INSIDE
Suspect Strikes 6-YearOld Girl in Santa Monica, Investigation Underway smmirror.com
March 15 - March 21, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 7
A New Civil Lawsuit Against Roman Polanski Has Moved Forward to Trial Director Faces Allegations From 1973, Santa Monica Judge Sets Date A trial date of August 4, 2025, has been set for the civil lawsuit against director Roman Polanski in Santa Monica by Judge H. Jay Ford III, as reported by Variety Magazine. The plaintiff alleges that Polanski raped her in 1973, when she was underage, at his Benedict Canyon residence. According to the lawsuit, the encounter occurred after
she had met him at a party several months prior. The plaintiff’s lawsuit claims that Polanski invited her to dinner at Le Restaurant on La Brea Avenue, provided shots of tequila, and took her to his home, where she later woke up in his bed. The lawsuit states that Polanski expressed a desire for sexual intercourse, to which the groggy plaintiff refused, saying “No” and pleading with him not to proceed. Despite her objections, the suit alleges that Polanski ignored her pleas and sexually assaulted her before driving her home. According to the lawsuit, as quoted by Variety, the encounter marked the last time she saw the director. The woman first made the accusation
in August 2017, stating that she was 16 at the time of the sexual assault at a press conference. The plaintiff filed the lawsuit in June 2023 under a California law extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse using the name Jane Doe. The director was served with the lawsuit in Paris. Even though it is unlikely that Polanski will return to the United States, this civil suit can proceed without his presence. The director is also being sued for defamation in France by British actor Charlotte Lewis, who accused Polanski of allegedly assaulting her in 1983 when she was 16. Polanski called Lewis’ accusations a “heinous lie.” and Lewis responded by suing him for those words.
AFM Heads to Las Vegas: Independent Film Market’s Big Move to Palms Casino Resort for 45th Edition International Film and Television Alliance Announces AFM Will Leave Santa Monica The American Film Market® (AFM®) is set to move to a new location for its 45th edition. The Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and its Board of Directors announced that AFM will now be hosted at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas from November 5 to 10, 2024. AFM has been held in Santa Monica for 33 years, since 1991. For over four decades, AFM has been a pivotal gathering for independent filmmakers and industry professionals. The IFTA press release said, “This shift to Las Vegas follows a search for the optimal venue to meet the evolving needs of AFM’s Exhibiting Sales Companies and Buyers.” Clay Epstein, IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment, explained the decision, stating, “After extensive research, discussions with the Board, and invaluable feedback from stakeholders, this move underscores our determination to evolve AFM to meet today’s industry needs. The Palms enables
us to create a sophisticated platform for all our participants’ activities in one convenient location and beyond.” Clay Epstein emphasized the industry’s support and excitement for the move to Las Vegas, stating, “This move is generating support and enthusiasm from colleagues around the world, and we are excited to welcome everyone to AFM 2024 in November.” Key players in production, finance, sales, and distribution, such as Arclight Films, Blue Fox Entertainment, Blacktop International, Cinema Management Group, and more, have already committed to participating in AFM24 at the Palms Casino Resort, showcasing the industry’s anticipation for this monumental shift and the continued significance of AFM to their businesses.
Jean Prewitt, IFTA President & CEO, commented: “AFM was created by the Independents and remains the Independents’ market. The industry has called for a fresh look at how the market can better serve a
rapidly changing business. The Board has made a monumental decision that allows us to better serve these needs. We look forward to introducing everyone to the new AFM venue and its offerings.” “We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to the American Film Market,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms Casino Resort. “Our team members are committed to providing the Palms signature and personalized hospitality to each and every guest. The AFM’s needs and our offerings make for a perfect match, and we look forward to hosting the AFM participants this November.” As AFM prepares to debut in Las Vegas this Fall, the press release said, that further details will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
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