The 10th annual Santa Monica Film Festival kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 3, with 14 independent film screenings taking place at the Main Library's Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium at 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
David Katz, festival director, said the theme is quality films from the next generation of filmmakers. He said the opening film, "Saving A Sacred Rancho In The Canyon," is about the Santa Monica Canyon.
"It's closest to all Santa Monicans' hearts," he said. "It has footage you'd never get to see."
There is also an awards presentation and party on Saturday.
The screenings are free and admission is first come, first serve.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.smff.org for a complete schedule.
