On November 16, 2024, the seventh edition of the Failed Film Festival unfolded at Media Pollution in East Los Angeles, leaving its mark as one of the year’s most provocative and boundary-pushing cultural events. From 7 PM to midnight, attendees were immersed in a celebration of experimental erotic films, avant-garde art, and daring performances that challenged norms and redefined creative expression.
The event, themed “Peep Show,” showcased a bold curation of films, porn and performances that delved into themes of sexuality, identity, and artistic vulnerability. True to the festival’s mission of embracing failure as a catalyst for innovation, the lineup featured works that pushed boundaries in storytelling and visual artistry. Artists such as Lauren West—who brought her distinctive mix of collage, film, and feminist themes to life—and Spike, whose drag and performance art fused raw emotion with subversive narratives, captivated the audience.
Beyond the films, the venue itself became a canvas. Media Pollution transformed its space into a retro-futuristic landscape, merging vintage technology with interactive installations that engaged attendees on a visceral level. The juxtaposition of analog aesthetics and cutting-edge media added an extra layer of depth to the night’s experience.
The Spirit of Failure
Since its inception in 2016, the festival has championed the beauty of imperfection. Co-founded by Grace Van Ness and Christopher Holloway, the Failed Film Festival grew out of their experiences in the adult industry and their desire to create a space for art that would otherwise be marginalized or censored. This year’s event was a testament to the festival’s origins, continuing to provide a stage for unconventional narratives and underserved communities, including queer and sex worker voices.
Holloway, reflecting on the festival’s journey, remarked that it has always been more than a showcase—it’s a “permission structure to risk failure” and a celebration of the messy, imperfect, and beautiful process of creation.
Community Impact
Season 7 saw a convergence of diverse creative minds and audiences, creating an electric atmosphere where people from different backgrounds shared in the joy of unfiltered expression. The event’s inclusive ethos resonated deeply, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a safe space for marginalized voices and bold ideas.
For those lucky enough to attend, Failed Film Festival 2024 wasn’t just an evening of entertainment—it was a powerful reminder that failure is an essential part of the creative process and that true art emerges when we dare to risk it all.
