LIVERMORE — The true spirit of original filmmaking will be on display this weekend during the 11th edition of the California Independent Film Festival, organizers say.

Set to run April 16 through Sunday at venues throughout downtown Livermore, the festival will feature dozens of full-length productions, short films and animated features.

"We believe in the voice and spirit of independent films," said Adam Reeves of In The Bag Inc., organizers of the festival. "This year we are telling people that the California Independent Film Festival will feature the best films you've never seen."

A number of those movies were written and produced in the Bay Area, including "The Fenceline," which was shot in Livermore. The film tells the story of an aging ranch hand whose life is being disrupted by urban sprawl.

"With the rolling hills and the landscape, Livermore is an absolutely beautiful location to shoot a film," said Travis Schoen, who produced the movie. "And the community really responded to our vision. It was a perfect storm of scenic beauty and nice people that led to this movie."

Making its world premier at the festival will be the psychological thriller "Moonlight Sonata," which was shot in the Bay Area and throughout the wine country.

"This movie was a labor of love for all of us involved in the project," said writer and director Celik Cayalar of Fog City Pictures. "We are very gratified our world premier will be in Livermore."

Cayalar said these types of showcases are absolutely key in promoting truly low-budget films.

"It's very difficult for a film like this to get wide distribution," he said. "Our best opportunity to build an audience and spread the word is through small festivals like this. It's an opportunity to generate the kind of buzz that could lead to a wider release."

Other movies highlighting the festival include "How To Be" which features "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson and "Adopt a Sailor" starring Bebe Neuwirth.

"There is a lot of stuff out there in the theaters now, but if you to want find something really new and exciting, we've got it," Reeves said. "It's an incredibly diverse lineup."

Actor Diane Ladd will receive the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival awards dinner at the Blackhawk Museum on Saturday, Ladd is the winner of three Emmys and has been nominated three times for an Oscar. Past Lifetime Achievement winners include Martin Landau and Cloris Leachman.

On Saturday, Dorothy Deborba of Livermore, a one-time member of the Our Gang film series, will be the guest of honor at the Filmmakers' Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Vine Cinema. DeBorba began her film career at the age of 5 in the 1930s.

Reeves said the festival's Web site provides previews and show times so audience members can better select which films they want to see.

"We have already been getting close to 1,000 hit's a day on the Web site," he said. "I think people are really excited about what we have to offer."

Aaron Swarts can be reached at angaaron33@yahoo.com.

If you go
WHAT: California Independent Film Festival
WHEN: Today through Sunday
WHERE: Downtown Livermore -- Vine Cinema, 1722 First St.; Livermore Cinema, 2490 First St.; and the Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St.
COST: Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
MORE INFORMATION: For movies and times or to purchase tickets visit
www.caindiefilmfest.org/calindie/index.html or call 925-371-0100