Brains and Box Office at Topanga Film Festival

Who knew Edward Scissorhands could create new synapses in the brain? Or that Optimus Prime could alter your sense of space and time? Apparently,  organizers and a few neuroscientists did.

The seventh annual Topanga Film Festival offered deep discussions with panelists and festival-goers about what happens to the brain while watching a movie.

There were a number of panel discussions throughout the festival, which took place this past weekend. Some were about comedy and the brain, others addressed neuroscience and directing. Festival attendees could select their discussion of choice, hop on a shuttle and sit beneath the trees at various locations, including the Main Stage at Topanga Elementary School and the Ribbit Tree Ampitheatre, next to a nursery offering up free tangelos to passers-by.

The venues were so intimate, many folks seemed to get lost in the discussions. Question-and-answer sessions often went on for an hour or more.

Movies including shorts and a dance film showcase ran each day at the Main Stage and the El Coyote Theater. 

Organizers said they hope to get the word out as the festival grows. It was not a crowded event, which was nice for attendees who enjoy one-on-one time with filmmakers. But the festival, along with new addition Topanga Film Institute, rely on public support of the arts.