The LA SKINS FEST wrapped it’s 12th year with over 70 film screenings over the weekend. Several filmmakers attended and shared their filmmaking experience with the Los Angeles audience. Dozens of Native American filmmakers attended the screenings and participated in a Q&A following each screening program. The LA SKINS FEST screened films that showcased features, documentaries and shorts, representing hundreds of Native American tribes.
This year, the LA SKINS FEST opened with Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet, the highly anticipated sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph. The new film featured the voices of indigenous actresses Irene Bedard and Auli’i Cravalho. The opening night screening was presented by The Walt Disney Company and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and took place at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. We hosted Native youth Colorado, Utah, Washington, Northern and Southern California.
The weekend screenings continued at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Our Saturday, November 17th film programs highlighted Native Women Directors, Native Veterans, Short Documentaries, and short film narratives. The day continued with the annual Native American Media Awards, hosted by the world renowned Q’orianka Kilcher and Kalani Queypo.
Since 2013, the LA SKINS FEST has honored it’s talented, innovative and outstanding artists who have shown a unique and strong voice in the entertainment industry and provided leadership in our community. Special thanks to Comcast NBCUniversal and Paramount Network for supporting this year’s ceremony.
On Sunday, November 18th, the Aids Healthcare Foundation offered a special look at epidemics affecting Native American communities. We screened films that explored HIV/AIDS on the reservations and the Native American LGBTQ experience in the city. Our screening programs continued throughout the day with Native American short films and documentaries.
We closed the film festival with the film Angelique’s Isle that featured Native actress Julia Jones and Tantoo Cardinal. A lively Q&A followed the screening with film directors Michelle Derosier, Marie-Hélène Cousineau . We wrapped the festival with an industry mixer for our filmmakers, sponsors, and community members.
Thanks to the filmmakers, staff and crew for making this year’s festival a great success.