59th Annual Humboldt International Film Festival Celebrates boundary-pushing local and international film April 23 - 26!

The Humboldt International Film Festival (HIFF) is back for its 59th year, and will feature over 30 international short films from around the world, including selections produced locally in Humboldt County, screening April 23-26 at the historic Minor Theatre in Arcata, California. There will also be a panel discussion with our three visiting guest judges, an animation workshop, parties, and more.

This year's curated lineup includes narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental programs, and a specially-themed spotlight program, Into the Woods Somewhere. HIFF takes pride in showcasing diverse voices and perspectives through a wide range of films exploring themes such as social justice, environmental activism, cultural identity, and human resilience.

“We made an active effort to promote different voices and groups in the program,” says Danica Frey, one of this year’s co-directors for HIFF. “Being student-run sets us apart from the bigger festivals, as we have a programming group that is extremely tapped into current events and the impact of using your voice. We have brought this into the festival this year to help highlight different stories without censorship.”

Guest Judges

LaTajh Weaver is a screenwriter, director, and producer from Oakland, CA. They have produced commissioned films for The Guardian, the Museum of African Diaspora, and the San Francisco Queer Arts Foundation. In 2025, Weaver had two films premiere on the festival circuit: Budget Paradise, which debuted at the SFFILM Festival and Hold Me Close, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Weaver served as Associate Producer on Earth Mama (A24). A recipient of the SFFILM Rainin Grant, Weaver is currently developing their debut feature, No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds, a dark comedy exploring identity politics and belonging within the Bay Area’s Queer scene.

Julian Doan is a writer/director preoccupied with the mundane, ironic, and absurd. His short films Raspberry (Sundance 2021) and Long’s Long Lost & Mini Mart (Tribeca 2025), are the first 2 of his “dead dad trilogy”, to be completed with his 1st feature Half Sweet (Gotham Project Market 2021): a Tati-esque satirical tragicomedy about a family keeping a dying father alive against his will. Together, these films all explore the commodification of grief. He’s also an editor and assistant editor with credits such as The Sympathizer, In Treatment, Mainstream, and Wild Wild Country. He’s a recently converted cat daddy.

Kat Ball is an animator originally from New York City, currently living in Los Angeles. She is a character designer on the Netflix animated series Long Story Short and seasons two and three of Tuca & Bertie. She is the founder & curator of the animation screening series Loose Frames, which aims to uplift independent animators locally and internationally. She is also on the board and the Fellowship Program Director of the 501(c)3 non-profit Silver Lake Shorts.

Tickets

General admission is $12 | Purchase via the Minor Theatre: https://www.minortheatre.com/

Talk, workshop and parties are FREE

Tickets are FREE for all Cal Poly Humboldt students and can be reserved at the Minor Theatre with proof of student ID. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the Minor for more information: (707) 822-3456.

Learn more

You’ll find the full program, schedule of events, and official film selections. Also, learn about this year’s guest judges and co-directors, and see what we’ve done in the past: www.humboldtfilmfest.com

Social

Facebook: @HumboldtInternationalFilmFestival

Instagram: @humboldtintlfilmfest

TikTok: @humboldtfilmfest

About the Humboldt International Film Festival (HIFF)

The Humboldt International Film Fest has been bringing independent short films to Humboldt County since 1967. As the world’s longest-running student-led film festival, we have created a unique venue for traditional films and alternative digital media that enjoys an international reputation for supporting and celebrating independent filmmakers working in traditional, experimental, and non-traditional modes. Our 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. HIFF strives to create a space for independent filmmakers to express themselves, free from the censorship of mainstream media, and are particularly aware of the power of short, independent cinema; we seek those that inspire social and environmental change.

This year’s co-directors are Danica Frey and Sara Ortega, who work side-by-side with the other students and Faculty Advisor Nicola Waugh. As a 100% student-led endeavor, HIFF relies on the generosity of donors to uphold our 59-year legacy as the world's longest-running student-led film festival. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters who have championed this cherished Humboldt tradition, enabling us to keep the magic of cinema alive and thriving!