South African Arts Festival 2013 to Celebrate Film and Music, Now thru Oct 6

The Republic of South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture invites you to the South African Arts Festival 2013. Please mark your calendar: Sat. Oct. 5 & Sun. Oct. 6, 2013.

Commissioned by the Republic of South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture, the South African Arts Festival features a rich mix of South Africa's cultural production. The inaugural 2013 event will showcase film and music. Seven South African films and six musical groups will be featured at free events in Downtown Los Angeles. The 2013 festival will also host a series of professional film and music panel discussions/seminars.

The 2013 festival will be held in Downtown Los Angeles at Grand Performances in California Plaza, the Regal Cinema at LA Live, with select industry panels at the Omni Hotel. Filmmakers will be present for question and answer sessions at several of the screenings.

South African Arts Festival 2013
A Weekend of South African Film & Music
In Downtown Los Angeles
Presented by Grand Performances
Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6, 2013
www.sa-artsfest.org
www.facebook.com/southafricanarts

All events at Grand Performances' WaterCourt outdoor stage are free, no advanced reservations are required. LA Live Regal Cinema screenings are also free, advanced reservations begin Fri., Sep. 13, 2013.

The Preview and Closing Night events combine the screening of a South African feature film with a VIP reception. Subsequent annual events will feature other artistic genres (such as theater, dance, and visual art).

In addition to cultivating an audience for South African films, a primary objective of this year's festival is to offer South African filmmakers the opportunity to meet with members of the Los Angeles area film community. Industry professionals from US production and distribution companies are encouraged to participate in screenings, receptions, and discussions. Selected by the South African Film Commission, showcased films represent the diversity of the South African film industry and include animation, narrative, and documentary works.

Films slated* for the festival:

• Zambezia (animation) 83 min.
• Felix (family film) 97 min.
• Man on Ground (drama) 80 min.
• African Metropolis (series of short fiction films set in different African cities), 91 min.
• The African Cypher (documentary, dance/street culture) 88 min.
• Fanie Fourie' Lobola (comedy) 90 min.
• Otelo Burning (drama) 102 min.

Invited* musical guests include:

• Hugh Masekela (trumpet/jazz icon)
• Mahotella Queens featuring Jozi (traditional and hip hop vocals)
• Simphiwe Dana (new voice of afro-soul)
• The Soil (beatbox/a capella)
• iFani (Xhosa rapper)
• Wouter Kellerman (flautist/instrumental)
• The Parlotones (rock)

Please check website for full presentation schedule and updates. Due to the nature of live events, this schedule is subject to change. For the most updated artist listing, visit www.sa-artsfest.org.

The 2013 festival will be held in Downtown Los Angeles at Grand Performances in California Plaza, the Regal Cinema at LA Live, with select industry panels at the Omni Hotel. Filmmakers will be present for question and answer sessions at several of the screenings.

SCHEDULE:

Fri. Oct. 4, 2013

Grand Performances at California Plaza, Los Angeles

Evening (Time TBD)? - PRIVATE Preview Reception & Film Screening
- Red carpet reception featuring South African food and wines?.
- For press and invited guests only.

Sat. Oct. 5, 2013

Omni Hotel, Los Angeles

10:00am-4:00pm - Film Panel Discussions
- Free film panel discussions for industry professionals. Interested parties should email panels@sa-artsfest.org for additional information.

Grand Performances WaterCourt Stage, Los Angeles

4:00pm-10:00pm - South African Music Festival
- Participating artists represent the diversity of South African experience, based in tradition yet speaking to contemporary artistic movements. Each group will perform a 30-60 minute set. South African food will be available for purchase at a designated pop-up location. A hosted bike valet will be available beginning at 3:00pm.

Sun. Oct. 6, 2013

Omni Hotel, Los Angeles

10:00am-4:00pm - Music Panel Discussions
- Free music panel discussions for industry professionals. Interested parties should email panels@sa-artsfest.org for additional information.

LA Live Regal Cinema, Los Angeles

10:00am-4:00pm - Film Screenings
- Screenings of six South African films.

Grand Performances, WaterCourt Stage, Los Angeles

7:00pm-9:30pm - Film Screening
- Outdoor screening of a South African film.

9:30pm-10:00pm - VIP Closing Reception
- VIP closing festivities with refreshments and music (invitation required).

Grand Performances' WaterCourt Stage in California Plaza, Downtown LA.

VENUES:

Grand Performances at California Plaza
WaterCourt Stage
350 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Map/Directions - http://www.grandperformances.org/en/gp/visit/directions.html
213-687-2159 (Concert Line)

Omni Hotel
251 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Map/Directions - http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/LosAngelesCaliforniaPlaza/MapAndDirections.aspx
213-617-3300

LA Live Regal Cinema
800 W. Olympic Blvd?.
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Map/Directions - http://www.lalive.com/movies/
213-763-6070

About Brand South Africa - Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country's brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness abroad. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship. www.southafrica.info

Produced by: Grand Performances - Hailed as the "Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series" by Los Angeles Magazine and called "a grand gift to the public [...] democracy in musical action" by the Los Angeles Times, Grand Performances, Los Angeles' premier free outdoor summer performing arts series, presents high-quality music, dance, theater, and more at the breathtaking California Plaza in the heart of Downtown. Grand Performances delivers the best of global culture to inspire community among the diverse peoples of Los Angeles, reflective of the many cultural interests across the region. All are welcome to enjoy Grand Performances' unique, awe-inspiring venue nestled under the spectacular Downtown skyline. The venue is located right next to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Established in 1987, Grand Performances is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation located on Bunker Hill. www.grandperformances.org

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