The Los Angeles Animation Festival (LAAF), L.A.’s independent animation festival, is launching a new distribution label specializing in international animation, to be released on Blu-ray, DVD, select theaters, On-Demand and streaming channels. The films are distributed under the LAAF brand through the newly formed company FilmFest Distribution (www.filmfestdistribution.com).
FilmFest is the brain-child of LAAF Co-Founder Miles Flanagan and veteran distributor Nadav Streett of Rising Sun Media.
“As a festival we receive so many wonderful films every year — films that, however amazing, simply never seem to gain wider releases,” explains Flanagan. “After over a decade of learning about distribution and getting to know some of the best people in the business, it became a no-brainer for me that these works should be distributed, marketed correctly and given as wide a release as possible. Helping bring in money and attention to these wonderful filmmakers is also a big plus.”
Getting attention is something the filmmakers agree is important. Trash Panda director and recent graduate Alec Baumzweig feels “it gives us a voice and an opportunity to be really seen, which is one of the most important things for those of us trying to break into the industry.”
Streett adds, “LAAF is one of the most forward thinking animation brands in the market. Bringing films that normally are only seen on the festival circuit to the marketplace is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.”
The premiere release is the feature-length compilation The Best Of LAAF: Volume 01, presenting 10 of 2019’s LAAF award-winning animated shorts (www.laafest.com). Produced by Flanagan and LAAF Co-Founder John Andrews, the collection is an eclectic mix of international animation, styles and stories — a unique showcase of the caliber of talent the festival attracts.
“Miles and I have curated a special selection of films in Volume One of this series. Films that will both entertain and move an audience,” says Andrews.“The LAAF banner offers so many great opportunities for the filmmakers involved.”
The Best of L.A.A.F Volume 1 from Rising Sun Media on Vimeo.
The filmmakers included are excited about this unique endeavor. Siti Lu’s very personal short On the Road was based heavily on her own family experience and she hopes “people will see a little of themselves” in this beautifully crafted comedy-drama.
“Sylvia is a stop-motion film about a little girl with imaginary friends who is forced to face the burden of her imagination when tragedy strikes,” says director Meirav Haber. “I put my heart into this film and I am really proud to be able to share it with millions of other animation lovers around the world through this beautifully curated compilation.”
Race to the Finish director Nikki Williams, who was inspired by her sister’s story of swimming for college, is equally thrilled, “It feels amazing to see her story being shared in this incredible collection.”
Stephan Leeper, director of the student short Fire Flower understands how distribution can positively affect these very personal films, “After five long years of production, having our film distributed by LAAF through FilmFest will increase our audience exponentially. It’s a game-changer for all of us.”
With a full slate of 10 animated feature films and a Best of LAAF – Vol. 2 to be released this year, Streett and Flanagan have their hands full. “Yes, it’s been busy!” Streett agrees. “We have so many great films coming out this year from all over the world — from the Philippines, Iran, Russia and even Beverly Hills. Thanks to the Los Angeles Animation Festival, there’s an abundance of quality work that is screaming out to be distributed.”
“I’m just glad we have an opportunity to give back,” Flanagan says. “Nadav and I have been doing this kind of work for years and these wonderful films and talented filmmakers can really benefit from our experience and connections. I’ve spent years helping out large corporations. I think it’s time now to help others.”
Featuring additional work directed by Jackie Lay, Trilina, Jeremy Mowery, Tony Wisneske and Elizabeth Lewis The Best Of LAAF: Volume 01 is available now on Amazon (U.S. and all English-speaking territories). A DVD release will follow later in the year.
