Film Festival at Hollywood Park: Where Diversity Meets Innovation in the Heart of Los Angeles
The first-ever Film Festival at Hollywood Park closed its debut edition on October 12, 2025, after a sold-out week of screenings, panels, and premieres that brought a surge of energy to Inglewood’s creative scene. Hosted at the cutting-edge Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas inside the Hollywood Park entertainment complex, the festival screened over 100 films of all genres—each making its Los Angeles theatrical premiere.
Festival Director and Co-Founder Greg Ptacek reflected, “We set out to create a festival that was as diverse as Los Angeles itself, and we did exactly that. Every screening, every Q&A felt alive with discovery.”
Audiences were treated to a sweeping lineup that included the emotional Opening Night Film “Becoming Vera,” a social-justice twist on the Hollywood dream story. “That film was our heart-opener,” said Ptacek. “It reminded us that art and activism can walk hand in hand—and still make you cry, laugh, and cheer in one sitting.”
Stories ignite new horizons
Co-founder Henry Priest echoed the sentiment: “We wanted to create a festival that felt inclusive without being performative. The filmmakers trusted us with their stories, and the community showed up for them in full force.”
Panels tackling topics from AI in filmmaking to immersive storytelling drew standing-room-only crowds. “People are hungry to talk about where cinema is headed,” Priest added. “It’s not just about new tools—it’s about new voices, new ways to connect.”
One of the most talked-about highlights was the MENA Film Series, showcasing filmmakers from the Middle East and North Africa. “The MENA screenings were electric,” said Ptacek. “For many of these directors, it was their first U.S. theatrical premiere—and they were greeted with standing ovations.”
Unleash bold visions
Director of Programming Carolyn Schroeder described the audience response as “beyond expectations.” She continued, “Our mission was to highlight fearless cinema—stories made by artists who don’t wait for permission. Seeing those voices elevated on a major screen, with that kind of audience support, was unforgettable.”
The festival’s blend of art-house integrity and Hollywood polish struck the right balance. “We leaned into risk, not safe bets,” Ptacek said. “Some of these films may never hit mainstream theaters—but that’s exactly why they matter.”
Priest called the debut “a testament to what can happen when film lovers, not gatekeepers, run the show.”
Ignite new connections
Attendees praised the festival’s energy and intimacy, with one local filmmaker calling it “the most human film event L.A. has seen in years.”
“It felt like Silver Lake in the 2000s—raw, open, creative,” Ptacek said, referencing his roots co-founding the Silver Lake Film Festival. “Except now, we’re doing it on a global stage at Hollywood Park.”
As the lights dimmed on closing night, Ptacek summed it up: “We crossed the finish line together. This wasn’t just a festival launch—it was proof that diverse, independent cinema still has the power to move people, change minds, and redefine what Hollywood can be.”
Discover what’s next
The Film Festival at Hollywood Park ended its first edition not just as an event, but as a movement—one that promises to keep growing, challenging, and inspiring Los Angeles and beyond.
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