19th Premiere of LAHIFF: Remaining Relevant Amidst a Pandemic

Golden Age Hollywood films have always been L.A. Harbor International Film Festival’s niche, highlighting great films going back to the 1940s and 50s to a new generation of audiences who otherwise would never have been exposed to films like the 1941 film The Maltise Falcon or the 1951 film, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The festival’s founder, Stephanie Mardesich, doubles down on ensuring younger audiences are exposed to such filmmaking via the festival’s Read the Book, See the Movie programming to which the festival donates the books from which the films were adapted to local students.  

This year’s program features the 1961 film West Side Story, which was itself an adaptation of the 1951 Broadway musical. LAHIFF screens the film as a tribute to George Chakiris on the 60th anniversary of his receiving the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and co-star Russ Tamblyn. It also honors Chakiris’ recently released his memoir, My West Side Story. 

The book follows the entirety of Chakiris’ life — before, during and after the film that ultimately earned him an Oscar and a prosperous career. In the book, Chakiris recounts the rich history behind the West Side Story film. 

The festival’s decision to include West Side Story in this year’s line is timely given the release of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated version of the film. 

On March 3, LAHIFF kicks-off presenting “Read the Book, See the Movie” or RBSM. The program features the classic novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson along with the Walt Disney Studios 1950 film. Mardesich noted the most meaningful aspect of this year’s festival and something “very rare” is LAHIFF is screening two 35mm. prints — Treasure Island and The Sound of Music. Juxtaposed with the live program will be a real time webinar set up for the free education outreach program. Nearly 18,000 free books have been distributed to students and community members since 2004. This year books were again provided by “publishing angel” sponsor Penguin Random House.

On the night of the Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute (March 5), The Sound Of Music —  presented in 35mm — will be co-presented by San Pedro International Film Festival and LAHIFF.  The audience is invited to sing along and come dressed as their favorite characters.

DocSunday, the closing day of the festival (March 6), is devoted to non-fiction films by NewFilmmakers LA Short Documentary Project at 1 p.m. 

Followed by film, Eddy’s Story  at 2:30 p.m., inspiring account of 100 year old “toy genius” inventor Eddy Goldfarb. The film was produced and directed by Goldfarb’s daughter, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Lyn Goldfarb. 

Closing Program F is the world premiere of composite film of oral history project Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, The Movie – Volumes II & III produced by Mardesich and Jack Baric, who also directs. There will be a Q&A with filmmakers after the screenings.

The LAHIFF offers stimulating and entertaining programming that inspires audiences and respects the integrity of the silver screen. As Mardesich contends “the film festival is a way to offer a collective experience augmenting the cultural landscape of and promoting all San Pedro and surrounding areas have to offer residents, visitors, and tourists.”

Though the festival is forging ahead with in person programing, Mardesich provided links to view the films via internet and/or home entertainment centers. With the slated closure of the Warner Grand Theatre in June for renovation, this year’s festival screening in the 90-year-old theater is particularly meaningful.

List of films and links to view:

March 3 Prog. A RBSM: 10:30 a.m. “real time webinar” Treasure Island https://bit.ly/RTBSTM2022 

Zoom access: 869 4231 1869, no password    

Link to view: https://tinyurl.com/mrywv4tw 

March 4 Prog. B: Opening night West Side Story

March 5 Prog. C: The Sound Of Music

DocSunday March 6 Prog. D: New Filmmakers LA Short Documentary Project (no fee) March 3 to 6 only: www.NFMLA.org/LAHIFF2022 

March 6 Prog. E:  Eddy’s Story (no fee) March 3 to 6 only: https://vimeo.com/453116634 

March 6 Prog. F:  Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA) The Movie – Volumes II & III  www.storieslaharborarea.com 

Details

Get tickets at the box office during the day of the program — one hour prior to the program.  Veterans and those currently serving in the military complimentary admission; subject to availability —first come, first seated. 

From March 6, view on website: https://www.laharborfilmfest.com/

Time: Various

Cost: General admission $10; seniors, students and affiliations $8 — cash only

Details: www.laharborfilmfest.com

Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro