South African Arts Festival features free films at L.A. Live

The inaugural South African Arts Festival 2013 is bringing a sample of that country’s film and music to downtown Los Angeles from Friday through Sunday.

Besides a day of film panel discussions at the Omni Hotel on Saturday, the festival will screen six films Sunday at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 that were selected by the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. All films are free, but reservations are required.

THE ENVELOPE: Full film festival coverage

Among the diverse slate of films are “Felix,” a family film that is described as “Billy Elliott” with African jazz; the acclaimed drama “Otelo Burning,” about a group of township kids who find joy in surfing; and “The African Cypher,” a documentary about South African b-boys.

The Grand Performances Watercourt Stage will host the U.S. premiere Sunday evening of the animated family film “Khumba,” about a half-striped zebra that embarks on a quest to earn his stripes. It’s free.

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