The Bel Air Film Festival (BAFF) is an annual film festival which world premieres brand new independent film held throughout greater Los Angeles to promote the appreciation and knowledge of film. BAFF recognizes top industry leaders, and fosters the development of up-and-coming filmmakers. Each week long event launches with a red carpet Gala. Event festivities include an array of film panels, screenings, after parties, meet and greet film lounge with sponsoring brand integration. The Bel-Air Film Festival hosted its first inaugural event in 2008. The first ever red carpet gala and opening night screening was held at a private estate located in Bel-Air, CA. Additional venues have included the William Morris Endeavor Theater, Soho House West Hollywood, Hammer Museum, Skirball Cultural Center, Palihouse, Saban Theater, UCLA & USC campuses.
The Bel-Air Film Festival has grown into an annual event, attracting thousands of attendees each year. The festival is well-attended by the local Los Angeles community, members of the entertainment community, and many filmmakers worldwide. The next Seventh Annual film festival takes place this October 16th-19th, 2014. Winning film categories include Feature Film, Documentary Film, Short Film, and Student Short Film.
Honorees have included Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black), Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill), Rumer Willis (E!’s Songbyrd, Pretty Little Liars), Salam Remi (Music Producer Sex and the City, Alicia Keys), Bob Yari (Producer of Academy Award Winning Film Crash) Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill), Jamie Kennedy (Malibu’s Most Wanted), Neal Brennan (Chappelle’s Show), Kevin Hart (Comedian), Brian Austin Green (90210), Mark Rydell (Academy Nominee Directed The Rose starring Bette Midler), Louis Gossett Jr. (Academy Award Winner), Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandell (Writers Parenthood, Splash, A League of Their Own).