The Awareness Film Festival will mark its 17th anniversary this fall with a six-day run of more than 100 independent films, panels and gala events, continuing a mission its organizers say is rooted in social impact rather than spectacle.
The festival runs Oct. 13-18 at venues clustered around Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, including the Laemmle Monica Film Center, the Miles Memorial Playhouse and the Illusion Magic Lounge. It is presented by Heal One World, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and features shorts, features, narrative films and documentaries drawn from filmmakers around the world.
Organizers say the event's staying power comes down to the people behind it.
"What's kept it going is pure devotion," said Skye Kelly, the festival's director and founder. "Devotion from the volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for over 14 years. Even the festival director is a volunteer, and each year we have an amazing team of interns."
Kelly said the festival has expanded in both scale and reputation over its 17 years. "The festival has grown not only in the number of films, but in the quality of films and the recognition of the audience to how important it is to come out and see these films each year," she said.
Selecting the lineup is a sprawling effort. Kelly said more than 50 programming assistants and volunteers help review and rate over 700 submissions, which are then narrowed by a handful of lead programmers. What sets the event apart from a conventional festival, she said, is its priorities.
"The awareness factor is the number one factor," Kelly said, though she added that films must still be entertaining and of good quality. "We will show films that might be controversial or not be quite as polished, but do an amazing job of expressing the story at hand and really creating that awareness."
This year's slate includes "Solidarity," a film by Santa Monica College alum Dustin Brown, along with shorts by Alci Rengifo and Salvador Carrasco, and roughly 100 other titles. Many filmmakers are local, Kelly said, which boosts attendance and makes post-screening question-and-answer sessions "even more special."
Each screening is paired with a nonprofit partner — a deliberate choice, Kelly said, meant to give inspired audiences somewhere to channel that energy. Partner organizations table at the festival and sometimes join panels so that moviegoers leaving a theater and "looking for a place to volunteer, donate or be engaged with the organization" find one waiting.
Proceeds support Heal One World's free and low-cost wellness programs, including classes at its yoga studio on Pico Boulevard. Kelly said the festival aims to raise $20,000 each year to cover the studio's rent and overhead, a goal complicated by rising venue costs, even with an all-volunteer staff. "At the yoga studio, we have free wellness classes that are open to everyone no matter their background, ability to pay or knowledge," she said. The studio, nearly 18 years old, added online classes in 2020.
The festival's return to Santa Monica follows a decade in downtown Los Angeles, where it was hosted by Regal theaters before prices climbed. Kelly said the organization is glad to be back and part of what she called "a resurgence of the promenade area." The Illusion Magic Lounge offers two theater spaces plus room for a red carpet and filmmaker mingling, while the newly renovated Miles Memorial Playhouse will host the Wednesday opening event.
Programming also includes industry panels, media presentations, networking events and an awards ceremony where attendees vote on their favorites. The closing-night gala features a celebrity guest DJ and donated gourmet vegan food.
For newcomers unsure where to start, Kelly kept it simple. "There really isn't a reason to not come. Every film block is something special," she said, recommending panels and networking for aspiring filmmakers and encouraging others to "find a film that you think you need to see, come out to see it and stay for the Q&A."
Individual tickets are $25, with day passes at $30 and an all-access pass for $125; student discounts are available. More information and tickets are at awarenessfestival.org.