Los Angeles Festival of Movies 2026 Showcases Independent Film Amid Industry Decline
In 2026, the Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM) celebrates its third year, highlighting the film culture of the city. The festival kicked off with 'Maddie's Secret' (2025), directed by John Early, at Vidiots in Eagle Rock. Known for 'Search Party', Early tackles the topic of bulimia, drawing inspiration from 1950s melodramas and 1980s after-school specials. Dogma 3000, headed by Harris Mayersohn and Danny Scharer, is back after wrapping up the 2024 festival with 'Rap World'. Most events take place at 2220 Arts and Archives, while the opening party is hosted at Grand Star Jazz Club. The festival's tote bag pays tribute to Taix, the oldest French restaurant in LA (1927-2026). 'Maddie's Secret' features Conner O'Malley, Kate Berlant, and Vanessa Bayer, and the festival aligns with Coachella, also referencing AFI Fest.
Key facts
- The Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM) is in its third year in 2026.
- The festival's opening film was John Early's 'Maddie's Secret' (2025), premiering at Vidiots in Eagle Rock.
- Dogma 3000, run by Harris Mayersohn and Danny Scharer, has a major presence at LAFM for the second time.
- The festival is mostly held at 2220 Arts and Archives, with events in Chinatown.
- Thom Andersen's 2003 essay film 'Los Angeles Plays Itself' is referenced as a key work on LA's cinematic identity.
- A festival tote bag memorializes Taix, LA's oldest French restaurant (1927–2026).
- 'Maddie's Secret' addresses bulimia, drawing from 1950s melodrama and 1980s after-school specials.
- The festival coincides with Coachella, highlighting cultural contrasts in LA.
Entities
Artists
- Thom Andersen
- John Early
- Douglas Sirk
- Todd Haynes
- Mike Leigh
- Michael A. Hesslein
- Michel Legrand
- Max Lakner
- Conner O'Malley
- Danny Scharer
- Harris Mayersohn
- Kate Berlant
- Vanessa Bayer
- Noah Brockman
- Tee Park
- Dan Harmon
- The Kid Laroi
- Justin Bieber
- Chappell Roan
- Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Tom Cruise
Institutions
- Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM)
- Dogma 3000
- Vidiots
- 2220 Arts and Archives
- Grand Star Jazz Club
- AFI Fest
- Gourmaybe test kitchen
- Presbyterian hospital
- Bon Appétit
- Coachella
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Eagle Rock
- Chinatown
- Silverlake
- United States