10th annual Method Fest returns to Calabasas

The city of Calabasas will host the 10th running of The Method Fest independent film festival from March 27 to April 3.

Named after the famous school of acting, The Method Fest is the only U.S. film festival to put the art of acting in the spotlight.

Director Zackary Adler's "Familiar Strangers," an offbeat, funny and heartfelt story of a family going through a series of relationship changes, is the festival's opening night film. Starring veteran actor D.J. Qualls, "Familiar Strangers" screens at 7 p.m. Thurs., March 27 at the Motion Picture and Television's Fund Louis B. Mayer Theatre.

More than 70 entries came from around the world for this year's festival. Many films that have played in the first nine years of the festival have gone on to receive distribution. Last year's opening night film, "Waitress," was considered one of the most successful indie films of the year.

A multiple of screenings, workshops and other events will be held throughout the week.

"This is the strongest lineup in our festival's history," said Don Franken, The Method Fest executive director.

For the screening schedule and other festival information visit www.methodfest.com or call (310) 535-9230.