Dear Friends of LAGFF,

With LAGFF 2013 quickly approaching, we are once again kicking off our "HOST A FILMMAKER" campaign and seeking the kindness and generosity of host families willing to open their homes to house 1-2 filmmakers during the days of this year's festival.  Is there a possibility that you or perhaps someone you know may be interested?

This year's festival will take place June 6th-9th at the Writer's Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211.      

We are seeking homes that are within 10 miles (or a reasonable distance) from the theater and can provide a private room (ideally with separate bath) for approximately 5-6 days (arrival/departure dates will vary) for 1-2 people.  As the festival activities last all day long, the filmmaker will more than likely only be in your home to shower, change, and sleep!  We are also requiring that any filmmakers staying in host homes will have their own transportation (rental car).  Hosts are not expected to provide any other amenities (meals, etc.).

As Filmmaker Liaison of the festival over the last 6 years, I have had the privilege of getting to know all of our filmmakers personally.  By the time they arrive in Los Angeles, I have a great understanding of the artistic impulse that drives them, many of the challenges that they have faced, obstacles they have overcome, and risks they have taken to pursue their passion.  For many of them, coming to Los Angeles is a dream but unfortunately such an economic challenge. Therefore, it gives me great satisfaction to champion their efforts and provide them with as much encouragement and support as possible.

I hope that your home is a good match to "HOST A FILMMAKER" and you find opening your home and lending your support to a filmmaker to be a worthwhile endeavor.  If your home should not be a match, but you would like to support the filmmakers in another way, perhaps you would consider making a small contribution to our SUPPORT A FILMMAKER FUND, which is collected and divided equally among all of the incoming filmmakers, helping defray their incidental expenses during their stay.  However small or large their individual portion ends up to be, every little bit is always a helpful and most welcome surprise to them! 

On behalf of our filmmakers, I thank you for the kindness and support you have shown by believing in the festival and your continued support of the arts. I look forward to hearing back from you and seeing you at the festival! - Eleni Arvaniti | eleni@lagreekfilmfestival.org