There’s no doubt LA is the entertainment capital of the world. Whatever your passion: thrillers, blockbusters, international shorts or romantic comedies, it’s probable Los Angeles has a film festival celebrating the genre. Recent successful film festivals include the 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival. More than 4,500 submissions poured in from filmmakers around the world, and festival-goers enjoyed some 260 films, shorts and music videos including world premieres of independent films and major studio releases. Outfest 2007, one of Southern California’s oldest and largest film fests, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film images and artistry. The Method Fest in the San Fernando Valley struck a nerve with its opening night film, “Waitress,” and propelled the production to box office success.

Upcoming Film Festivals:
Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival
Sept. 7 – Oct. 14 (The Los Angeles County Fair) and Oct. 5 – 14 (LACMA)
More than 150 films from around the world, made for children and teens, will be screened. www.lachildrensfilm.org

Danish Film Fest LA
Oct. 4 – 11 (Egyptian Theater and Laemmle Sunset 5 Theater)
Showcases the richness of the Danish storytelling tradition through 100 years of Danish cinema. www.dkfilmfestla.com

Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
Oct. 7 – 14 (ArcLight Cinemas)
Co-founded by actor Edward James Olmos, the festival promotes cinema from all Latin regions and is one of the country’s most prominent film fests. www.latinofilm.org

SWERVE Festival
Sept. 28-30 (Barnsdall Art Park)
Fuel TV is launching the first annual SWERVE Festival. This new festival celebrates the West Coast’s creative subculture of film, art, music and action sports. www.swervefest.com

AFI Fest
Nov. 1 – 11 (ArcLight Cinemas)
AFI Fest is one of the most influential film festivals in North America, featuring international competitions of new films from emerging filmmakers, as well as global showcases of the latest work from great film masters. www.afi.com