According to festival organizers, the 13th annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival will host community events, filmmaker conversations, and five days of independent cinema in Northeast Los Angeles from September 30 through October 4, 2026.
This year’s gathering carries the theme “Roots to Reels: A Celebration of Cinema’s Transformative Power.” The program features 12 programs hosted at the historic Garibaldina Society, spanning international and world premieres, a mini-horror festival, two feature films, and free screenings for the local community, as detailed in the festival schedule.
Festival Kickoff and Opening Night
Festivities begin Wednesday, September 30, with a Filmmaker Meet and Greet Red Carpet welcoming filmmakers, sponsors, media, and festival staff. Canapés for the opening night kickoff will be provided by Highland Park restaurant Checker Hall, setting a localized tone for the multi-day event.
Thursday’s schedule opens with a networking panel led by director Kenneth Castillo. Screenings follow with “Mosaic in Motion Reels,” an animation shorts program; “Cinema Unbound,” a collection of experimental and unconventional films; and “Reel Laughs,” a comedy program featuring “Taming, or Life in a Not-So-Modern Age,” directed by actor Desean K.
Showcasing International Shorts and Emerging Voices
Friday’s programming spotlights emerging and international filmmakers, with “New Roots” highlighting new voices and “Global Frames” featuring international shorts from Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries. Within the “Drama on Fig” program is “Take Me Home,” featuring actress Laura Patalano, known for “Gente-fied” and “This Fool,” and directed by Fabian Martin.
Friday evening concludes with “Fig After Dark,” a mini-horror festival showcasing a selection of short films. Saturday morning opens with a panel led by Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and cinematographer Bruce Dickson, followed by the narrative feature “Trauma 4 Life,” written and directed by Roy Berkely.
The story follows Trina, who uses the pseudonym “Trauma” to vlog about post-traumatic stress disorder. After she witnesses a murder during her work as a street-based sex worker, she and her sister embark on a perilous mission for revenge against those who abused them. Festival organizers confirmed that admission to “Trauma 4 Life” will be free to the community.
Documentary Screenings and Closing Awards Gala
Saturday’s lineup includes further programs such as the documentary shorts collection “Roots and Memories,” a series of mind-bending shorts titled “Beyond the Arroyo,” and “Rooted in Drama,” which showcases “Comets” by Amy Roy, “hi Mom” by SM Goldberger, and the world premieres of “Be My Baby” and “Fronds, Fractals.”
Sunday’s closing feature, “Light Memories / Eco de Luz,” screens at 2 p.m. Produced by May Fe and directed by Ecuadorian filmmaker Misha Vallejo, this award-winning documentary depicts Vallejo exploring identity, intergenerational trauma, and family secrets by using his grandfather’s camera to recreate a family album. Admission to the screening is free.
The festival wraps up Sunday evening with the “Roots to Reels Awards Gala.” A red carpet runs from 7 to 8:00 pm, followed by awards, dinner, and a mixer from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.
“We are filmmakers putting on a festival for our fellow filmmakers,” said Marita De La Torre, the festival’s founder. “We pride ourselves on focusing on diverse programming in our lineup. Our festival highlights films that challenge societal norms and celebrate underrepresented voices, cultural relevance and social impact.”
As the only festival of its kind in Highland Park and the first to be established there, this grassroots organization offers mentoring opportunities for established and emerging filmmakers, professional networking, and screening forums via its Community Film Series, annual festival, and a mentorship program for local youth. The Community Film Series hosts events and screenings intended to foster community through cinema, such as this year’s Movie Trivia Night series, while students at Franklin High School have received enrichment and film education through the mentorship program for 13 years.
Did You Know? The Highland Park Independent Film Festival has maintained its youth filmmaking mentorship program at Franklin High School for 13 years, providing ongoing film education and enrichment to local students alongside its annual festival lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 13th annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival taking place?
The festival runs from September 30 through October 4, 2026, at the historic Garibaldina Society in Northeast Los Angeles.
Are any screenings free to the public?
Yes. Festival organizers confirmed that free community admission will be provided for select screenings, including the narrative feature “Trauma 4 Life” and the Sunday closing documentary “Light Memories / Eco de Luz.”
What is the background of the festival organization?
Founded by Marita De La Torre, the Highland Park Independent Film Festival is a grassroots organization that provides screening forums, professional networking, and a 13-year-old filmmaking mentorship program for students at Franklin High School.
What steps might local filmmakers take to participate in future community screening forums hosted by the organization?
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