57th Annual Humboldt Int’l Film Festival April 18-20

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A photo of a film reel case with Humboldt Film Festival painted on the cover.
The Humboldt International Film Festival, the world’s oldest student-run film festival, returns for its 57th year on April 18-21 at the Minor Theatre in Arcata.

The festival will feature more than 40 international short films, including selections produced in Humboldt County. 

The festival has been bringing independent short films to local audiences for nearly six decades. It has created a unique venue for films and alternative digital media that enjoys an international reputation for supporting and celebrating independent filmmakers working in traditional, experimental, and unconventional modes. 

Founded in 1967 by a group of film-loving Cal Poly Humboldt students, the festival has expanded over the years to feature four days of public screenings, workshops, and presentations by guest judges from the film industry each spring. 

The Humboldt Int’l Film Festival promotes the art of film, not only as a means of entertainment but also as a vehicle for self-expression and a stimulus for dialogue about social, political, and cultural issues.

This year’s genres include narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and its spotlight program, Against the Grain. The festival kicks off with an animation workshop on Thursday,  followed by Friday’s panel discussions with three visiting judges that include documentary filmmaker Atin Mehra, filmmaker Dro Watson, and director Omar S. Kamara, and ends with the Best of Fest program on Sunday. 

Tickets are $12 for general admission and free for Cal Poly Humboldt students. See the full schedule here. 

For tickets and more information, visit: hsufilmfestival.com. Follow the Cal Poly Humboldt Film Festival on social media to stay updated!