There's a film festival course/panel at the Learning Annex in LA on November 15th which you might be interested in attending. Here are more course details. You can get a $20 discount on the course fee (courtesy of Flim Threat because Chris Gore is on the panel):
Anyway, just fyi for you or any of your studious film studies study partners. $40 bucks is still kinda steep I suppose to hear people talk about film festivals, but you might be able to make some contacts.Go to http://www.learningannex.com and go to the Los Angeles classes -- simply enter the Coupon Code FILMTH. The Film Festival panel will pop up and YOU will get a $20 discount! That's only $39.99 for a panel of top experts! Or, call 310-478-6677 and mention your coupon code (FILMTH). When you enroll, you'll receive more details about the location.