The 13th Highland Park Independent Film Festival Returns Sept. 30–Oct. 4

A Mosaic of Independent, Diverse and Resurgent Film Culture.

The 13th Annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival (HPIFF) returns September 30 through October 4 under the theme “Roots to Reels”. Hosted at the historic Garibaldina Society (4533 N. Figueroa St.), the grassroots festival steps into a new venue sponsor location this year while the historic Highland Theatre remains closed.

Industry Panels & Networking for Local Creators

For local filmmakers, this year’s schedule features dedicated industry panels designed for professional networking and skill-building. On Thursday, October 1, director Kenneth Castillo hosts a panel on networking. On Saturday, October 3, programming opens with an industry panel led by Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and cinematographer Bruce Dickson. These sessions reflect HPIFF’s broader mission to foster emerging and established filmmakers through screening forums, professional networking, and mentorship.

Festival Highlights & Free Community Screenings

Across five days, the festival presents 12 program blocks featuring World and International Premieres from independent creators in Highland Park and around the globe. Highlights include Wednesday’s filmmaker red carpet meet-and-greet catered by Checker Hall, Friday night’s “Fig After Dark” mini-Horror fest, Saturday’s free community screening of the narrative feature Trauma 4 Life, and Sunday’s free closing documentary Light Memories / Eco de Luz. The festival concludes October 4 with the Roots to Reels Awards Gala.

Empowering Diverse Voices

As Festival Founder Marita De La Torre emphasizes, “We are filmmakers putting on a festival for our fellow filmmakers,” focusing on diverse programming that celebrates underrepresented voices and social impact.

A Few Of The Films Featured At This Year’s Festival

Documentary feature: Light Memories / Eco de Luz

Narrative feature: Trauma 4 Live

Animated Shorts: Prison and Time

Reel Laughs:  Detective Omega, Blitz and the Taming 

New Roots World Premieres: Intelejustice, The Jobber and Her Anima

Global Frames: For US and Todo el Vino

Drama on Fig: Take Me Home, Her Last Day in the US and Confessions to the Moon

Fig After Dark World Premiere: Follow Me Home 

Roots & Memories World Premiere: Roots 

Beyond the Arroyo:  What it Feels Like 

Event Details & Access:

• When: September 30 – October 4, 2026
• Where: Garibaldina Society, 4533 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90065
• Schedule & Tickets: Visit www.hpifilmfest.com for full lineups and ticketing details.

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