Erica's Picks: LA Film Festival

If you haven't been to the LA Film Festival since it's moved to LA LIVE, you should really add it to your events calendar this summer. Not only does the Film Independent offer filmmakers 10-days of quality programming, they've also made it accessible to the everyday movie lover and entertainment enthusiast.

Opening Night on June 13th debuts the raucous comedy I'm So Excited. Be prepared for subtitles and a lot of laughs, as the latest film from Pedro Almodavar takes place aboard an airplane where a psychic, a hitman, a dominatrix, a crooked businessman and a soap star are destined for disaster. Link to movie trailer: http://filmguide.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2013/xslguide/trailer.php?EventNumber=5446&notepg=1)

Check out the "Conversation" event featuring Director David O. Russell (The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook) followed by a screening of Russell's astonishing movie Three Kings. This accomplished Director will discuss his career and offer personal insight into his craft. Tickets and info HERE.

Or maybe you want to be thrilled with intense action in the Gala screening of Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and written and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. This movie is definitely not suited for children or the faint-hearted. Tickets and info at http://filmguide.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2013/xslguide/eventnote?EventNumber=5533&

Pony up some big bucks (or buddy up to your celebrity connection) and get tickets to LA Film Fest's Closing Night film The Way, Way Back. Heralded as critic's choice at this year's Sundance Film Festival, this funny and poignant coming of age story of a 14-yr old boy features a star-studded cast including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Annasophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry, Amanda Peet, and Liam James. Now that's an after-party worth going to!

The LA Film Festival runs June 13th through the 23rd. Details at lafilmfest.com