THE OTHER VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

VENICE, CA -- The Other Venice Film Festival, a community event dedicated to screening full-length, short and animated films that embody the spirit, energy and diversity of Venice returns for its third season from March 16-19 with film screenings, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, local art on display and parties with live music performances. Screenings and events will take place in two venues: The Electric Lodge, 1415 Electric Ave., and Switch Studios, 316 Venice Blvd).

The 2006 OVFF celebrates diversity with the work of more than 75 filmmakers being highlighted, up from 40 in 2005 and 17 in the inaugural 2004 season. Special Film Series include: Women Director Short; Multicultural Filmmakers; Political Films; Music Videos; Experimental Youth Filmmakers; Documentaries; feature and short film premiere events; a benefit screening for the Cheshire Project (a summer camp for the mentally disabled); and a grant which will be awarded to a local filmmaker to help complete his or her project.

A special Local Maverick Spotlight Screening kicks off this year's fest on Thurs. March 16 at the Electric Lodge honoring prolific filmmaker Roger Corman, who has 458 feature film and TV credits to his name, many of which were shot at his Venice-based production facilities. Corman's classic film, The Masque of the Red Death, will be shown and the director will take part in a Q&A with the audience afterwards. Doors open at 7 pm for live music and a hosted happy hour leading up to the 8 pm screening, preceded by the short film Hiding in Walls.

One of the highlights of the festival, the feature-length documentary Champion, directed by Joe Eckardt, will be screened Fri. March 17 at 8 pm. The film offers an intimate look into the life of L.A. actor Danny Trejo, a child drug addict and criminal who served time in San Quentin, yet overcame these obstacles to become a positive role model and actor, appearing in more than 120 films and TV shows.

The popular Music Video Series offers new works by Chris Mulkey and Ross ("Ahab") Manus, among others.

Tickets available online at othervenicefilmfes.com. For directions to Electric Lodge call (310) 823-0710 ext 1#. For Switch Studios info click on switch-studios.com