LA Harbor International Film Festival Unveils Exciting Lineup

A cinematic celebration of local culture is on the horizon

Programming and sponsors were announced, and official poster/banner unveiled, for the 21st annual LA Harbor International Film Festival or LAHIFF, at the Seafarin’ reception and press launch, held at Port Town Brewing Company, hosted by proprietor James Brown. 

The official festival poster “Anchors Aweigh On The Cinematic Bridge” and street banner, were unveiled by San Pedro honorary mayor Manny Jimenez, founder of Black Knight Patrol. Photo for key art for the iconic “Cinematic Bridge” image was created by photographer/ LAHIFF board member, Peter Read Miller

Festival director Stephanie Mardesich welcomed guests before announcing programming. 

“We are delighted to be in Port Town Brewing Company with its historic significance and thank proprietor James Brown for his on-going support over the years for the film festival and so many worthy organizations. The closing of the WGT is a huge loss to the downtown business and cultural community. We are grateful that sponsors have come forward to host programs in alternate venues, that has been a great challenge to choreograph yet will be new and stimulating environments.”

LAHIFF happens March 14 to 17 at four different locations. The WGT is expected to reopen in 2026.

LAHIFF begins March 14 with the “Read the Book, See the Movie” or RBSM culmination program, free education outreach program, featuring the classic novel Journey To The Center Of The Earth by Jules Verne, and 1959 Academy Award nominated film. RBSM is by invitation only and will take place at Mary Star Of The Sea High School. RBSM — the most successful motivational aspect of the LAHIFF — is a program of enrichment that promotes literacy and a more thoughtful way to view a film. Over 20,000 free books have been distributed to students and community members since 2004.

Opening night begins at 7 p.m., March 15, Happy Hour (no host bar service) will take place at the Dalmatian American Club main bar featuring the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA The Movie). The composite film includes one story from each of Volume V participants (30 min.).

Prior to the SOLAHA movie, view a brief video presentation by Julie Anderson showcasing her late photographer father’s collection of photos of true “movie stars” from 1940s through circa 2000 in the coffee table book she published The Golden Age of Hollywood: Through the Lens of Joe Ackerman. Books will be available for purchase and to sign. Bar opens at 5 p.m., film at 6 p.m.

The Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute happens March 16 aboard Battleship IOWA at 5 p.m. (board ship at 4:30 pm).  A “dream come true” for Mardesich, with Academy Award nominated Anchors Aweigh featuring the famous sequence when film’s star Gene Kelly dances with animated Jerry the mouse. Concessions will be sold and Vicky’s Doghouse Café located on the port side of the ship will have a special menu for the event. Attendees are also encouraged to dine before or after the screening at LAHIFF epicurean sponsor establishments.

The event is free for the public with attendance limited to 200. Reservations requested at “EventBrite.” Donations appreciated of non-perishable food items and new clothing are encouraged to benefit YWCA Harbor Area, Toberman House and Harbor Interfaith Services.

Closing day March 17, known as “DocSunday”, always devoted to non-fiction film, takes place at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or CMA beginning at 3:15 p.m. with world premieres: Longline, short documentary about fishing in Croatia, Isle of Vis, where many San Pedrans hail from. The documentary is followed by the world premiere of Smell Of Money, a short documentary about the local fishing and canning industry, directed by native son Jack Baric. Produced by POLA film, the film is a tribute to the historic fishing and canning industries well remembered and preserved for posterity in the Los Angeles Maritime Museum permanent exhibit Caught, Canned and Eaten: The History of San Pedro’s Tuna & Canning Industry that opened in 2007.

Preceding the film screening there will be a special appearance by Croatian Vocal Ensemble “Izvor” from 2:45-3:15 p.m. singing native folk songs.

“The LA Harbor International Film Festival is a local tradition we have enjoyed for over two decades,” said Supervisor Hahn. “With the historic Warner Grand Theatre closed for renovation this year’s festival is going to feel different though I am glad there is this opportunity to enjoy movies in other venues in town and showcase San Pedro and the harbor. As always, the lineup has something for everyone and I hope there is a great turn out.”

List of program venues and times. The events are free – reservations requested

Program B Opening Night 

Venue: DAC 5 pm, 1639 S. Palos Verdes St.,  San Pedro

Details:  Reservations 310-831-9821

Program C Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute or HNT

Venue: Battleship IOWA, 205 S. Harbor Blvd.,  San Pedro

Details: Reservations: https://anchorsaweigh.eventbrite.com

Program D DocSunday

Venue: CMA, 3710 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro

Details: Reservations: https://laharborfilmfestivalclosingday.eventbrite.com

https://www.laharborfilmfest.com/