There's no lack of great film festivals to attend in California in the coming months:

the Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from January 5 through 18, 2010,

the Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from February 4 through 14, 2010,

the San Diego Jewish Film Festival runs from February 10 through 21, 2010,

the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival runs from February 28 through March 6, 2010,

the San Diego Latino Film Festival runs from March 11 through 21, 2010,

the Newport Beach International Festival runs from April 22 through 29, 2010.

The Palm Springs Film Noir Festival runs from May 28 through May 31, 2010.

All of these are great festivals that show independent feature, short, and documentary films. You can meet the filmmakers, attend some educational seminars, and meet some new friends and make some great contacts.