The Return of the Pasadena International Film Festival – Pasadena Now

The Pasadena International Film Festival returns to Laemmle Playhouse 7 in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village June 23-30. The eight-day festival will feature more than 100 films from around the world, Q&A sessions with industry panels, a “Pass Holders Lounge” with an open bar, and the Great Gatsby Gala and Award Ceremony.

“The past few years have not been easy. But there really is magic with these kinds of events. People really want to get back to storytelling, and not just on your TV or laptop,” festival director Jessica Hardin told the ColoradoBoulevard.Net blog. “There is something to be said for human interaction. At some point, people really crave that connection and that community.

This will be the ninth annual Pasadena International Film Festival, and over the years organizers have worked to bring together the best and the brightest in the entertainment world, she said.

“Cinema brings us all together. Whether it’s an informative documentary, a comedy that makes us cry with laughter or a children’s animation, film is a medium that appeals to our compassion and understanding,” said the organizers.

The Pasadena International Film Festival focuses on submission-only programming and does not select films. This way, every submission – from narrative features, documentaries and shorts to music videos and webisodes – has a chance of being accepted.

The festival will also feature a scriptwriting competition and a playwriting component.

Every night during PIFF 2022, you can mingle in the lobby, have your photo taken on the red carpet, chat with the press or toast to the stars.

“The community is important to us. Each film block receives a personal introduction and ends with a moderated Q&A to learn more about the cinematic experience,” organizers said. “Each evening we host a lounge for passholders with an open bar capturing an era of grace, elegance and mystery. On the final night of the Festival, join us at our Great Gatsby Gala and Awards Ceremony.

The panels will feature industry professionals and Hollywood heavyweights sharing their insights into the entertainment industry.

In a panel, Natalia Lazarus, Director of Lazarus Onstage Studio, and William Stierle, Director of Subtext Solutions, will discuss “The Filmmaker’s Key – A Guide to Creating Deep and Impactful Characters” on Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m. at Laemmle Playhouse 7, located at 673 E. Colorado Blvd.

The Passholder Lounge will be at Lyd & Mo Photography Studio, 27 N. Mentor Ave. There, you can take part in podcast interviews, chat with filmmakers, and enjoy the open bar from 9 p.m.

All access passes are $180 each, the screening panel and party pass is $120, a day pass is $35, and the gala and awards ceremony costs $50.

Individual tickets are available on the Laemmle website, https://www.laemmle.com/theatre/performance hall-7.

For more information, visit www.pasadenafilmfestival.org.