Our 2006 festival marked a big step forward in the evolution of the LAFF.  And we have more exciting changes planned for 2007.  In response to changing technologies, new means of production, and innovative new screening devices, we have created a new theme for our festival.  It is a theme that embraces all of these changes and broadens our scope.  For at the Lake Arrowhead Film Festival, we will always want to celebrate the very best in Film, Television and Beyond!

See highlights of the 2006 Lake Arrowhead Film Festival! 

Click here and watch the stars come out! 

Congratulations to all of our 2006 Winners and Honorees!
Honorees for LAFF 2007 will be announced soon.

Click here to enter your film.   

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The film festival was a huge success.

-- Christopher McDonald

2006 Film Festival Honorees Keith Carradine, Christopher McDonald, and Robert Carradine. Photo credit: James Wellner

Films were celebrated.  Legendary performers were honored.  And every award winner received a great, big hug from June Lockhart.  In short, The 2006 Lake Arrowhead Film Festival was a huge success!

First and second place winners are listed below.  But the real winner was the spirit of filmmaking.  In total, 46 films were screened over three days at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.  Special events included a lively two-hour symposium on the emergence of features for television.  The symposium – coordinated by Lake Arrowhead resident and noted cinematographer. Jack Cooperman, ASC – featured director Joe Sargent, producers Harry Sherman and Chrisann Verges, cinematographers Donald M. Morgan, ASC, James A. Chressanthis, ASC, and editor Mike Brown, ACE.

On Saturday night, local residents and Hollywood legends packed the Majestic screening room for the world premiere of the documentary, “The Hollywood Graffiti Gown.”   At times light-hearted and heart-wrenching, the documentary tells the story of designers Jerry Skeels and Randy McLaughlin -- and their 24 year struggle to create their “million dollar gown.”   The gown has now been signed by over 400 of the world’s most glamorous women, and will eventually be auctioned off to benefit AIDS charities.  Director Annelie Wilder was in attendance, as was producer Tyrone Murphy – who flew all the way from England to attend the festival.  Model Katelyn d'Estes brought the crowd to its collective feet when she made a grand entrance wearing the strikingly beautiful gown.  This rare “live” showing of the gown was a particular treat for the Lake Arrowhead audience.  Gown signees in attendance at the premiere included actresses Alison Arngrim, June Lockhart, Martha Manor, Linda DeMetrick, and Geri Robak, as well as FOX Executive Vivian Callahan.

On Friday night, over two hundred film buffs gathered for the festival’s GALA AWARDS DINNER.  The ceremony included the presentation of awards along with special salutes to the legendary Carradine family and to Lake Arrowhead resident and prolific actor, Christopher McDonald.  John Lorentz served as Master-of-Ceremonies.  Presenters included LAFF board member, Mary Dippell, along with noted actors Vincent Spano and June Lockhart.

"The film festival was a huge success,” said Honoree Christopher McDonald.  “Most of these films are only available on the festival circuit and it was a treat to see them and discuss them with the filmmakers.

Please check this website for more information on next year’s festival!
Festival dates and submission deadlines will be posted in the near future.

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Special guest panelists share a laugh before the LAFF symposium, "Television: Where America Goes to the Movies." Panelists are (from left to right): moderator Bob Fisher; Editor Mike Brown, ACE; director Joe Sargent; cinematographers Donald M. Morgan, ASC, and James A. Chressanthis, ASC; and producer Harry Sherman. (Producer Chrisann Verges and cinematographer Jack Cooperman, ASC - not shown - also participated in the symposium.) Photo credit: James Wellner

THE 2006 LAKE ARROWHEAD FILM FESTIVAL

AWARD WINNERS

Best Feature Film

1st Place - Self-Medicated - Monty Lapica

2nd Place - God's Waiting List - Duane Adler

Best Short Film

1.  The Act - Susan Kraker and Pi Ware

2.  A Kiss on the Nose - Laura Neri

Best Documentary

1.  In My Father's Footsteps - Robert Dunlap

2.  Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea - Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

Best Screenplay

1.  Best Man for the Job - Pete Xander

2.  The Goddess - Jody Cohan

The June Lockhart "Special Achievement" Award

Bon Appetite - Justin Lutsky

Best Foreign Documentary

The Hollywood Graffiti Gown - Tyrone Murphy, Producer

Humanitarian Award

Hollywood Graffiti Gown Designers Jerry Skeels and Randy McLaughlin

Lake Arrowhead Rotary Student Film Achievement Award

1.  How's My Driving - Jason Eric Perlman

2.  Robert and Theresa - Amy Taylor