The Lower East Side Film Festival will take place May 2-6, 2024. This year will be the 14th annual bringing together innovative filmmakers for five days. Films, panels and parties will make up the festival's schedule. The festival will celebrate independent film and the counterculture spirit of the Lower East Side's iconic neighborhood.

The opening night film Your Monster will be Thursday, May 2 at 8:30p.m. at Village East Cinema. Starring Melissa Barrera and Tommy Dewey, the film was written and directed by Caroline Lindy. This will be the film's New York Premiere. Following the film at 10p.m., the Opening Night Party will be at the Back Room located at 102 Norfolk Street. The general admission ticket to the party includes an open bar in The Back Room prohibition-era speakeasy setting.

If you are looking to see New York filmmaker shorts, the BIG APPLE, SHORT FILMS block happening at the Village East Cinema from 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. is for you on Thursday, May 2nd.

The festival is taking a look back at 1999 with a 25 year celebration of three films. Starting with CRUEL INTENTIONS w/filmmaker Q&A May 3rd at Village Cinema East. AMERICAN MOVIE will be screening at the DCTV Firehouse May 4th. Finally on May 5th, BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER w/filmmaker Q&A at Village East Cinema will conclude the 25th Anniversary screenings.

The NY premiere of PUDDYSTICKS will be the closing night film at Village Cinema East 7:30-9p.m. Then the closing night party will go from 9p.m.-11p.m. at Little Rebel. Film and Party ticket required to attend. Before the screening, according to the festival website, you are invited to "Join us in The Filmmaker Lounge ahead of the screening for open wine and beer bar plus CBD infused water and Topo Chico sparkling water. Doors open 30 minutes ahead of the screening."

All access passes are on sale in limited quantity as well as individual screening and party tickets. Head to the festival website to plan your experience here: https://www.lesfilmfestival.com