Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Lineup Reflects Greece's Struggles

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Official Website) "There is no more timely reflection of Greece's struggles than the one offered by its burgeoning cinema," stated Co-Founder/Artistic Director Ersi Danou when announcing "Defeating the Crisis Through the Viewfinder" as the theme for the 6th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival taking place May 31st-June 3rd, 2012. "A new generation of filmmakers has begun to question the current state of things as well as to express an urge to evolve as artists and human beings. These filmmakers make films out of nothing, powered by their passion to make their stories - however small - known."

LAGFF will kick-off May 31st at Hollywood's historic Egyptian Theatre with the gala red carpet world premiere of A Green Story, the triumphant true tale of Van Vlahakis, a Greek immigrant who arrived in America with only $22 in his pocket but eventually founded the multimillion dollar Green company, Earth Friendly Products. Twenty-two feature and short narrative and documentary films later, celebrities, filmmakers, and VIPs will convene at the residence of Greek Consul General Elisabeth Fotiadou for the presentation of the Orpheus Awards (exclusively for Gold Pass holders).

LAGFF industry events include a Representation in Hollywood industry panel; a tribute to the late film director Theo Angelopoulos presented by ASU Professor Fred Linch; and an Editing for Film Writers master class by Michael Economou of the USC School of Cinema. Most LAGFF activities will take place at the Linwood Dunn Theater on the campus of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences' Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study.

The 2012 LAGFF Gold Pass (only $200) includes tickets and advance entrance to all films and programs; the opening night premiere of A Green Story (with party); closing night champagne reception; a deluxe program book; free parking at the Linwood Dunn Theater; and the must-have ticket to the exclusive Orpheus Awards party. To purchase a Gold Pass or individual tickets, visit www.lagff.org.

Produced by the nonprofit Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan Cultural Center (EMBCC) with the support of sponsors worldwide, LAGFF promotes awareness of Greek culture through the art of cinema. Media wishing to cover LAGFF should complete the credentials application, and are invited to use this comprehensive linked feature story with high resolution images for their advance reporting of the event.