Since 1967, the festival has served as a forum for filmmakers to showcase their work, not only for entertainment, but as artistic self-expression and as a venue to spark further conversations on social, cultural and political issues.
“Films can change the way people look at the world,” says festival co-director Jeff Cronise. “And in the film world, digital brought its own revolution to the industry—all you need now is the camera and the editing software.”
“Anyone can share their point of view,” adds co-director David Fox. “We have film submissions from six different continents and all different walks of life.”
The festival will host several nights of diverse film screenings, as well as workshops presented by the festival judges and industry professionals Jessica Mae Stover, film director; Al Hayes, motion picture executive; and Kevin M. Kearney, screenplay writer and former member on the Public Works Media board of directors.
The week of events will kick off Sunday, May 1 at the John Van Duzer Theatre with a 7 p.m. screening of the revolutionary 1954 film, “Seven Samurai,” by Akira Kurosawa.
On Monday, May 2, the festival will highlight Humboldt’s own, during Local Filmmakers Night, hosted by the Humboldt Film Commission. Screenings of submitted films will run from 7-10 p.m. at the Van Duzer Theatre.
The revolutionary classic “Do The Right Thing,” by Spike Lee, will be screened Tuesday, May 3 at the Van Duzer Theatre at 7 p.m.
From May 4-6, the festival will host themed screening nights for submitted films with Animation and Experimental Night, Documentary Night and Narrative Night, respectively. Each of these screenings will be preceded by related workshops facilitated by that category’s professional judge.
The festival goes out with a bang on Saturday, May 7 during Best of the Fest Night where award-winning submitted films will be announced. The night will be hosted by judge Stover at the Van Duzer Theatre.
For more information, visit the Humboldt International Film Festival website at http://humboldtfilmfestival.com/.