The fourth annual festival was held March 15-18, 2007.
We screened over 100 films in two Venice theaters to sold out audiences (This is up from 70 in 2006, 40 films in 2005 and 14 in 2004.). In addition to competition features, shorts and docs, experimental films and music videos, new sections were added this year, including youth, political and women director films. Plus, there have been filmmaker Q&As, DJs and bands, a curated art show, conceptual architecture installations, the Abbot Awards and good 'ol after parties for the last four years.
Though the main festival is held in March, there are events and special screenings in and around Venice throughout the year - so check this website or sign up for our mailing list.
Want to know more about who is behind the festival?
Background
As if Los Angeles needed another film festival! We mostly agree. It's debatable, but many historians suggest the film making in Los Angeles was born in Venice, with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, The Keystone Cops and the Little Rascals all shooting in studios and locations here.
'Hollywood', as we all know it, was born later with major studios taking root in mid-town Los Angeles. Over the years, filmmaking greats like Roger Corman and James Cameron based their studios in Venice. Still today, Venice is home to many industry businesses, including production, casting, sound, special effects and post houses.
We call it The Other Venice Film Festival, well, because there already is a Venice Film Festival - in Venice, Italy. Our festival is produced by a core team, but each year it comes down to awesome volunteers and strong community support.
We created the Abbot Awards to celebrate curated and audience-choice awards for the best works of the year. In 2005, the Abbot Awards were expanded to the greater Venice community to recognize Excellence in Arts and Community Service.
Film Programming
We are a regional festival so being a local filmmaker is a bonus. That said, subject matter and treatment are hugely important. The types of films that play well to a Venice crowd are as diverse as the community itself. We want the filmmakers to connect with other filmmakers and the audience to have a good time.
We have screened films from all over the world. In fact, we have a sister film festival in Nottingham, UK, called Bang! - and they sent us a few of their best for a special series this year. (The photo on the right here is filmmaking great Werner Herzog doing an audience Q&A after screening Incident at Loch Ness in 2005.)
In addition to screenings at our founding venue, The Electric Lodge, and at a hi-def studio, Switch Studios, we have Q&As and panel discussions with filmmakers. 
(Pictured here on the left is a panel with the Lords of Dogtown filmmakers, director Catherine Hardwicke, Dogtown greats Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva, and production designer Chris Gorak.)
More Than Just Films
We also feature live music, DJs and other art forms. In 2006, we features music by DJ Martin East, jazzy quartet Johnny Nau, soul/R&B/trip hop Diacoustic, punk Soccermom, psychedelic FormOf, and an electric celloist ShaunDarius.
In our main lobby in 2005, we featured large scale mixed-media paintings by artist and actress Lori Petty. Bands such as Venice locals SugarBitch and Bay Area greats the Mermen, as well as great sets by DJ Vordo, DJ Jean-Paul, DJ Justin Michael, DJ Wiseacre and the Terpsichore Group have shaken the walls.
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