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A few thoughts: AFM could stay in Santa Monica but does it need to be in the Loew$? there must be other venues - does it really need to be mostly under a single roof? I'm not sure the re-generated Downtown would offer a better daytime experience - although it's great that LA has reclaimed that area.
The AFM has always seemed keen to set it self apart from Festivals and cultural associations that may bring. As a visitor to the event whether in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica you notice there is no social hub of venues where you bump into colleagues after work - a la the Grand in Cannes etc. - seemingly even networking opportunities have to be programmed in a rigorous LA style of 'diary management'. A recent attempt at integration with AFI lasted only a year or so [AFI of course is not a 'discovery' event for new films like Sundance,Berlin,Cannes Toronto etc. but then for many years neither was AFM! ] It would be really good to have audiences and screenings more in the mix and maybe Westwood would be better area for that?


P.S why has no one shown films on the beach or pier?!