The age of global interconnectedness is shaping the ways films are made, distributed and exhibited in the US and abroad, while the dividing lines between foreign films, independent productions and Hollywood studio films are beginning to blur. For the first time in the history of American cinema, Hollywood studios have set up international offices to facilitate local productions filmed in the local language. Similarly, foreign films may be facing a newly kindled interest in the US. While still marginal players in the US distribution and exhibition domains, foreign films have a growing effect on both studio and independent domestic filmmaking, shown by an increasing number of international co-productions and Hollywood studio remakes.

This panel will address questions on the future potential of foreign films in the broader international market, including issues such as international representation and the use of alternative distribution and marketing resources.

Presenting Sponsor, ELMA (European Languages and Movies in America) is a Santa Monica based nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing European movies. ELMA's mission is to create new avenues for better cultural understanding between the people of Europe and the USA by celebrating alternative cinema.

The panelists will include ICM agent Peter Trinh and Lionsgate VP Theatrical Distribution David Spitz, marketing maven Scott Edwards (AV Squad), filmmaker and author Heidi Van Lier ("Chi Girl," The Indie Film Rule Book), moderated by Variety editor Peter Caranicas.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.lagff.org

PDF Document