Darrin Plant Festival & Foundation Founder		Tim Swanson Festival & Foundation Founder

"Those Who Tell the Stories...
Shape the Culture"Because we believe that the entertainment industry not only represents a unique art form, but also the most influence of our day, we seek to educate our community on the powerful influence of the film and entertainment industry on the molding of ideas and beliefs within our industry and society.
We plan to realize these goals via three different methods:

1. Through the establishment of an International Film Festival - The Festival will encourage, highlight and nurture films that present a positive contribution to our industry and society. As the "rally point" of the Foundation, the Festival will bring together films and filmmakers from the United States and around the world. Hosted aboard the Queen Mary, Festival events will include an Opening Night Party, Film and Screenplay Competitions, Premieres, Panel Discussions, a Children’s Day Program, Long Beach Film History Series, and an Awards Gala Dinner, to honor the filmmakers. Through the Festival we hope to:

• Exhibit new works that exemplify the ideals and goals of the Foundation.

• Highlight the careers of individuals who have been positive influences on the medium.

• Nurture the growth of upcoming filmmakers through awards and recognition.

2. Reaching Out to Our Community through the establishment of a Community Film Center - The Community Center will eventually house state-of-the-art digital and film equipment–providing the opportunity and means for Long Beach residents to create and complete films. The Foundation will offer grants and scholarships of both money and equipment through the Community Center. The center will also offer seminars to the community, led by industry professionals.

• Through the establishment of Summer Youth Workshops - The Foundation will offer Summer Youth Programs that educate and train youth on the art of storytelling through the film and television mediums. Workshops will seek to incorporate industry professionals as teachers and instructors.
  

• Through the establishment of a Community Film Project - The Foundation will seek to support a community film project, directed by a recognized director, allowing residents to get hands-on experience with top industry professionals toward the creation of an independent feature film.

3. Preserving and Highlighting Long Beach’s Rich Film History:

• Bringing Long Beach’s film history back home by presenting our amazing film history to the Long Beach community. Through the Festival we will showcase films that originated in Long Beach, specifically those films created at the turn of the century under Long Beach’s Balboa Studios. Screenings and presentations at the Long Beach International Film Festival, along with the dedication of Foundation resources will raise the awareness and importance of Long Beach’s film history.
  

• Assist in tracking, re-acquiring, restoring, & preserving films that originated in Long Beach - The Foundation will seek to re-acquire and assist others in re-acquiring, restoring, and preserving the overwhelmingly large number of films that originated in Long Beach.

The Long Beach Film Foundation is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Click here to contribute to the work of the Long Beach International Film Festival and Foundation.