This Iconic L.A. Bar Transforms Into A Cozy, Free Indie Film Festival Every Month — Showcasing Local Filmmakers

If you’ve ever walked past the glowing neon sign of El Cid on Sunset Boulevard, you know it as a historic landmark for flamenco and tapas. But once a month, the red velvet curtains part for a different kind of magic. Silver Lake Shorts film festival has transformed this iconic venue into the beating heart of L.A.’s independent film scene. The festival was born from a desire to build a genuine community for creators who felt disconnected from the traditional Hollywood machine. Co-executive directors Benjamin Sharpe and Jared Corwin envisioned a space where film school graduates and amateur enthusiasts could reconnect with their craft and find new friends in a big city that can often feel, sometimes, a bit isolating. Their philosophy is refreshingly accessible as they don’t have submission fees, they offer free attendance, and also foster creative freedom, as the selection process prioritizes entertainment and originality over industry polish. But on top of that, the festival has a dedicated grant program that already provided significant financial support to local artists. Last year, they awarded five filmmakers $5,000 each to produce original shorts between one and five minutes long. This year, they are expanding the program to support even more creators. 🎥​ Next screening: Friday, January 9th 2026, 8 PM 📍​ Location: El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/silver-lake-shorts-film-festival/