If you are a movie buff, you have probably attended film festivals before. Since Hollywood is home to so many moviemakers, here are a few notable film festivals that you will not want to miss when visiting Los Angeles.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) usually takes place in April each year. It has been an international beacon for the African diaspora film and arts communities since 1992. As the critically acclaimed biggest Black film and arts festival and Black History Month activation in the United States, PAFF attracts filmmakers, artists, and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and 6 continents to Los Angeles, California, annually, to showcase their pivotal work and talent. Thus, PAFF has become the quintessential global celebration of Pan African cultures. 

PAFF co-founders actor Danny Glover, actress, singer and composer the late Ja’Net DuBois, and PAFF Executive Director Ayuko Babu

PAFF hosts some of the most vibrant red carpets filled with Hollywood A-listers and the who’s who in the art world. It presents inspiring and informative panels and workshops –– featuring top industry professionals — and showcases rare cinematic gems followed by filmmaker Q & As. PAFF is more than entertainment, it is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films. https://www.paff.org/

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival takes place in May in annual basis. Visual Communications established the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 1983 to promote Asian and Asian Pacific American cinema. The Festival has grown from a weekend-long series into a major annual showcase presenting the best of Asian Pacific American and Asian international media. The Festival has screened in various venues across Los Angeles and Southern California area, which include the Directors Guild of America, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Japanese American National Museum,  Regal L.A. LIVE: A Barco Innovation Center, and more. https://vcmedia.org/festival

Founded in 2008, Hola Mexico Film Festival is the the largest Mexican Film Festival outside of Mexico. The festival usually takes place in October, and strives to highlight the best and brightest talents in Mexican cinematography. Spanning comedies, dramas, horror films and documentaries, the festival showcases high quality films in a festive atmosphere in conjunction with exclusive parties and outdoor concerts. Celebrating its 14th edition, Hola Mexico Film Festival will take place both during October 2022, offering film enthusiasts a chance to view a variety of significant Mexican films. Sponsors include: Toyota, Hollywood Foreign Press, Warner Media, DCA, and LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes. https://www.holamexicoff.com/

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is presented each year in April/May. (IFFLA) brings to Los Angeles audiences the most innovative independent films coming out of India and the Indian diaspora, in a vibrant program comprising features and shorts, including narrative, documentary and animated works.

Panelists at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles; photo by Javeed Shaik Photography

In addition to film screenings, the festival offers stimulating discussions between filmmakers and audiences, as well as panel conversations and industry sessions. IFFLA also hosts original special programs, such as retrospectives, spotlights and masterclasses, and lively networking and social events, all aimed at fostering a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and culture and promoting the diverse perspectives of the Indian and larger South Asian diaspora.

IFFLA was founded in 2002 as a non-profit organization with the aim to offer the Los Angeles community a unique opportunity to learn about India’s multifaceted culture and long history of filmmaking. Since then, IFFLA has grown into the premiere US venue for discovering the best of Indian cinema, as well as a vital hub which fosters an important dialogue among the most original independent storytellers from India and its diaspora, the greater South Asian diasporic community and the international film industry at large. https://www.indianfilmfestival.org/