Flux celebrates its 15th year with the launch of Flux Festival, an event centered on innovation in film, art, and emerging technology with a full day of talks, screenings, and performances Nov. 23rd in Los Angeles.

Flux fosters creative community where the people in the audience are often as inspiring as the people speaking onstage.

When: Nov. 23
Where: Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Koreatown, Los Angeles

Presenters at Flux Festival include:
– Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Carlos López Estrada
– Multidisciplinary sci-fi artist Lucy McRae
– Creator of the Cyberfeminism Index, Mindy Seu
– Conceptual filmmaker Paul Trillo
– Singer and performance artist Poppy
– British visual artist and performer Shantell Martin
– Director and music producer Sam Spiegel
– New wave storyteller Ari Kuschnir
– Genre-defying filmmaker and artist Rashaad Newsome

See the complete list of filmmakers, performers, and presentations HERE.
Grab your tickets HERE.
 
Flux Festival Q&A with founders Meg and Jonathan Wells
 

 
Tell us about the origin of Flux and a bit about how you got involved in working with filmmakers.

Meg: In the mid 90s, before “new media” became a term, I was showcasing artists using emerging tech to push creative boundaries. My first exhibition was with Sony Japan, featuring musician Osamu Sato for their newly launched CD-ROM. Later, I exhibited the work of artists Survival Research Labs, collaborated with Computer Life Magazine on “Home of the Future” in San Francisco, and organized S.M.A.R.T. (South of Market Art, Rhythm & Technology), a block party for young creatives.

Jonathan: Flux emerged from my experience founding RESFEST Digital Film Festival and RES Magazine, which were the first entirely digital film festival and publication focused on film and art created with digital tools. When RES and RESFEST closed after 10 years, Meg and I decided to combine our shared passion for film and art under the new banner of Flux, continuing our commitment to championing innovative storytelling and creative expression. Our quarterly series at the Hammer Museum debuted in March 2008, and it’s been a bit like a film festival packed into a single night.

Meg: Our audience has come to love our short film and music video screenings at the Hammer, followed by surprise presentations. With Flux Festival, we can expand our programming—offering everything from a Real-Time Cinema workshop in an IMAX theater to immersive digital art installations and AV live performances, while still keeping the main stage screenings and presentations our audience knows and loves.

What is it about Flux that brings cultural tastemakers together?

Meg: When attendees come to Flux, they know that the work we exhibit will be at a high level. In a single hour you will experience a snapshot of global creativity across genres and disciplines from animation to documentary, live action, mixed media and more. On top of that you’ll have the opportunity to meet many of the creators and connect with equally creative audience members.

You’ve established a reputation for recognizing and championing emerging talent. How do you spot the most promising filmmakers?

Meg: Film is subjective, so there isn’t a simple answer. Some works stand out due to sheer technical skill, others for their narrative depth, and some resonate because they capture the current moment so powerfully that they evoke a profound reaction, creating a shared experience that binds the audience.

What are your favorite aspects of putting together programming for each event?

Meg: Discovering new talent and fresh work is always a highlight. I love anticipating the audience’s reaction when they see a film for the first time in the cinema, and there’s nothing better than overhearing conversations about their favorite films at our courtyard reception.

What aspects of Flux Festival are most exciting to you?

Jonathan: Creating this new festival has been incredibly rewarding, especially in reuniting with two long-time collaborators. Alexei Tylevich, whom I first met as a filmmaker featured in RESFEST, and his team at Logan have crafted the festival’s identity and all aspects of design. Holly Willis, the original editor of RES Magazine and a RESFEST curator, is co-curating the programming with Meg and me.

Meg: What excites me most about Flux Festival is our diverse lineup of films, installations, and conversations that encourage creative risk-taking. Over the years, we’ve hosted countless film screenings in cinemas, so I’m thrilled to add AV performances, workshops, and immersive art installations to the mix. Bringing together visionary artists from different disciplines in one space creates a unique energy, and I can’t wait to hear how each of them is using technology in their craft.

How do Flux attendees make the most out of their experience?

Meg: By not missing a single minute of the exciting, jam-packed program we have planned. I highly recommend stopping by Open Market in Koreatown before Saturday’s main event. It’s the perfect place to grab one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have in Los Angeles and fuel up for an inspiring day!

Jonathan: I encourage attendees to dive into as many aspects of the festival as possible—explore the screenings, main stage talks, art installations, and conversations with an open mind. The festival is designed to spark creativity and collaboration, so take every opportunity to meet and engage with the artists and fellow attendees. Often, our audience members are just as interesting as the guest artists on stage.

What advice do you have for filmmakers interested in participating in the next Flux event?

Meg: Create work that is uniquely yours and pushes boundaries—Flux values originality and experimentation in storytelling and visuals. If possible, engage with the Flux community by attending our screenings and events to connect with like-minded creatives, form collaborations and gain insight into the type of work we showcase.