Being a filmmaker in Hollywood can often just be the stuff of unrealized dreams. But the Echo Park Film Center, a nonprofit community arts center, helps to make some of these dreams a reality. Read more...

Photo: Woodrow White, a charter school student at Rennaisance Arts Academy, films his seated subject near the Echo Park Film Center. The center, founded in 2002, offers a number of programs for filmmakers both young and old, screens films regularly and serves as a film library of sorts.

Although Nigerian author Chris Abani had no political agenda in mind when he was imprisoned for publishing his first novel about a military coup in Nigeria at the age of 16, he has since embraced his reputation as an activist. Read more...

Photo: Chris Abani, author of “Song For Night” and “The Virgin of Flames,” will discuss his work at the Fowler Museum as part of the OutSpoken series. The award-winning writer will also be discussing Africa’s art scene.

Cinco de Mayo, is this week, and if you're anything like me you're probably throwing a party "“ or at least your roommates are subjecting you to one. Read more...

Photo: With a mix of mahi-mahi, pico de gayo and slaw, fish tacos with lime provide a flavorful, healthy taste experience for Cinco de Mayo.