By Amy V. Dewhurst

This year marks the 6th Annual ‘Other Venice Film Festival’. Helmed by Venice local (and Venice lover) Reuben De La Casa, the 2009 incarnation boasts the Venice debut of Venetian Lori Petty’s “Pokerhouse, Cirque

De Solie’s Whooza Kooza Crew and the presentation of the ‘Local Maverick Abbot’ Award to Oliver Stone for his contribution to Venice Cinema. Most specifically, celebrating the 18th annual anniversary screening of ‘The Doors’ chronicling Jim Morrison’s rise from the Venice Beach Boardwalk to internationally celebrated pop icon (Local legend suggests Morrison wrote People Are Strange while sitting atop the Waldorf Apartments at 5 Westminster Avenue.

Present-day Venice band  ‘Sugarbitch’ rocks out Friday while cocktail parties flank screenings all weekend long (Oct. 15-18). Screenings are $10-$20 (all contributions go towards next year’s festival, without you there is no fest!). For more on The Other Venice  Film Festival check out www.othervenicefilmfestival.com

Many Thanks Ruby De La Casas, Michael D. Vann, Arnie Clomera, Angel Aviles-McClinton, C. Rafael Parish, Rico McClinton and the OVFF Volunteers!