Clark, SVP, Global Talent Development & Inclusion.
This year, the LA SKINS FEST will open with Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet, the highly anticipated sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph. The new film features the voices of indigenous actresses Irene Bedard and Auli’i Cravalho. The opening night screening is presented by The Walt Disney Company and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, taking place at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.
The entire festival line up features over seventy Native American independent productions that represent hundreds of reservations, nations and tribal organizations from North and South America. This collection of indigenous films and filmmakers makes the festival a truly incredible event. Of the movies being screened, more than 50 will see their world premieres and all of them will have their Los Angeles premiere. The film selections were made from hundreds of submissions from around the world.
“We have seen Native Cinema grow into a genuine force with a voice that is finally being heard. Native filmmakers have been pushing creative limits and will have the acknowledgement they deserve,” said Ian Skorodin, Executive Director of the LA SKINS FEST.
November 13th, 2018, Netflix presents the LA SKINS FEST opening night industry mixer. Taking place at their headquarters on Sunset Blvd, Netflix will host the event on their two story open air patio overseeing the Los Angeles cityscape. The LA SKINS FEST will celebrate Native American filmmakers, writers, actors and community leaders. This is in collaboration with the Sundance Institute’s Native American and Indigenous Film Program.
On Wednesday November 14th, we will conduct the annual Native Writers Pitch Fest. This event has Native American writers pitching creative executives, literary representation and our corporate partners. A staged reading of Native American scripts from our writers labs will follow the pitches. The event concludes with a celebration and announcement of the 4th Native American TV Writers Lab, taking place in Spring 2019, sponsored by NBCUniversal, the Walt Disney Company and Kung Fu Monkey Productions.
On Thursday November 15th 7pm, the LA Skins Fest will host a free casting and audition workshop that will feature industry professionals. Burgeoning Native American actors will get valuable information on working in film and television.
On Friday November 16th, The Walt Disney Company and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present the opening night movie Ralph Breaks The Internet.
On Saturday November 17th, film programs will highlight Native American veterans, youth from around the US and women filmmakers. The films range from Native American youth activism, learning to heal from trauma and life on the reservation. Q&A will follow each screening program.
On Saturday November 17th, the LA SKINS FEST hosts the first ever Hollywood Pow Wow. On the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theater, Native American dancers, drummers and singers will present a traditional performance and celebrate their indigenous heritage. This is free to the public.
On Saturday afternoon in the Chinese Theater VIP Lounge, presented in partnership with Paul Feig’s Powderkeg, we will host a table read of a new digital series from Break The Room, a community-centered revolutionary development process featuring indigenous writers
Saturday night, we celebrate our annual awards gala at the Hollywood Loews Hotel. Hosted by world renowned Native actors Q’orianka Kilcher and Kalani Queypo. We will honor filmmakers from across Indian country and the great achievements in Native American cinema. The celebration features an exquisite banquet, live music and guest appearances from more Native American actors.
On Sunday, November 19th, screening continue throughout the day. Programs include films focusing on HIV/AIDS affecting Native American communities presented by the Aids Healthcare Foundation.
On Sunday evening, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Visionmaker Media presents Empowering Indian Country with Public Media. This is a panel discussion featuring representatives from First Nations Experience, the Sundance Institute and Visionmaker Media. The discussion will focus on how Native American influence on Public Media broadens the audience outreach and provides positive exposure for the Native community.
2018 LA SKINS FEST closes the festival with the acclaimed drama Angelique’s Isle, starring the preeminent and iconic Tantoo Cardinal. A woman stranded on a frozen island must survive the challenges of environment and her inner demons.
Corporate support of the LA 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. The LA SKINS FEST is privileged to partner with some of the world’s most renowned consumer and entertainment brands, including Comcast NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, ABC 7, HBO, Turner, 21CF, Sony Pictures, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, A+E Network Television, Wells Fargo, Corporation of Public Broadcasting, Sony Electronics, Vision Maker Media, Kung Fu Monkey Productions, Santa Ynez Band Of Chumash Indians, CBS Corporation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), CBS Entertainment Diversity, United Talent Agency, Mike Royce, Motion Pictures Association of America, Sundance Institute, Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Bad Robot, Lionsgate, STARZ, Walter Kaitz Foundation, SAG INDIE, MGM Resorts International, Paramount Pictures, Southern California Indian Center, KCET, Final Draft, Golden Road Brewery and the Department of Cultural Affairs – Los Angeles.
About LA SKINS FEST
The prestigious LA SKINS FEST ranks among the country’s best film festivals and is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and critics. LA SKINS FEST is considered a major launching ground for the Indian Country’s most talked about films. Our long‐standing commitment is to join filmmakers and film connoisseurs together to experience great Native America cinema. The LA SKINS FEST is a 501 (c)(3) non‐profit educational program. Festival headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA.
Media Contact:
Patricia Gomes
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