How to Go to the LA Film Festival

If you are going to check out a film festival, then why not check out the Los Angeles Film Festival. After all, it's Hollywood, that's where movies are made. Held throughout the city every year in late June through early July, the biggest budgets are paired next to the smallest short films. Here are some tips on how to go to the LA Film Festival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit the LA Film Festival website (see Resources below). This is the official site for the festival. On this site, you can peruse the entries and follow along throughout the year as the selection process occurs. You can also print maps of the various theater locations, which will help you navigate the city.
2. Buy tickets to the film festival. The early bird definitely gets the worm here when it comes to the hottest movies at the festival. You can buy individual tickets if you are just interested in seeing one or two films or you can buy the "Fast Pass" which is the crème de la crème, allowing you access to everything. There are also many plans in between. Select the films you are interested in seeing and that will dictate which package is best for you.
3. Plan your travel arrangements to visit L.A. for the film festival. L.A. is a vast city. So there is no one "great place to stay" that puts you in the middle of it all. Staying in Westwood, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, on the Sunset Strip or in Santa Monica will be the most enjoyable. There are also hotels in every price point in these areas. Check out expedia and travelocity for more information on hotels. And as far as airports, LAX is one of the biggest in the nation serving both National and International carriers. There are also airports in Burbank and Long Beach, which are convenient as well.
4. Go to the LA Film Festival. Be sure to hit the opening and closing night galas as that will give your best chance to hobnob with Hollywood's hottest.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't just see movies. Be sure to check out their informative panels and discussions as well. Some of the biggest name Hollywood executives give talks that are fascinating.
• Rent a car. This isn't New York with a fantastic public transportation system. While the bus will get you there in a pinch, it's worth a little extra cash to have your own wheels. This will allow you to explore the other charms Los Angeles has to offer.