One of several films world premiering at the Los Angeles Film Festival later this month is director Amanda Marsalis’ Echo Park, an LA Muse (11) selection, which is curated by Film Independent at LACMA curator Elvis Mitchell and artist/scholar Roya Rastegar.
Echo Park stars Mamie Gummer (Side Effects, Evening, daughter of actress Meryl Streep) as Sophie, a woman who leaves an apparently perfect Beverly Hills life to do some soul searching in Echo Park, the eclectic central Los Angeles neighborhood, where she meets Alex (played by Tony Okungbowa) a British expat about to leave and start over, half a world away. Sophie and Alex inexplicably find themselves drawn to each other as they explore and discover the culture of Echo Park and its residents. As Alex’s departure draws near, their growing connection forces them both to reassess where they belong.
British/Nigerian actor Tony Okungbowa’s name and face will be familiar to those who’ve seen fellow Nigeria filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu’s acclaimed dramas – Restless City. and, recently, Mother of George, 2 films comprehensively covered on this site. Some may also recognize him as former resident DJ for The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Maurice Compte, Gale Harold, Helen Slater, and Ricky Rico round out the cast.
Echo Park, which will make its world premiere at the LAFF, screening on Saturday, June 14, 6:45 PM, at Regal Cinemas, is director Marsalis’ feature film directorial debut, directing from a script penned by Catalina Aguilar Mastretta.
Eric Hayes is producer.
S&A has an exclusive first look at the intimate drama’s poster art, which is embedded at the bottom of this post.
presented by Film Independent, announced its official 2014 US and international selections this afternoon,
The 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival runs from Wednesday, June 11 to Thursday, June 19, screening a diverse slate of nearly 200 feature films (23 World Premieres), shorts and music videos from 40 countries, along with signature programs such as the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film Nights, Master Classes, and more.
Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer will open the festival, while the premiere of Clint Eastwood’s Jersey Boys will close.
Passes are currently on sale to Film Independent members and the general public. In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the Festival Lounge, where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. Contact the Ticket Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com.
Check out the poster for Echo Park Amanda Marsalis’ Echo Park below:
