Film Festivals within Los Angeles - recommendations?

[Joe Riggs]

I'm trying to get a better grasp on film festivals within Los Angeles.
I'm sure there's a film festival for every zip code out there, but which ones
are worthwhile? which ones are the most coveted?

I have to imagine the Los Angeles Film Festival is perhaps the most prestigious,
but please share what you think?

 

[Michael Winokur]

It depends a lot on your film. Is it a feature or a short. A world premiere, does it have celebrities ... Here are some to keep an eye on:
Dances With Films (they strongly prefer premiers and it's awesome to play at The Chinese Theater)
Holly shorts
LA Shorts
AFI/AFM
Pasadena Film Festival
LA Independent
Long Beach Film Festival
Palm Springs, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara are not exactly in LA but they are important fests.

-Good luck.