Edgemar Cinema for the Arts will be hosting its inaugural Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival May 30 through June 2, with opening and closing night films announced. Focusing on independent films of all genres that feature a distinct vision and a unique voice, the festival will take place here in Santa Monica.
“Knuckle Jack” will open the festival May 30. A film about a small town and foul-mouthed drunk who doubles as a thief, “Knuckle Jack” was written and directed by John Adams and Toby Poser. Both Adams and Poser also star in the film.
Anchoring the film on closing night is Rotimi Rainwater’s “Sugar,” which stars Shenae Grimes (90210), Wes Studi (Avatar), and Angus Macfadyen (Braveheart). The film narrates a story of a 20-year-old homeless girl suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome on the streets of Hollywood and Venice Beach.
Festival organizers announced “Sugar” would receive the first-ever Community Visions Award, “for its balanced and empathetic treatment of an issue that is close to the hearts of the residents of Santa Monica and Venice.”
“We’re delighted to give independent filmmakers an opportunity to screen their films in a community setting on the Westside. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants, bars, retail shops and constant foot traffic, what the Westside has to offer filmmakers and cinephiles will be quite different from what you’ll find in Hollywood,” Artistic Director and Festival Founder Michelle Danner stated. “Winners of the jury and audience awards in each category will be considered for acquisition by industry professionals working in international film distribution.”
Films will compete in narrative feature, documentary and short film categories and be eligible for Jury and Audience awards.
“We’re thrilled to showcase independent films in a festival and community with such a great appreciation for art and cinema. Many films that screen at the larger film festivals don’t immediately catch fire and tend to fall through the cracks,” Co-Festival Director Jason Chase Tyrrell stated. “We want to give these exceptional films another chance to connect with audiences and to gain exposure and additional opportunities for global distribution.”
Check here for a complete schedule of festival screenings and events, and to purchase tickets.
The festival will take place at the Edgemar Center for the Arts, located at 2437 Main Street. Underground parking is available for $5.
Tickets for opening and closing night films and awards screenings are $15; tickets for other programs are $10. V.I.P. tickets are available for $25 to $40, panels run $5 each, and a festival badge is $200.
