After just one year in Orinda, the ContraCostaTimes is reporting that the California Independent Film Festival is moving just a few miles down the road to Moraga and The New Rheem Theatre.
Cost was the driving force behind the decision, said festival founder and President Derek Zemrak. Whereas festival organizers had to pay to use the Orinda Theatre, they operate the Rheem themselves. The festival moved to Orinda last year after seven years in Livermore, also citing financial reasons.
Festival organizers also announced other changes including expanding the event from three days to seven and moving it to January so it does not conflict with another film festival in San Francisco. Zemrak reportedly would not reveal any details about the festival lineup and celebrity guests other than to say actor Lou Diamond Phillips will be present as an honoree.
