Career
Documentary director Laura Gabbert's critically acclaimed films deploy full measures of humor and drama to unflinchingly put a human face on such difficult social issues as aging, the environment, and AIDS. NO IMPACT MAN, which the Los Angeles Times called “terrifically entertaining, compelling and extremely funny.” premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and played theatrically in over 30 cities. Her previous film SUNSET STORY won multiple awards, including prizes at Tribeca and Los Angeles Film Festival. About it, New York Times critic Manohla Dargis wrote, “Perfect of its kind…Sunset Story may break your heart, but it will also make your day.” Other credits include the PBS documentary THE HEALERS OF 400 PARNUSSUS, the ITVS feature film TARANTELLA starring Mira Sorvino, and the Sundance Competition and Venice International Film Festival feature, GETTING TO KNOW YOU, starring Bebe Neuwirth, Heather Matarazzo, and Chris Noth.
Recent Work
Most recently, Laura directed and produced the feature length documentary CITY OF GOLD about Pulitzer Prize winning Los Angeles Times food writer Jonathan Gold. The film premiered in competition at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. About CITY OF GOLD, the New York Times said, “…the film does as much to demystify and yet romanticize Los Angeles as any Chandler novel.” IFC/Sundance Selects bought the film at Sundance. The film played theatrically in over 40 markets and is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and Hulu.
Education/Other Work
Laura has served on many committees and panels including the Independent Spirit Awards, the IDA Awards, the San Francisco Film Festival Documentary Jury, and the Cinema Eye Awards. She received her MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater Television and Film. In 2001, Laura received the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television’s Distinguished Alumni Award.