NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) celebrated the disabled film community with a presentation of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge finalist films that included stories of extraterrestrials with mysterious motives, a drug dealer with cerebral palsy attempting the biggest deal of his life, and a woman who gets a translator for her dog.

The festival began with a celebration of the finalists of this year’s Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The afternoon continued with the shorts program Made In Californias. The line-up continued with Made in Los Angeles, a closer look at the City of Los Angeles through a selection of short form storytelling about community, resilience, connection and mental health. It concluded with Paradox Lost, writer-director Dennis Curlett’s feature debut, a time traveling romantic dramedy set in the world of improv.

NFMLA showcases films by filmmakers of all backgrounds throughout the year in addition to its special InFocus programming which celebrates diversity, inclusion and region. All filmmakers are welcome and encouraged to submit their projects which will be considered for all upcoming NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the InFocus programming.