Highland Park Independent Film Festival (Photo – HPIFF)
The 13th annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival will bring five days of independent cinema, filmmaker conversations and community events to Northeast Los Angeles from September 30 through October 4, 2026.
By Rena Kurlander
This year’s festival, themed “Roots to Reels: A Celebration of Cinema’s Transformative Power,” will feature 12 programs at the historic Garibaldina Society. The lineup includes international and world premieres, a mini-horror festival, two feature films and free screenings for the local community.
Festivities begin Wednesday, September 30, with a Filmmaker Meet and Greet Red Carpet. The kickoff event will welcome filmmakers, sponsors, media and festival staff. Canapés will be provided by Highland Park restaurant Checker Hall.
Thursday’s programming will open with a networking panel led by director Kenneth Castillo. The day will continue 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. Terry of “The Morning Show.”
Friday’s events will spotlight emerging and international filmmakers. “New Roots” will highlight new voices, while “Global Frames” will feature international shorts from Portugal, Brazil, Mexico and other countries. The “Drama on Fig” program will include “Take Me Home,” directed by Fabian Martin and featuring actress Laura Patalano, known for “This Fool” and “Gente-fied.”
Friday will conclude with “Fig After Dark,” a mini-horror festival featuring a selection of short films.
Saturday’s programming will begin with a panel led by Emmy Award-winning producer, director and cinematographer Bruce Dickson. The day’s featured film will be the narrative feature “Trauma 4 Life,” written and directed by Roy Berkely.
The film follows Trina, a woman who vlogs about post-traumatic stress disorder under the name “Trauma.” After witnessing a murder while working as a street-based sex worker, Trina and her sister become involved in a dangerous revenge mission against their abusers. HPIFF will present the film free of admission to the community.
Saturday’s additional programs will include “Roots and Memories,” a documentary shorts program; “Beyond the Arroyo,” a collection of mind-bending shorts; and “Rooted in Drama.” The lineup will feature “hi Mom” by SM Goldberger, “Comets” by Amy Roy and the world premieres of “Fronds, Fractals” and “Be My Baby.”
Sunday’s closing feature, “Light Memories / Eco de Luz,” will screen at 2 p.m. The award-winning documentary from Ecuadorian director Misha Vallejo and producer May Fe follows Vallejo as he uses his grandfather’s camera to recreate a family album and explore family secrets, identity and intergenerational trauma. The film will also be presented free of admission.
The festival will conclude Sunday evening with the “Roots to Reels Awards Gala.” The red carpet will run 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.”
The Highland Park Independent Film Festival is the first and only festival of its kind in Highland Park. The grassroots organization provides screening forums, professional networking and mentoring opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers through its annual festival, Community Film Series and filmmaking mentorship program for local youth.
The Community Film Series presents screenings and events designed to build community through film, including this year’s Movie Trivia Night series. For the past 13 years, the mentorship program has provided film education and enrichment to students at Franklin High School.
