California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) has been selected as the official host venue for the 2025 FilAm Creative Film Festival (FACFF), scheduled to take place at The Luckman Fine Arts Complex from September 25 to September 28.
The festival, presented by FilAm Creative, is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying unique voices within media and entertainment, particularly those from the Filipino American community and other global creative sectors.
This marks the third annual FACFF and the second consecutive year Cal State LA will host the event, which serves as a significant platform for impactful storytelling.
Nicholas Mestas, the executive director of The Luckman Fine Arts Complex, emphasized the cultural importance of The Luckman as a vital hub for the arts in Los Angeles. He stated, “For decades, The Luckman has been a vital cultural hub, enriching the artistic life of Los Angeles with performances, exhibitions, and dialogue.”
Mestas voiced enthusiasm about hosting FACFF, noting that cinema has the power to celebrate heritage, build connections, and inspire upcoming filmmakers. “We are empowering the next generation to bring their dreams into focus,” he added.
As FilAm Creative celebrates its 15th anniversary, the organization has continued to expand its mission of honoring creativity, resilience, and artistry through cinema. This year’s festival program showcases 24 official selections spanning narrative features, documentaries, short films, and music videos.
Among the spotlight screenings are “The Flip Side,” directed by Rod Pulido, which is notable for being the first Filipino American feature film to premiere at Sundance. Other highlights include “Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine,” an Emmy Award-winning film directed by Michele Josue, and “Village Keeper,” a debut feature by Canadian director Karen Chapman. Additionally, attendees will enjoy “Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World,” a unique stop-motion animated sitcom created by Q. Allan Brocka.
Rovyn Bautista, festival director, remarked, “The FilAm Creative Film Festival brings our diverse narratives into focus—healing, inspiring, and empowering through moving pictures.”
A major component of FACFF is the FilAm Creations Competition, sponsored by Noble Creations. This creative challenge invites participants to produce a 5- to 7-minute original short film within three weeks, integrating a specified theme, prop, and line of dialogue. The competition serves as a showcase for the creativity and innovation of emerging filmmakers.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival will host a variety of industry panels, filmmaker conversations, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to engage with filmmakers, producers, scholars, and cultural leaders while discussing significant topics such as global media production, music, editing, and the evolution of storytelling.
The festival will conclude with an Awards Gala that recognizes excellence in filmmaking through jury-selected and audience awards, as well as honors for community impact. A curated panel of industry professionals will oversee the adjudication of the festival’s prime awards.
Hosting the FACFF at Cal State LA underscores the university’s commitment to experiential learning, student success, and cultural involvement. Will Baker, a Cal State LA alumnus and the university’s events manager, highlighted the unique opportunity for students, stating, “Cal State LA is the only university in the country where students gain hands-on experience planning and producing an industry-level film festival.”
Baker emphasized that hosting the FilAm Creative Film Festival showcases transformative experiences for both filmmakers and their audiences, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
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