Film Festivals have always been my thing. I love how films are presented in screening venues which can include international or domestic releases. In addition, I love the glamour and the chance to get to chat with filmmakers and the stars of the films.
I’ve been to several festivals in Southern California such as the Newport Beach Film Fest, Bel-Air Film Fest and Temecula Film Fest. Every Film Festival has its own theme or focus. This year I decided to volunteer in social media to help promote the third La Costa Film Festival in Carlsbad.
La Costa Film Festival at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
The first meeting I attended was sometime in July. I was impressed by the attendance and the diverse background of people who attended. The organization’s staff was very friendly, not to mention the founders – Ruby and Michael Callihan.
Michael and Ruby Callihan, Founders of La Costa Film Festival
Anna Haerle, Marketing & Development Director, La Costa Film Festival
So I have never been to La Costa Film Festival in Carlsbad and I’m so stoked and honored to be part of it. The third La Costa Film Festival will premiere on September 10 and ends on September 13. The festival is annually scheduled to open on the first Thursday after Labor Day. The red carpet ‘Sip and Savor Gala’ includes some of the area’s finest restaurants, boutique wineries, local craft brewers and live entertainment. Attendees also get to mingle with the festival participants. The premiere will be hosted by the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa which was recognized as a Top Southern California Resort in the 2013 Conde Nast Traveler “Readers’ Choice Awards.” Immediately following the gala will be the Opening Night feature film, All In Time, a dramedy about life, love, passion, and a few twists you might not expect along the way which stars Lynn Cohen (Magda in the HBO series Sex and the City); Sean Modica (Keane); Laura Shay, and Pritesh Shah (Compromise). The feature film will be presented under the stars on the 30×17 foot screen on Center Court at the Resort. Many of the lead stars from the film and the director will be on hand for a Q & A afterward. The rest of the screenings and events will be held at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa and the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad Dove Library.
Q and A Panel Discussion
Ed Harris at 2014 La Costa Film Festival
Over 45 films were selected both domestically and internationally that include the best in narrative features, documentaries and shorts. The Festival has a special focus on sports films, and offers a juried competition with a celebrity panel of judges to select the winners.
Andy Garcia at 2013 La Costa Film Festival
I asked Michael Callihan, La Costa Film Festival co-founder what attendees can expect this year? He replied, “They say if you try to please everyone, you won’t please anyone. We don’t buy that theory, because we believe that everyone will find a good reason to have a great time at the Festival. We’re especially excited about ‘The Reel Pitch’ competition, which gives new people with creative ideas the opportunity to have them heard, and even to come true.” But what is Callihan’s favorite part of the event? “Opening Night is always magical, with lots of things going on, but I like that it’s all concentrated in one spot. Honors Night on Saturday is really special too, hearing the winners’ remarks, and the celebrities we recognize giving insight into their passion”. He continued, “Probably my favorite part is seeing attendees walk out of any event with smiles on their faces, and saying, ‘that was wonderful!'”
What makes the LCFF even more special aside from delivering a new cultural experience to North San Diego County is the camaraderie of the volunteers. Anna Haerle, the festival’s Marketing & Development Director said, “I love the connectivity and energy that our Festival volunteers bring as well as the friendships that are made. There’s wonderful camaraderie! We have such a diverse and talented volunteer pool with many returning for a third year.”
I can’t wait to be part of the La Costa Film Festival. It’s going to be amazing.
Follow La Costa Film Festival on Social Media:
- Official Hashtag – #LaCostaFilmFestival
- FB – https://www.facebook.com/
LaCostaFilmFestival - Twitter @LaCostaFilmFest
- YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/
LaCostaFilmFest
Speak Your Mind