Marina del Rey Film Festival®

This is combined reviews of series of film festivals (Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Golden State - as all of them run by same organizers).

I’d say, it is definitively those ones of of few unusual film festivals in LA area. Despite being indie, and run mostly just by two persons - Peter Greene and Jon Gursha - this festivals provides quite the scale - firstly, being a series of 4 events through year (check out in addition to mentioned three above also a Silver State Film festival in Las Vegas), and each one showing around 100 or so films (last Golden state, I believe, was around 200), which gives you very decent amount of diverse audience, to show and see how your movie affect different kind of people and make some useful contacts in-between screening.

Second great thing - Peter and John usually select and show in big established cinemas (Golden state happened at TCL Chinese theater, while during Marina and Culver my movie was shown at Cinemark 18), which adds points to publicity for yours project.

Thirdly - they have very broad selection, and give chance for showing to a different kinds and genres of movies (I was present during several days of different festivals, excluding my own showing days, and can say that probably almost any filmmaker will fit it in and any kind of viewer will find something for themselves).

And last, but not least - however it is impossible, organizers give personal attention to each and every project - I always received e-mails with dates, address, technical specs or such at proper time, all my questions or troubles was answered in a timely manner and so far it was only one festival, from which I received a phone call (most others prefers just e-mails in communication).

And they staying in price range affordable for most filmmakers.

I definitely advise to try and submit your project for one of theirs festivals.

I remember I was having a tough week/weekend and it touched me that Peter Greene, Festival Director, went out of his way to leave me a personal voicemail that my film made it into the festival! :) I appreciated how he accommodated my work and travel schedule so I wouldn't miss my film screening. Definitely encouraged me that week and beyond to hear that news! I liked the Q&A session with the audience after our screening, I liked my film being screened in a Cinemark in LA :D I also appreciated how they had a professional photographer taking care of all the film publicity/photos, making it easy to share the exciting experience
on our Social Media. Also, for a small independent film team from Seattle, WA with barely a film budget: we were so touched when Peter chose our film to be part of a big film festival in LA.

A great festival. It was a lot of fun screening my short WE HAVE YOUR WIFE, at last years festival. Peter and John know what they are doing. The communication is first class, as is the venue, really nice picture and sound quality. Was coming from NY so could only stay one day, hopefully next time will get to see more of the vents and parties... the other filmmakers I met were great. Thanks again and cheers!

Wonderful festival! Definitely recommend! The theater is fantastic and the red carpet was great. There was a photographer there prior to the screening and we were able to get access to our pictures the following day. Very helpful!

We loved this festival. John and Peter curated a fantastic lineup and scheduled very thoughtful blocks of films. The opening nights, the screenings, red carpets and the final ceremony make you feel like you finally arrived at a festival that is about the filmmaker. Very thankful for MDRFF, we need to make another short just so we can come back and apply again for next year!