Glennfest lives!  

Glenn Stephens, founder and impresario of Downey’s own Festival of Films of Special Interest, announced this year’s dates of October 9-13.  As always, tickets are free, but must be ordered through Eventbrite.

“Enjoy films again on the big screen,” said Glenn. “We’re ‘sensor-friendly.’ Our experience will feature lowered volume, brighter lights and freedom to move around.”

So far, titles for the 11th annual screenings include director Gemma Arterton’s “Summerland;” “Fantastic Planet, a Sublime Trip to a New World;” “I Dream in Another Language;” “MVP: the Movie;” and “This Changes Everything.”

Venues include longtime arts patron David Devin’s Epic Lounge, 8329 Second Street, that has a bar and menu from next-door LA Buns. “Summerland” and “I Dream in Another Language” play at the Epic Lounge on Monday, Oct. 10, (“Summerland” at 6 pm, “I Dream” at 8 pm). “MVP” screens on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7 pm. 

Look Dine In Cinema, located at 8200 3rd Street, offers state-of-the-art immersive presentation experience, upscale menu and exceptional service. “Fantastic Planet” plays there Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 pm, and the surprise kid-friendly special on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 11:30 a.m and again Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. 

A big treat every year is the movie Glenn choses for kids and young adults with special needs.  

“We can't name the movie,” said Glenn, “because it's still in the theaters. But it is very new, and Look Dine In Cinema will provide free popcorn and sponsors will provide drinks. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia has helped with promoting and will give out coloring books.”

Added special attraction is “This Changes Everything,” a film held over from last year’s Glennfest, about the MeToo movement in show business. It’s an investigative look and analysis of gender disparity in Hollywood, featuring accounts from well-known actors, executives and artists in the Industry. 

Showing will be Thursday Oct 13, at 6 pm, at LOOK Dine In. Glenn is arranging a panel of women directors, representing Latinex, Afro-American, and gender-fluid points of view. Complimentary pastries and coffee will be offered.

Glennfest began 11 years ago with Glenn’s October birthday, as his present for the community. In spite of Covid, Glenn has managed to provide the continuity of the film festival every year. Somehow he juggles all the balls and satisfies audiences, negotiates with feature suppliers, deals with venues and still presents quality films.  

Glennfest now operates under the independent umbrella of the Downey Film Society, a non-profit 401k corporation.  All donations are acknowledged and donors receive a statement for tax purposes. 

“Everything helps,’ says Glenn.  

“Summerland” explores the joys of magical realism, and why characters don't have to be "likable." A reclusive and fiercely independent writer living in the English countryside befriends a young evacuee who is thrust into her care. after the London Blitz. It’s shown at Look Dine Cinema, and the dining option is available.

“Fantastic Planet” is a 1973 experimental animated science fiction film, directed by René Laloux and written by Laloux and Roland Topor. The film uses cut-out stop motion techniques, and received the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. 

“I Dream in Another Language” (sueño en otro idioma) is a poetic Mexican film that raises philosophical questions about what is lost when a language – and by extension, our elders' memory – fades away. Zikril, an indigenous language is in peril as its last two speakers, Evaristo and Isauro, had a quarrel, and a linguist arriving in a small jungle settlement hope to settle it, but the men haven't spoken to each other in 50 years.

In release right now is “MVP The Movie.” Former Green Beret and NFL player Nate Boyer directed and stars in the film “MVP,” which tackles real-world issues. On the streets of Hollywood, a recently retired NFL player is saved from scandal by a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. With their glory days behind them both, the two men bond in search of true purpose and identity. 

“At Glennfest,” said Glenn, “strangers can come together in a darkened room  and for an hour share suspense, laiughter, and maybe shed a few tears.” 

Bonus benefits are that you don’t have to leave Downey to enjoy Glennfest, Showings are in the heart of downtown Downey, and there is ample free parking at each venue and in the free municipal parking structure. No need to drive 

all over the Los Angeles basin for movies of special interest.  Glennfest has brought them right here.

For more details and to get the free tickets, check the website at glennfest.com.