The 21st Annual La Femme International Film Festival is returning to Los Angeles this Thursday, October 16, ready once again to honor the best work of female actors, writers, producers, and directors in the entertainment industry. Running through the weekend at the LA LIVE Regal Theatre, the festival will culminate Sunday night with its highly anticipated awards show.

Story Highlights

• 21st Annual La Femme International Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 16, at LA LIVE Regal Theatre.

• Over 110 films and 20 screenplays/pilot scripts featured, including World Premieres and Special Screenings.

• Panels, networking events, and workshops for filmmakers and writers throughout the weekend.

• Awards hosted by Sandra Valls; Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Donna Pescow.

• Red carpet begins at 5 p.m., ceremony at 6 p.m. at 1000 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles.

• Sandra Valls: Latina comedian, actor, writer, Broadway debut in 2025, advocate for women, Latine/x, LGBTQIA+ communities.

Festival Founder and Director Leslie LaPage expressed excitement over this year’s lineup, stating, “We are proud to showcase the talent, creativity, and dedication of women in film, television, and digital media. Each year, the festival grows, and this year we are thrilled to feature over 110 films and 20 screenplays and pilot scripts from around the world.”

In addition to screenings, the festival offers a full weekend of panels on Saturday and Sunday, including World Premieres and Special Screenings. Networking opportunities allow filmmakers, writers, and producers to connect, collaborate, and explore new possibilities in the film industry. All events are hosted at the LA LIVE Regal Theatre Complex, located at 1000 West Olympic Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, with tickets available online.

Returning as the awards show MC, Sandra Valls, fresh off her Broadway run in Real Women Have Curves, will guide audiences through the Best of the Fest awards, covering categories such as animation, documentary, live-action features and shorts, music videos, commercials, and screenplays. “Hosting the La Femme awards is always a highlight of my year,” said Valls. “It’s inspiring to see so many talented women recognized for their work, and the energy in the theatre is unmatched.”

This year, veteran actress Donna Pescow will be honored with the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to film and television. Red carpet events are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., with the awards ceremony following at 6 p.m. at LA LIVE Regal Cinemas.

About Sandra Valls

Sandra Valls, a Latina comedian, actor, singer, and writer from Laredo, Texas, made her Broadway debut at age 59 in 2025 with Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, earning critical acclaim and helping the production secure two Tony Award nominations. Off-Broadway, she co-wrote and starred in the Latina Christmas Special at New York’s iconic SoHo Playhouse.

A fierce advocate for the Latine/x, LGBTQIA+, and women’s communities, Valls has toured nationally with Lezberados and Queer Queens of Qomedy, sharing the stage with renowned figures such as Melissa Etheridge and Eva Longoria. Her television appearances include The Latin Divas of Comedy (Showtime), NickMom Night Out (Nickelodeon), One Night Stand Up (LOGO), Comics Unleashed (ABC), and HBO’s Habla!.

Looking ahead, Valls will be recognized in January 2026 by Women in Film & Television Texas with a Celestial Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to media and entertainment. “Being part of the La Femme International Film Festival allows me to celebrate women’s voices in film, something that has been my passion for decades,” she noted.

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