LA Harbor International Film Festival Features Live Burlesque

By Ivan Adame, Editorial Intern

The L.A. Harbor International Film Festival has announced its roster of films for its 12th year, taking place at the Warner Grand Theatre April 9 through 12. Among them is the 1962 musical Gypsy, which will be preceded by a live, adults-only burlesque show.

The Academy Award-nominated film stars Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell and Karl Malden, and is based on the memoirs of real-life burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. The film will be projected in its original 35mm format. In tribute to Lee, the burlesque performers Ruby Champagne and Glama Sutra will perform before the screening April 11 at 7 p.m.

“Seeing a film in a ‘movie palace’ like the Warner Grand Theatre is a rare and wonderful experience that speaks to the origin of the art form. It’s not only the quality of projection retaining the integrity of film, it’s about the ambience, the architecture, the historical meaning,” said Stephanie Mardesich, the festival director. “With the addition of the live ‘tease’ to compliment Gypsy, we expect to have a great audience response.”

Other films announced include The Red Pony and The Magnificent Seven, recent documentaries Life on the Line and Becoming California, as well as a series of award-winning short films via NewFilmmakers L.A.

The Red Pony is part of the “Read the Book, See the Movie” educational outreach program, while the screening of The Magnificent Seven is in association with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs’ The Big Read. Both films will be preceded by discussions about the books associated with them.

General admission for each show will be $10, and $8 for seniors and students, with exceptions.

Details: www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.laharborfilmfest.com.