Money, Rights & AI: Apex Photo Studios at the La Femme International Film Festival
A Legacy of Women-Driven Storytelling
For nearly two decades, LFIFF has highlighted the voices of women filmmakers whose work might otherwise be overlooked in mainstream Hollywood. The festival is known for honoring both established and emerging talent.
In its 20th season in 2024, for example, winners included:
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Best Animated Short: Dogwood by Nonie Shiverick
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Best Short: Once More, Like Rain Man by Sue Ann Pien
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Best Music Video: Pretty Please by Vanessa Zamarripa
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Lupe Ontiveros Image Award: Aisha Hinds
These awards reflect LFIFF’s mission: elevating diverse creative voices and bringing them to global audiences.
Apex Photo Studios in Action
This year, Apex Photo Studios will be covering Panel 4 at LFIFF, bringing audiences a front-row view of one of the festival’s most important conversations: how indie filmmakers can secure funding and protect their rights in the era of AI. Our coverage will highlight the insights, discussions, and key takeaways shared by the panel’s powerhouse lineup of industry leaders.
Spotlight on Panel 4: Securing Money & Rights for Your Indie Project in the Age of AI
One of the most anticipated events of the festival is Panel 4, moderated by our own Entertainment Attorney, Nadia Davari. This discussion addresses one of the most pressing issues in today’s creative industries: how independent filmmakers can finance their projects and protect their rights as AI technology rapidly reshapes the landscape.
The panelists bring heavyweight expertise:
Adrian Ward – Cast & Crew Financial Services
Chase Friedman – Founder and CEO @ Vanquish
Jeff Chao – Toei Animation (Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Sailor Moon)
Peter Graham – 120dB Films (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Jeepers Creepers)
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John Tehranian – One LLP (Leading IP Attorney)
Together, they will break down strategies for financing indie projects, navigating distribution, structuring deals, and safeguarding intellectual property.
This October, Apex Photo Studios will be at the La Femme International Film Festival (LFIFF), one of Los Angeles’ most important platforms for women-created media. Since its founding in 2005, LFIFF has grown from showcasing 25 films in its first two-day run to screening more than 100 films across four days, along with industry panels, mentorship opportunities, and distribution support (Wikipedia – La Femme International Film Festival).
Why This Matters
Independent filmmakers face more challenges than ever—shrinking budgets, evolving technologies, and complex legal terrain. Events like this panel give creators access to tools and perspectives that are usually reserved for insiders. With leaders from finance, law, and global media in the same room, attendees can expect practical insights into how to thrive in the current environment.
Join Us
LFIFF runs from October 16–19, 2025 in Los Angeles. Panel 4: Securing Money & Rights for Your Indie Project in the Age of AI takes place on Sunday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 11:50 AM, at 1000 W Olympic Blvd.
Follow Apex Photo Studios for coverage of this timely and essential discussion. Learn more about our event coverage and photography services to see how we capture stories that matter.