Our Festival

OUR HISTORY

Edgemar Center for the Arts is well known on the West Side of Los Angeles as a venue where up and coming talent share quality work, and Artistic Director Michelle Danner is thrilled to now invite the global independent film community to experience this vibrant beachside collective at the 3rd AnnualCinema at the Edge Film Festival.

Cinema at the Edge (CATE) programs films with a unique voice and a clear vision, that blend genres or break conventions of the medium, with an added focus on life in the beachfront communities of Santa Monica and Venice and the talented group of independent filmmakers who make LA’s West Side their home. The 2013 and 2014 festivals featured audience favorites from Sundance, SXSW and other major festivals, while maintaining a focus on world or regional premieres, challenging films that deserve a second look and showcasing local artists.

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Previous iterations of the festival have welcomed Brett Ratner as an Honorary Chair, as well as celebrated film veterans on the Jury, such as Susan Sarandon, Javier Alcina and John Singleton. The 1st Annual Cinema at the Edge Film Festival took place over four days in the spring of 2013 where narrative features, documentaries and programs of short films screened for packed theaters at the Edgemar Center, and festival-goers also enjoyed access to opening and closing night parties, an awards ceremony, a filmmaker bar crawl and and a series of panels focused on the various stages of the filmmaking process. Our panels were made up of prolific LA-based producers, development executives, entertainment attorneys and distribution professionals, joined by filmmakers screening their work at the festival.

In 2019 the Cinema at the Edge Film Festival will again present narrative feature, documentary and short film programs and audience awards given in each category. While we are thrilled to give independent filmmakers a vehicle of expression, CATE has an additional commitment to see the standout titles at the festival have an opportunity to screen for distributors. Therefore our program juries will again be comprised of the best and brightest professionals in the global independent film distribution community, giving films in all categories the opportunity to be considered for acquisition. Expect more films, parties and events, more sponsors and perks for festival attendees.

EDGEMAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS // 2437 Main Street, Santa Monica

Cinema at the Edge (CATE) Film Festival is housed at the Edgemar Center for the Arts, nestled in the Frank Gehry designed complex on bustling Main Street in the beach town of Santa Monica, California. Metered parking is available in lots adjacent to and across the street from the center, as well as on Main Street itself. As is customary here on the West Side, public transportation, bicycling, skateboarding and walking to and from the festival are strongly encouraged!