Coming Attraction: Los Angeles Film Festival 2010

Downtown L.A. is getting ready for its closeup, as the Los Angeles Film Festival prepares to kick off its 16th incarnation June 17-27 at new digs L.A. Live.

The festival, which I'll be covering from a family-friendly point of view, will host more than 200 feature films, shorts and music videos from over 30 countries. It will also serve as the world premiere venue for 3D animated film "Despicable Me," featuring the voice of Steve Carell as super-villain Gru, who sets out to steal the moon.

That's in addition to opening night film "The Kids Are All Right" and the third entry in that little vampire franchise (you might have heard of it) "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

Lucky for parents, there are plenty of films ($12 per ticket), conversations ($15), free screenings and other events on tap that would be great for Date Night (remember that?) or for enjoying with the whole fam.

Tickets go on sale June 1 at 10 a.m., and passes are already available.

Some suggestions, with descriptions provided by LAFF:

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT

* "Waiting for Superman" -- Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim explores and exposes our public education system in this moving, hard-hitting -- and hopeful -- look at our schools and the kids whose futures depend on them.

* "Cyrus" -- Director/writers Jay and Mark Duplass have created a twisted romantic comedy, in which a lonely guy meets the woman of his dreams, but she comes with big baggage -- her live-in 21-year-old son, who likes mom all to himself. (John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei star.)

* "The People vs. George Lucas" -- Are you in a love/hate relationship with George Lucas? This hilarious, heartfelt documentary asks who rightfully owns Lucas' cultural legacy and that galaxy far, far away -- the man who created it or the fans that embraced it?

FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE KIDS

* "Make Believe" -- Armed with magic hoops, decks of cards and homegrown illusions, six hopefuls from around the world prepare for Las Vegas' World Magic Seminar and the chance to win the title of Teen World Champion.

* "Pee-Wee Herman's Big Adventure" -- This fun film from the '80s will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the festival. Talk about a blast from the past!

There are so many more films to choose from, as well as conversations with Hollywood types like Ben Affleck and Sylvester Stallone, and libations at the ZonePerfect live.create lounge.

For more information on Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, visit www.LAFilmFest.com.

***GIVEAWAY***

As a bonus, I'll be giving away fun prize packs throughout the festival!

In this post, I'm giving away a 4-pack of tickets good for selected Los Angeles Film Festival screenings plus 4 passes to the ZonePerfect live.create lounge (21 and over only).

To enter, leave a comment below telling me which film you'd like to check out most at the festival. (Click here for a list.)

If you click "Like" on the L.A. Story Facebook fan page, I'll throw your name in twice!

Good luck, and I'll announce the winner Friday, June 11!