Cross Cultural Film Festival-Los Angeles

Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles Well Received at the Whitefire Theatre
June 6, 2007

The Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles (CCFFLA), founded by entertainment industry veteran Robin Saban was well received in Sherman Oaks, CA. The CCFFLA would like to thank all who participated in this event! We thank the community, our volunteers, sponsors, and especially the filmmakers for sharing your talent.

The event took place at the Whitefire Theatre located on Ventura Boulevard’s Restaurant Row in Sherman Oaks, CA. The theatre’s warm atmosphere brought an intimate feel to the film festival.

Movies from several countries were screened, including South Africa, Hong Kong, Canada, as well as the United States. “Lucky”, directed by Avie Luthra tells the story of a South African AIDS orphan who learns about life through an unlikely bond. “Ordinary Lives”, directed by Sheetal S. Agarwal follows the lives of a family of ten living in a 180 square foot shack in the center of a slum in Mumbai. “Orizura”, directed by Junya Sakino takes place during a time of political turmoil when an American diplomat is sent to Hiroshima a few years before WWII. “With Nothing Left”, directed by Alex Hanson is about John, one of only a few survivors of a devastating war, what he finds while looking for survivors surprises even him. “Nato Bombed My Family”, directed by Dana Juric is a true story when Canada participated in the bombing of Servia.

The audience had the opportunity to hear Rodney Mitchell, Director of “Two Rivers”, speak passionately about the filming of his project during a question and answer period led by Robin Saban. “Two Rivers” tells two parallel, interrelated stories. At its base is the historical tale of the American North West, a land once revered by its Native inhabitants, and eventually taken over by European American settlers. Layered over this history is the present-day story of a group of ordinary Native and European American individuals who come together by chance, and end up examining, grappling with, and healing centuries-old wounds, forming lifelong friendships in the process.

Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles
May 12, 2007

The 2nd annual Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles (CCFFLA) will take place on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm at The Whitefire Theater 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Screenings include films from Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, as well as the United States.

We are proud to celebrate new artistic discoveries from around the world by offering a forum for ethnic international filmmakers to showcase their films, the CCFFLA seeks to bring worldwide attention to ethnic filmmaking talent and artistic vision as the “International Liaison” bringing together promising creative talent from all corners of the earth.

CCFFLA’s mission is to reach out to all the ethnic cultures through film, a universally accepted art form that not only entertains, but informs!

We believe film as art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between people of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our time.

In September 2003 after years of work in film and theater and a passion for the opportunity to offer student filmmaker’s well deserved recognition for their talents, entertainment industry veteran Robin Saban first founded the International Student Film Festival Hollywood focused solely on students (www.isffhollywood.org). In 2005 Mr. Saban discovered the importance of ethnic filmmakers needs and launched the Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles (www.crossculturalfilmfestival.org).

For more information email info@crossculturalfilmfestival.org or call 818-203-4179.

Thank You Los Angeles For Your Hospitality!!!!

CROSS CULTURAL FILM FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES
DANIELE J SUISSA FOR CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CCFFLA Award Reception on June 8, 2006

Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA – April 20, 2006- CCFFLA President/Founder Robin Saban is pleased to announce Daniele Suissa as the recipient of the 2006 Festival Award during the opening ceremonies of the 1 st Annual Cross Cultural Film Festival on June 8, 2006 at 7:30pm at the Lost Souls Cafe in DownTown Los Angeles.

The CCFFLA Career Achievement Award was established to honor a single honoree based on the recipient’s active career.

Daniele Suissa is like no other. She’s the embodiment of the word teacher, producer, mentor, and director - an artist who has reached the pinnacle in virtually every area of her career. Born in Morocco, educated at Marymount in Paris and New York.After graduating with two awards from the Conservatoire d’Art Dramatique de Paris in 1962,she started her career in film and theatre working for 10 years with major European Directors.

In 1963, producer-director Victor Stoloff invited her to Los Angeles. Back and forth between Paris and LA until 1969 she collaborated on three screenplays and on the adaptation of 'A Spy in the House of Love' with author Anais Nin and actress Jeanne Moreau.
In 1970 Daniele Suissa established herself in Montreal. Bridging her Paris and US affiliations, she is a pioneer in the development of co-production and co-venture.

For the theatre, Danièle J Suissa has directed over 30 plays. She has substantial credits on both the large and small screen for which she has received many nominations and awards. Finally, she is the director of hundreds of television commercials.

Suissa has served as president, chair, or Board Member of most Canadian Associations including the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, The Producer’s Guild, the DGC and The Banff International Festival for many years. Her constant quest for new artistic challenges makes her a highly respected force in her field.

Since 1993 Daniele Suissa has dedicated most of her time and passion to education, teaching: directing, acting and producing at UCLA Extension, at USC School of Cinema, at AFI, at the Los Angeles Film School, (Dean of the LAFS from May 2001 to November2002). and at her DIRECTORS STUDIO at CBS . She is also a private coach to Writers, Producers and Directors.

Daniele works and teaches in French, English and Spanish. She is a citizen of France. CEE and Canada, and a permanent resident in the US.

Press Release - Closing Night

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 ACHIVEMENT 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.

About Cross Cultural Film Festival Los Angeles

In September 2003 years of work in film and theater and a passion for the opportunity to offer student filmmaker’s well deserved recognition for their talents, entertainment industry veteran Robin Saban first founded the International Student Film Festival Hollywood focused solely on students. (www.isffhollywood.org). In 2005 Mr. Saban discovered the importance of ethnic filmmakers needs and decided to launch a new festival in downtown Los Angeles.

We are proud to celebrate new artistic discoveries from around the world. By offering a forum for ethnic international filmmakers to showcase their films, the CCFFLA seeks to bring worldwide attention to ethnic filmmaking talent and artistic vision as the “international liaison” bringing together promising creative talent from all corners of the earth.

The CCFFLA provides ethnic filmmakers from around the world a unique opportunity to showcase their work before the entertainment industry. The festival is open to the public and welcomes all independent filmmakers from all backgrounds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robin Saban
(818) 203-4179
info@crossculturalfilmfestival.org