Shohreh Aghdashloo and Houshang Touzie at L.A. Film Festival 2018

Is this the vibe that will let LAFF finally find its identity? Produced by Film Independent and now in its 24th year, the festival was once a summer home for quality international titles, then a place for world-premiere indie titles and films from under-represented demographics, it’s now under the leadership of Jennifer Cochis, a programmer and producer of James Ponsoldt’s “Smashed” and Drake Doremus’ “Douchebag.