Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's LACLA Student Film Festival! We celebrated the creativity of our young filmmakers with a showcase of exceptional films, including award-winners "Grief," "A Fading Canvas," "Hair of its Own," and "Beyond the Surface." Check out the event photos and relive the inspiring moments. As we look forward to next year, we invite all aspiring filmmakers to get ready for the next festival by preparing your submissions for this fall. Stay connected for updates and opportunities to showcase your work!

THE LINE-UP

Fairy Ring

Director/Writer/Animator: Lidia Hernandez

Synopsis: In this mystical tale, a young huntsman is whisked away into an enchanting fairy realm, only to discover that beneath their alluring smiles lies a hidden layer of intrigue and danger.

I Remember

Director: Izzy Malia Sanborn

Synopsis: A teenager's mixed emotions after losing her boyfriend and her subsequent reconciliation with her responsibilities and family. 

Grief

Director/Writer: Kevin Salinas

Synopsis: A touching story about a boy who finds peace after his mother's death through a heartfelt letter she left behind.

Cat Calls

Directed by: Kate McDonough, Harper Anderson

Synopsis: "Cat Calls" invites viewers into a whimsical chase of cat-and-mouse, where a little cat's charm is put to the test in a quest for companionship.

Whispers & Shouts

Director: Charlene de la Cruz

Synopsis: A candid look at the evolution of friendship, "Whispers & Shouts" portrays two high school students as they navigate the bittersweet crossroads of growth.

Room

Director of Photography/Editor: Lauren Smith, Director: Jack Downing

Music Video

Synopsis: "Room" translates musical storytelling into a visual odyssey, exploring the nuanced emotions captured in Bloodshot's lyrical ballad about space, relationships, and self-reflection.

Life's Tides

Director: Julianna Joy Huffman, Ella Jean Clapper, Logan Issaid Carrera, Micah Alan Orr Courvoisier, Courtney Linh Do

Synopsis: Likening life's emotional highs and lows to oceanic tides, this film offers a poetic look at personal growth during low points. 

Trapped

Director: Abby Zidonis

Synopsis: A boy with social anxiety attends his first party, exploring the challenges of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Power

Director: Marion Martinez

Synopsis: Futuristic and suspenseful, "Power" follows two robots on a high-stakes quest for survival, where the hunt for energy becomes a race against the unknown.

Us And Them

Director/Cinematographer: James Conlee -Yorba Linda, CA

Synopsis: A war-time drama that challenges the concept of enemy lines, showing compassion amidst conflict.

I Don't Know You Like I Used To

Director: Alyse Helm

Music Video

Synopsis: A bench bears witness to time's passage, reuniting a couple whose shared history is clouded by the divergence of their memories and realities.

Hair of its Own

Director/Writer/Animator: Lazayah Lannigan

Synopsis: A journey of self-love and acceptance through the eyes of someone learning to embrace their unique traits. 

These Thoughts

Director/Animator: Maryjune Concepcion

Synopsis: An animated exploration of the intense pressures faced by students aiming for academic excellence and its mental health impacts.

Last Sun

Director:  Alyssa Tito – Van Nuys, CA

Synopsis: Amidst the twilight of teenage rebellion, a solitary young vampire yearns for the warmth of the sun.

Wired

Director: Dean Gofnung 

Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, this film examines a young boy's struggle with screen addiction in a desolate environment.

Beyond the Surface

Director: Kyan Whiten

Synopsis: A deep dive into personal battles, showcasing that everyone's struggle is more than skin deep.

Brightside

Director: Anabelle Corneau

Synopsis: This compelling PSA confronts the shadow of school shootings, urging awareness and action.

For All That Was Lost

Director/Writer: Nolan Crane, Will Hemphill – Newport Beach

Synopsis: Tracing the poignant journey of two brothers and their spouses torn apart by war, this narrative weaves a poignant tapestry of love's resilience and the healing bonds of human connection. 

A Fading Canvas

Director: Angela Huang

Synopsis: A young artist loses her passion for painting after her grandmother’s death, exploring themes of loss and recovery.

MEET THE JUDGES

Vera Amaya

Filmmaker

Vera Amaya's films are a canvas where landscapes become muses and storytelling is a collaborative play. With her latest film "First Born" in post-production, Vera has already wowed audiences at festivals worldwide, earning nominations and awards for her compelling storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.

Our judges are not just evaluators of talent; they are mentors, guides, and the torchbearers of the narrative arts. We are honored to have such distinguished personalities join us in celebrating the next wave of filmmakers at the LACLA Student Film Festival.

SUBMIT

Submissions Are Now Closed

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all the talented filmmakers who submitted their work to this year's LACLA Student Film Festival. The submission period is now officially closed.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our festival lineup.

For those who have submitted, we commend your passion and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Whether your film has been selected or not, we encourage you to keep honing your skills and pursuing your artistic journey.

• Legal Notes: By participating, you affirm your authority to submit the film and guarantee that all necessary rights and clearances have been obtained. LACLA holds no responsibility for any claims or liabilities related to the films submitted. We reserve the right to use excerpts and stills from accepted films for promotional activities. Films may be rejected if the appropriate digital file is not provided by the deadline.

For any queries or clarifications, reach out to us at info@lacla.org.

FAQ for LACLA's Annual Student Film Festival

Q: When and where is the festival taking place?

A: The festival is on April 21,2024, at the Richard A. Grant Theater, Cathedral High School, Los Angeles. Doors open at 2:00pm.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?

A: Tickets are free, but please RSVP by visiting www.lacla.org or via our Eventbrite page.

Q: What type of films will be shown?

A: You’ll experience a variety of genres including Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Narrative, and PSA, all created by LA’s brightest young middle and high school filmmakers.

Q: Is the event suitable for all ages?

A: Yes, the festival is a family-friendly event. However, we advise parents to review the films’ summaries as some themes may be more suited for older children.

Q: Can I submit my film for the festival?

A: Submissions for this year are closed. The submission window for next year’s festival will open later this year. Check our website for guidelines and updates.

Q: How are the films judged?

A: Films are judged by a panel of industry professionals and educators based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and originality.

Q: Will there be any awards?

A: Yes, awards will be given for Best Film, Best Documentary, Most Creative, and more. Winners will be announced at the end of the festival. There is a prize of $500 per category winner.

Q: Can I volunteer at the festival?

A: Absolutely! We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Please visit www.lacla.org or email us at info@lacla.org to sign up or learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at info@lacla.org

Our Mission:

At the heart of LACLA lies an unwavering dedication to the promotion and cultivation of cultural expression through cinema. Established in 1997 by a passionate collective of Latinx cultural advocates, LACLA emerged in response to the scarcity of local and national platforms celebrating Latinx and Latin American films. Beginning its journey with screenings of iconic Latin American movies in the historic downtown L.A. theater district; LACLA has since flourished, creating immersive experiences for both youth and adults, connecting them to the rich tapestry of Chicanx, Latinx, and Latin American cinema.