The arts have an important place in the San Pedro Harbor Area, whether from artists who live and work here, the San Pedro Art walk or the many murals located throughout downtown. Now, it’s once again time for the Harbor Area’s annual celebration of film artistry. On February 18, festival director and founder Stephanie Mardesich announced the launch of the 18th annual LA Harbor International Film Festival, or LAHIFF, in front of epicurean sponsor The Whale & Ale in downtown San Pedro.
In the time of COVID-19, this year’s festival is going virtual. Mardesich, noted that LAHIFF commemorates the 90th anniversary of the opening of the vintage art deco Warner Grand Theatre in historic downtown San Pedro that has been the main venue for the LAHIFF since 2004. The film festival also continues its partnership with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles featuring a Sunday afternoon matinee of 10 film shorts.
Mardesich also unveiled the official LAHIFF poster titled “Surfing the Cinematic Bridge,” with artistry inspired by LAHIFF’s closing documentary film, Endless Summer.
Virtual features on LAHIFF’s 2021 lineup include three classic films, a webinar and Q&A, all listed below with links.
March 11 Prog. A: 10:30 a.m. Read The Book, See The Movie selection is the classic American novel Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, and the 1960 Disney film of the same name. LAHIFF will offer a real time webinar presentation at http://bit.ly/rtbstmpollyanna. RBSM promotes literacy and a more thoughtful way to view a film. It is the most successful motivating aspect of the LAHIFF, nearly 17,000 books have been distributed to students and community members since 2004.
March 12, 7 p.m. Prog. B: Opening Night “Mangia Italiano 4” Il Postino https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110877/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
March 13 Prog. C: New Filmmakers LA lahiff.eventive.org. Pre-register at this link to view and for Q&A March 13, 7 p.m.
Prog. D: HNT Phantom Of The Opera, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036261/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_45
March 14, 1 p.m. Prog. E: DocSunday John Van Hamersveld’s Crazy World Ain’t It, about artist John Van Hamersveld, who grew up in Palos Verdes Peninsula at Lunada Bay, and created the iconic poster for The Endless Summer, https://vimeo.com/480561807 Password: CWAI
March 14, 1 p.m. Prog. F DocSunday The Endless Summer, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
On March 13 Sunday’s matinee features NewFilmmakers Los Angeles or, NFMLA, to showcase a selection of short films made in Los Angeles. Unlock all of the films and filmmaker Q&A at www.watch.eventive.org/lahiff/play/shorts-program-and-q-a
Founded in 2007, NFMLA is a strong advocate and gathering place for independent cinema. In addition to fostering the advancement of new filmmakers and its members in Los Angeles County, NFMLA is a vital organization with screenings and events programmed throughout the year fulfilling their objective to promote the economic, educational, social, and cultural advancement of filmmaking, arts and culture in the community.
Selections:
Misdirection, directed by Carly Usdin, 14 minutes
Camila is your average college freshman with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a big, gay crush on her roommate. After both situations come to a head in a near car crash, Cam is stuck trying to find a distraction. A chance encounter with a street magician teaches her to channel her misguided energy into a new hobby, and to open her heart to new possibilities.
Hyper Active, directed by Cory Reede, 6 minutes
All his life Cory knew he was different, it just took him a little longer to figure out why. As he faces his recent adult ADHD diagnosis, he embarks on a quest to learn how several friends with disabilities continue to cope and how their journeys might impact his own.
The Disease, directed by Dara Safvatnia & Joan Joan Paül, 9 minutes
A couple of siblings meet in front of the Hollywood sign after he has had a terrible audition.
A Burial, directed by Kevan Tucker, 11 minutes
A young boy confronts his fears and ventures into the mysterious woods at night to find his lost dog.
Weep Not, directed by Lenore Thomas Douglas, 13 minutes
A tale of one woman’s will to heal from an early childhood trauma after the passing of her best friend and confidant, her grandmother. In her attempt to rise above, Journey must make one critical life-altering choice, but can she decide before it’s too late?
Turtle, directed by Matt Kenchington, 10 minutes
It was a blistering hot day, and, as a chubby kid on summer break, Bruno’s only goals were to avoid his chores and stay cool while awaiting the sweet jingle of the ice cream truck. After emerging victorious in his quest for frozen delights, things didn’t go as planned, and the sugar high only lasted so long. Whether it was the heat, the sugar crash or serendipity, he won’t ever know, but what happened next turned that day into one he could never forget.
Auxiliary Man, directed by Max Roux, 16 minutes
An inept hitman has a chance to prove himself on the night of his first big hit, but nothing goes as planned.
Black Moon, directed by Ryan Graff, 8 minutes
On her walk home, a young mother is lured into a tunnel, unaware of what has been awoken inside on the night of a black moon.
The Shabbos Goy, directed by Talia Osteen, 7 minutes
God literally forbids her to turn off a vibrator gone rogue, so an Orthodox Jew sets out on a quest to find someone who can.
Since the programs are being presented virtually, there is no box office ticket charge, but only what fees might be required at online links. Donations to the LAHIFF are welcome.
Time: March 11 to 14
Details: www.laharborfilmfest.com