Worth Checking Out: 7th Annual L.A. 3-D Movie Festival

LOS ANGELES—As just about everyone knows, 3D in the "new thing" (despite its having been around since photography was invented), and Avatar 3D is the highest-grossing mainstream movie of all time—so whether you're an adult movie producer looking to cash in on the growing interest in the genre, or just someone who enjoys seeing movies where characters throw stuff at your head, why not check out the 7th Annual Los Angeles 3-D Movie Festival this Saturday?

It's being held at the Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St. in L.A., beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting most of the rest of the day. The festival will include the world premiere of the new 3D horror flick, Dark Country, directed by Thomas Jane (whom some may recognize as the star of the HBO series "Hung"), and the price of admission includes an "after party" for all attendees.

Dark Country's plot, according to a blurb on its website, involves "two honeymooners [who] rescue a mysterious car crash survivor in the Las Vegas desert. But their decision to save the man becomes increasingly regrettable when he turns on them, forcing the newlyweds to do the unthinkable. In a blur of paranormal chaos, the couple must take drastic measures to cover up their actions from the local police, ultimately leading each character to an inescapable fate. "

Besides the Dark Country showing, there are two sessions of 3D short films which are competing for prizes from the Stereo Club of Southern California's Movie Division, and despite the illustration accompanying this article, all will be shown in polarized format, so none of that off-color (and off-putting) red/blue anaglyph projection.

While each block of programming can be purchased individually, a full roster of 3D can be had for a mere $32 if purchased from the official festival website before 11 a.m. on Saturday—so COME ON DOWN!

And if you're really, REALLY into 3D, why not also attend the Society of Cinematographers, American Society of Cinematographers and the International Cinematographers Guild 5th Annual Mixer & BBQ Lunch, which is being held at the J.L. Fisher Company, 1000 Isabel Street in Burbank? It's free, and it'll have free refreshments, as well as giving movie pros (and potential and would-be pros) a chance to interact with industry professionals and see lots of new camera gear!

The Mixer/BBQ Lunch begins at 10 a.m. and lasts most of the afternoon.