A touch of Hollywood is coming to GG

By Sandra Abdelmalak/Garden Grove Journal

With over 70 film selections, including animations, drama, documentaries, comedy, and horror, the sixth Indie Fest USA International Film Festival will be featuring short films from all over the world this Aug 17-19 in Garden Grove.

Revolving around an outdoor stage in the lot between The Globe Gastro Pub and Yaba Java on historic Main Street, the festival will include musical performances, guest appearances, short film premieres, seminars, workshops, and food.

“Indie Fest USA International Film Festival is a very unique and highly anticipated festival on the annual circuit of independent film festivals,” said Festival Director Don Taylor, the CEO of the company. “It’s a unique and special movie experience usually unavailable except at boutique movie theaters.”

To be featured in this year’s festival, independent filmmakers from all over the world submitted their short films to the company in hopes of receiving a slot in the official selections, which are currently available on the Indie Fest USA website. Some of the selected short films include, “Goose Family,” “Vanishing Blue,” and “The Lucky One.”

Prices for the festival range from $10, which includes one film screening and a drink of choice, to $95 for a VIP pass, which includes dinner for two and admission to all film screenings and events. Tickets and passes are available online at the festival website, www.indiefestusa.com, and on site at the festival information booth. The venues for all drinks, meals, and screenings are The Globe, The Colony of Performing Arts, Azteca Mexican Restaurant, and 7 Seas.

“I believe general admission is very affordable for families and groups as well as individuals,” said Taylor. “We are anticipating a very large number of people attending this year’s festival and as always all events, films and daily concerts are open to the general public and are family friendly.”

As for those looking to save money, the festival will also have free concerts and daily seminars and discussion panels that are open to the public. Nashville star Danny Darst, and the rising teen sensation, Serena Knights, will be performing Saturday evening and the rock cover band, Second Thoughts, will be performing Sunday evening.

On Sunday, awards such as Best of the Festival, Best Director, and Best Cinematography will be presented at the awards show and those attending will have a chance to take pictures with the winners. Attendees will also have the opportunity to be photographed throughout the festival with celebrities, filmmakers and casts. Special arrivals include Gary Bryant, of K-RTH 101FM, Stan Harrington, an independent filmmaker, Lisa Gold, a director. and Christine Elise McCarthy, an actress, writer and director.

“We hope everyone in the O.C. and L.A. will come out to experience these outstanding films from filmmakers across the USA and the world and join us for a fantastic festival,” said Taylor.