> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Malibu misnomer: Film fest a SM event - URL: https://www.smdp.com/malibu-misnomer-film-fest-a-sm-event/ - Published: 2005-04-09T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T06:33:51.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Events, Malibu, #archive-import, Homeless *Film fest organizer ‘not reinventing wheel’* *By KIM CALVERT Special to the Daily Press* It may be called the Malibu Film Festival, but it takes place right here in Santa Monica. Now in its sixth year, the festival kicks off on Thursday, April 14, with an opening night party at Santa Monica’s Viceroy Hotel, followed by screenings of more than 30 films at the Aero Theater, a premiere party at Santa Monica’s The Victorian, and finally — in a nod to Malibu — an awards night party at Wolfgang Puck’s Granita Restaurant. “We do 99 percent of the festival in Santa Monica and only 1 percent in Malibu,” said Richard Katz, the festival’s founder. Katz said since it had the name “Malibu,” the closing night awards party — when the festival honors Pierce Brosnan — would be staged in Malibu. “Plus, Malibu is full of movie stars, something we need to promote and support the festival,” Katz said. Katz, who directs music videos and works on feature films, said he got the idea for the film festival after his project, “You Ain’t Nothing In This Town Without A Shopping Cart,” a love story about a homeless man in Santa Monica, was rejected by the Sundance Film Festival. “I realized I had all these film industry resources right here in my hometown and I thought Malibu, with its film community and a name recognized around the world, would be the perfect place for an international film festival,” Katz said. However, Malibu didn’t have enough venues to support an international film festival, so despite the name, the real home base became Santa Monica. Katz’s plan was to take the best ideas from other successful film festivals, like Sundance and the Santa Barbara Festival, and incorporate them into the Malibu Film Festival. “We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel,” Katz said. “We’re using what works — style, grace and class in a place that provides filmmakers with an opportunity to screen their films where there are lots of people in the movie business.” Katz said about one fifth of the members in the Motion Picture Academy live in the area. “We have many of the decision makers right there in our backyard,” he said. “They can participate in this festival without having to lift a finger. Plus, we have a classy package. “The opening night at the Viceroy Hotel, the premiere party at the Victorian, the screenings at the Aero Theater — these are some of Santa Monica’s gems.” Gwen Deglise, head of programming for the Aero Theater, which is now a part of the American Cinematheque, said the Malibu Film Festival tried to use their theater last year, but it wasn’t ready in time. The theater, constructed in 1939, was renovated by the American Cinematheque and reopened this year. “We’ve made it into a great place to watch movies,” Deglise said. “There are 425 new seats, a new screen, an amazing sound system, a new concession stand and even all new bathrooms.” She said the Malibu Film Festival would be renting the Montana Avenue theater for screenings. Jane Walker, chairperson of the Montana Avenue Merchants Association, said she was thrilled the screenings would be held at the Aero. “It’s going to bring people to our street — people who will like the artistic, eclectic stores that we have here,” Walker said. “Just like the American Film Market brings people to the Third Street Promenade, the Malibu Film Festival is going to bring people to our part of Santa Monica.” Katz estimated that the film festival can boost revenues for local businesses as much as 25 percent. “We draw what’s called ‘sticky tourists,’” he said. “Those are people who come to Santa Monica and, in addition to coming to our events, spend money at local venues as well.” Katz said just as the festival supports the local economy, in turn, it needed the support of corporate sponsors. “It costs about $250,000 a year to run this festival,” Katz said. “Just as soon as we pay this year’s bills, we start looking for next year’s sponsors. Fortunately, we have returning sponsors, like Paul Mitchell, who supply money, merchandise and personnel. It’s a challenge, but with the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers we’re making it happen.” Katz said the festival is affordable to the public. Tickets to individual screenings are $8, or $5 with a student I.D. “We have a great program,” he said. “Our 7:30 showings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are just amazing.” Katz said the festival will open on Friday, April 15, with “Mad Hot Ballroom,” an American film about inner-city kids who take ballroom dance classes. On Saturday, April 16, will be the screening of “Hooligans” with Elijah Wood — a film Katz said generated the most ticket sales so far. On Sunday, April 17, “Apres Vous,” a French film Katz described as “very sexy” will be viewed. He said both “Mad Hot Ballroom” and “Apres Vous” were picked up for distribution by Paramount at Sundance this year. Neither has been screened in Los Angeles. In addition to the feature length films, the festival would present an eclectic mix of short animation, live action and documentary films. Ten awards will be given out to festival entrees at the closing night awards party on April 18\. The winners will be selected by the film festival audience, who will have voting ballots at the Aero Theater, and by the Malibu Film Festival jury, a 10-member committee appointed by the festival’s board of directors. In addition, actor Pierce Brosnan will receive the 2005 Honoree Achievement in the Arts Award. For ticket and scheduling information, visit www.malibufilmfestival.com or call (310) 452-6688. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 9, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040905.pdf?ref=smdp.com)