The Los Angeles Film Festival kicks off another year of celebrating independent cinema this June 10-18, with several exciting and inventive programs geared toward all kinds of film lovers. From veteran actresses rekindling their leading-lady status (like Lily Tomlin in Grandma) to a selection of Master Classes featuring invaluable conversations with notable creative voices, this year's festival includes a little something for everyone.

Here are five (okay, six) reasons why we're excited for the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival:

 

1. The opening-night film is about a cool grandma

And she’s played by Lily Tomlin in her first leading role since 1988’s Big Business!

In Grandma, Tomlin stars as a lesbian poet mourning the death of her lover whose life is thrown for a loop when her 18-year-old granddaughter shows up in need of an abortion. What follows is a unique blend of comedy and drama as both women come to terms with their past, present and eventually their future.

Fast Fact: Grandma was directed by Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy). Here’s a clip.

 

2. The chance to check out some fascinating real-life stories

This year’s L.A. Film Festival features a fascinating selection of 12 documentaries in competition.

Highlights include A New High (watch the trailer above), about an experimental treatment program for drug addicts that assists them in overcoming their demons via mountain climbing. Also: In a Perfect World, about the evolving dynamics of a man being raised by a single mother (directed by a single mother, inspired by her own life), and Be Here Now, a film that tracks Spartacus star Andy Whitfield’s battle against life-threatening cancer.

Fast Fact: Watch the trailer for Be Here Now below.

 

3. There’s a movie called Dude Bro Party Massacre III

New this year to the festival is its Nightfall section, featuring a lineup of freaky midnight movies by indie directors all making their world premieres.

Among the movies screening we have the pleasantly titled Crush the Skull and the female-driven Caught, about a wife who abducts her husband’s mistress in a prank gone wrong.

The movie we’re most looking forward to, though, is Dude Bro Party Massacre III, about a dude who infiltrates a fraternity in order to solve the death of his identical twin brother. This one looks like a cabin-in-the-woods-type spoof featuring shirtless frat bros, which means you’ll have a lovely time watching them meet their demise in the most amusingly creative ways.

Fast Fact: Yup, you wanna watch the trailer for Dude Bro Party Massacre III, so here ya go. (Warning: Trailer is mildly NSFW due to bro-related blood and guts.)

 

 

4. The return of Scream

For the first time in the festival’s history it will host the premiere of a TV series as part of a Gala screening. But this isn’t just any TV series – it’s Scream, a spin-off of the big-screen horror franchise that spawned four movies.

Festgoers should expect to see an extended version of the first episode, followed by a Q&A with the cast and producers on Sunday, June 14.

Fast Fact: Long after the events of the original movies, the TV series kicks off after a cyber-bullying attack and subsequent murder stir up old memories while inspiring a brand new killer to arise amidst the turmoil. Watch the trailer below.

 

 

5. There’s a lot of love for Los Angeles

One of the more unique sections of the festival is called L.A. Muse, and 2015 will mark its second year as part of the program. The L.A. Muse section is completely dedicated to showcasing the world premieres of films that celebrate the spirit of Los Angeles.

Among the 10 movies in this year’s L.A. Muse lineup, there’s The Escort (Lyndsy Fonseca, Bruce Campbell, Rumer Willis), about a sex-addicted journalist who finds himself sucked into the world of high-priced escorts. Other notable titles: Zoe Cassavetes’ Day Out of Days (pictured above), about an actress (Alexia Landeau) approaching 40 and struggling to find work in Hollywood, and Flock of Dudes, about a dude (Chris D’Elia) who breaks up with his bros in order to finally grow up.

Fast Fact: For more L.A. love, check out our mash-up of memorable movies that take place in Los Angeles.

 

 

Bonus Reason

 

6. Even high school kids get their time in the spotlight

Another unique category at the L.A. Film Festival is its Future Filmmakers Showcase, featuring 27 short films by some of the best budding young filmmakers from around the globe.

According to the official program, this diverse collection of films will include “wild comedies, moving dramas, mesmerizing animation, introspective experimental films and everything in between.”

 

For much more on the L.A. Film Festival, check out the fest’s official site.