CineCause Acquires the Hollywood Film Festival

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - March 31, 2014 - PRLog -- HOLLYWOOD – March 31, 2014 – CineCause (http://www.cinecause.com) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Hollywood Film Festival. CineCause Founder and CEO Jon Fitzgerald introduced several new successful initiatives to the HFF while serving as Executive Director of the festival this past October, including a CineCause Spotlight that showcased social impact films. Fitzgerald brings many years of experience to the HFF, having directed many film festivals, including Slamdance, AFI, Santa Barbara, Abu Dhabi and Topanga. Fitzgerald co-founded Slamdance in 1995 and was the executive director there before becoming the Festival Director in 1997 for the American Film Institute (AFI).

With several thousand film festivals taking place annually across the globe (more than a dozen in Los Angeles alone), the CineCause team recognizes the need to integrate their “social impact” mission into a mix of unique programs, film selections, and community events to make the Festival more relevant for today’s audiences. “We see this as a natural progression for the CineCause mission as well as a next phase opportunity to establish a new legacy,” says Fitzgerald, who will maintain his position as Executive Director of HFF.

Working with the City of Los Angeles, the team plans to apply necessary resources towards the implementation of production & networking initiatives. These programs will bring local Hollywood production industry representatives together with independent filmmakers from around the world, in an effort to increase production services, improve the economic impact on the region, and foster a deeper connection between Hollywood and emerging independent artists.

“The Hollywood Film Festival is a great opportunity to showcase the work of L.A.’s legendary entertainment industry. I support this festival and all efforts to help grow independent film production here in the film capital of the world,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The 2014 Festival will kick off at the historic Cinerama Dome on October 16th, with events taking place at the Dome and the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood through October 19th.  With the establishment of new programs, themes and events, Fitzgerald will enhance the mandate of “bridging the gap” between established Hollywood luminaries and the emerging film community, aspects of the original mission of the Festival, which is now in its 18th year.

The new direction for the Festival will combine social impact programming and special events with a Global Summit for Good, bringing industry players, social change agents, and creative artists together to exhibit, discuss and explore the future of cause-based media.  To support participating filmmakers, the Festival is working with a series of partners to help ensure maximum distribution opportunities.  Prize packages will include a unique combination of distribution opportunities with partners like Tugg (theatrical), Yekra (digital) and ShortsHD (broadcast) and others.  In addition to offering prizes to filmmakers, the Festival will recognize industry professionals and talent for their contributions to social change.

CineCause is a global advocate for social impact cinema.  In addition to curating quality film content, CineCause supports social action campaigns and integrates new technologies into community building platforms.