Film Festival Prepares Queer Filmmakers to Take Over Hollywood

This year's 2018 Columbia College Hollywood Film Festival, a free event that presents and honors original films by Columbia College Hollywood's students and graduates, will be showcasing 44 films -- many with heavy queer angles, including a panel called "Producing LGBTQ+ Content for Web Series and Shorts" -- and a keynote address by rapper Boots Riley (pictured), who recently made his directorial debut with Sorry To Bother You, which he also wrote.

The event, which takes place November 9 and 10 at Columbia College Hollywood in Los Angeles, will also have discussions with writer and animator Annah Feinberg (Ballroom Room, Veep, Arrested Development), film industry disabilities advocate and motivational speaker Becky Curran, editor Michael P. Shawver (Black Panther, Creed), and VP of Feature Film Development Ryan Turek (Blumhouse Productions).

In addition to the LGBTQ+ panel, organizers will also host two others: "Acting in the Age of Streaming" and "Advancing Your Career as an Emerging Film Industry Professional."

"The CCH Film Festival is our opportunity to showcase emerging filmmakers to the industry and celebrate their talent with family and friends," said Chrissy Shannon, Director of Career Development & Alumni Relations at Columbia College Hollywood. "The opportunity to learn from industry guest speakers, participate in demos of cutting edge gear, and enjoy the work of our diverse body of students and graduates will keep attendees busy throughout the entire two day event."

The 2018 CCH Film Festival is sponsored by Avid, Final Draft, LA Femme Film Festival, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, Backstage, and HB. For free registration, visit the Festival's Eventbrite page.