The Humboldt International Film Festival is back for its 57th year, promising a vast showcase of short film cinema from around the globe. Public film screenings take place April 18 to 21 at the Minor Theatre in Arcata.
The Humboldt International Film Festival will feature over 40 international short films, including selections produced in Humboldt County. There will also be a panel discussion with three visiting judges, a workshop, after-parties, and more. This year’s film festival will highlight an array of of genres, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental and the spotlight program, “Against the Grain.” The Humboldt International Film Festival prides itself on its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives. As such, the festival will feature a wide range of films exploring themes such as social justice, environmental activism, cultural identity and human resilience. The festival also features films that incorporate Indigenous voices and representation.
The Humboldt International Film Festival kicks off with a screening of “African Giants,” directed by visiting judge Omar Karama. This is scheduled for April 17 at 5 p.m. at Cal Poly Humboldt, Room Art B 102.
In conjunction with the festival, Cal Poly Humboldt will also be offering an animation workshop with Dro Watson, where she will explore “Collaboration + Ideas + Process.” The workshop has limited openings to the public. Register to attend at https://www.hsufilmfestival.com/workshop. The workshop takes place April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cal Poly Humboldt, Room Art A 125.
The Humboldt International Film Festival’s three visiting judges, Watson, Atin Mehra, and Kamara, will present an interactive panel discussion, “Working Beyond Your Limits,” at this year’s festival. They will discuss how to operate with limited budgets and crews as an independent filmmaker and talk about how to bring creative vision to life while juggling multiple roles on set. The three speakers will cover experimental/animation, documentary and narrative approaches to filmmaking. The panel discussion is free and open to all and takes place April 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Cal Poly Humboldt, Room Art B 102.
Tickets for the 57th annual Humboldt International Film Festival are $12 general admission and can be purchased online at www.hsufilmfestival.com. Tickets are free for all Cal Poly Humboldt students and can be reserved at the Minor Theatre with proof of student ID. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a complete Humboldt International Film Festival schedule, go to www.hsufilmfestival.com.
