(Feb. 12, 2007) FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES SEVENTH-ANNUAL DIRECTOR SERIES
Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent, announced today the seventh-annual Director Series will be held February 21–April 4, 2007 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, giving attendees access to some of the most innovative names in independent filmmaking. Filmmaker and actress Kasi Lemmons will serve as moderator for the first time.

“The Director Series provides attendees with access to some of the most ground-breaking talent in the business, furthering Film Independent’s mission to connect emerging filmmakers with established filmmakers,” said Hudson.

The Director Series kicks off on February 21 with The Independent Spirit: A Director’s Round Table, a conversation with nominees for the 2007 Spirit Awards. Panelists include Aric Avelino (American Gun); Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson); Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine); Karen Moncrieff (The Dead Girl); and Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth). Film Independent’s 2007 Director Series is sponsored by the Pacific Design Center, Avid, and Skywalker Sound.

“The Director Series furthers Film Independent’s mission to support independent film and filmmakers by connecting emerging talent with established talent, providing attendees with access to some of the most ground-breaking names in the business,” said Hudson.

Past panelists have included Allison Anders, Don Cheadle, Bill Condon, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Marc Forster, Paul Haggis, Nicole Holofcener, Miranda July, Alexander Payne, Elizabeth Peña, Walter Salles, and Kevin Smith.
For the first time this year, the Director Series will include commercial and music video directors, bringing together top directors including Paul Hunter and Jake Nava. Additional panelists, topics, and event updates will be announced throughout the month on our website, FilmIndependent.org

All panels will take place in the Blue Conference Room at the Pacific Design Center (8687 Melrose Avenue) – on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – between February 21-April 4, 2007. Each panel will be followed by a reception. There will be no session on Wednesday, March 28.

To purchase a pass for the 2007 Director Series or individual tickets, please phone Film Independent’s reservation line at 310.432.1222 or send an email to Reservations@FilmIndependent.org. An “early bird” deal is being offered on Series passes and individual tickets purchased before February 14.

For more information about this year’s Director Series, please visit FilmIndependent.org.


ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally-diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo. For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.
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