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 16, 2012,

the Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from January 26 through February 5, 2012,

the San Diego Jewish Film Festival runs from February 9 through 19, 2012,

the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival runs from February 18 through February 25, 2012,

the San Diego Latino Film Festival runs from March 8 through 18, 2012,

the Newport Beach International Festival runs from April 26 through May 3, 2012.

The Palm Springs Film Noir Festival runs from May ?? through May ??, 2012.

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