Thank You Los Angeles For Your Hospitality!!!!

CCFFLA Honored the Ethnic and Independent Filmmakers from Around the World.

Los Angeles, Calif., June 28, 2006 The First Annual Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles drew to a close on Wednesday, June. 28 th with an awards ceremony in which 10 ethnic and independent filmmakers from Los Angeles and other part of the California were given honors for their films. The event took place at the old bank district Lost Souls Cafe and was followed by an Award Ceremony.

The Festival received more than 100+ submissions from ethnic and independent filmmakers worldwide, including such countries as Germany, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, UK, Singapore and U.S.

Affiliated festivals also participated by sending films to represent their cultural under the Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles. These festivals are; San Diego Asian Film Foundation, Pacific Palisades Film Festival and Sin Fin Chicano Film Festival.

During the weeklong programs, our major sponsors, CRA/LA, Gilmore Associates and J.H. Snyder Development Corporation, benefactors and community leaders from downtown along with more than 500 attendees.

Opening night ceremonies honored International filmmaker Daniele J. Suissa, multi talented writer, Director, Producer, mentor and teacher, with the “CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD”.

City council member Hon. Jan Perry, from Gilmore Associate Tom Gilmore, from Gallery Row organization Chaynne Sauter, and other industry professionals addressed the audience during the opening night ceremony and highlighted the importance of their participation in our vibrant community.

The Festival has brought great recognition to the downtown Los Angeles with this international event. Many guests from not only Los Angeles but also numerous other part of the Los Angeles County came to the area specifically to participate in and enjoy the festival. Visitors used public transportation to come to the district both during the day and evening screenings. Local businesses and restaurants benefited as filmmakers and visitors enjoyed their wide array of services. The exposure of our district increased substantially with participation of filmmakers and their guests.

Local newspapers as well as trade papers covered the event. The Film Festival Channel interviewed Board Members and participants for an upcoming feature on cable. Members of the industry and local dignitaries also attended. This activity is a continuation of our ongoing efforts in the area. We are also pleased that local organizations such as LARABA, Gallery Row, Gallery Owners, Local Artists, Business Owners and residents enjoyed the event and looking forward to second year of the festival.

The festivities ended with an awards ceremony in which 10 ethnic and independent filmmakers.