Sean Baker, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, Chloé Zhao And More To Participate In 17th Annual Film Independent Directors Close-Up

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the LA Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA, announced speakers for the 17th annual Film Independent Directors Close-Up series, taking place on Wednesday nights from February 7 – March 7, 2018 at The Landmark Theatre in West Los Angeles. The Film Independent Directors Close-Up offers filmmakers and film lovers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the best independent directors and their collaborators, as they discuss specific aspects of their craft in depth.

Discussing their work across five separate panels will be directors Sean Baker (The Florida Project), Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Battle of the Sexes), Ava DuVernay (A Wrinkle in Time), Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Angela Robinson (Professor Marston and the Wonder Women), Josh & Benny Safdie (Good Time), Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) and Chloé Zhao (The Rider). Additional participants to be announced.

Over the course of five consecutive weeks, filmmakers and film lovers hear firsthand from acclaimed directors whose originality, ingenuity and talent set them apart as leaders in their craft. Each night will delve into specific aspects of filmmaking—creating the visual world of a film, casting and eliciting compelling performances from actors, and telling stories based on real people or events are among the topics that will be covered.

"Our 2018 Directors Close-Up line up truly represents Film Independent's mission," said María Raquel Bozzi, Film Independent's Senior Director of Education and International Initiatives. "Year-round we support and celebrate the distinct voices that speak to the wide array of contemporary human experiences. These acclaimed filmmakers are telling important stories encompassing a multitude of perspectives that reflect the richness of the world we live in today."

Past panelists include Ben Affleck, Rachel Bloom, Bill Condon, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, Julie Delpy, Lena Dunham, David Fincher, William Friedkin, Dan Gilroy, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicole Holofcener, Barry Jenkins, Spike Jonze, Kasi Lemmons, Richard Linklater, Tom McCarthy, Mike Mills, Jeff Nichols, Alexander Payne, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Issa Rae, Jason Reitman, Julian Schnabel, Justin Simien, Jill Soloway, Denis Villeneuve, Mike White, Benh Zeitlin and many more.

The 2018 Film Independent Directors Close-Up is sponsored by Premier Sponsors DECENT, Directors Guild of America, Landmark Theatres, and SAGindie.

All panels will take place at The Landmark (10850 West Pico Boulevard at Westwood Boulevard) on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm and will be followed by hosted networking receptions. Passes are on sale now to Film Independent Members and non-Members. Purchase by Friday, January 19 to save. For more information on the schedule and to buy passes, click here or call 310.432.1213.

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ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film Independent at LACMA, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.  

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's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

Contact: Alia Quart Khan, Film Independent
Tel: 310.432.1287 or [email protected]

Ryan Collins, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or [email protected]

SOURCE Film Independent

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