"Just like the population of Los Angeles, we're eclectic and rarefied, " said David Ansen, the festival's artistic director.

WSJ: Los Angeles Film Festival to Include Mideast Focus

To lure directors and secure films, the Los Angeles festival markets itself as a "director's festival, " according to Mr. Ansen.

WSJ: Los Angeles Film Festival to Include Mideast Focus

"Tropic Thunder, " which already has received praise from Newsweek's David Ansen and The Hollywood Reporter's Kirk Honeycutt, has also earned its share of knocks.

CNN: 'Tropic Thunder' pushes envelope and then some

The Los Angeles Film Festival is looking for original films but is "less caught up" in the number of acquisitions and premieres at the event, said Mr. Ansen.

WSJ: Los Angeles Film Festival to Include Mideast Focus