ABOUT US

A Magical Setting

The Humboldt Film Fest is the oldest student-run film festival in the world, showcasing innovative cinema since 1967, the Summer of Love...

We are a nonprofit festival celebrating films that test cinematic boundaries. Films that show heart and purpose hold a greater value to this festival than attributes related to production value. The Humboldt Film Fest exists so that excellent independent films are seen and filmmakers are supported in their art, so as to perpetuate the creation of more exceptional films.

Nestled in the north coast redwoods of California, the city of Arcata has proven to be a magical setting for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to gather for our annual spring festival. Named by UTNE Reader as California's Most Enlightened Town, Arcata offers the best in organic meals, walkable streets, ocean beaches, and temperate rain forest hikes.

Humboldt State University is known for its world-renowned professors, its small class sizes, and its innovative, experential approaches to learning. Our Film department takes a uniquely hands-on approach in which students are already planning, shooting, and editing multiple 16mm films in their first semester. Emphasis is placed on collaborative skills and artful expression of well-developed and substantive ideas. More information about the Theatre, Film, and Dance department can be found at the department home page.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter for updates on this year's deadlines, judges, awards, and ongoing events.

LATEST NEWS:

April 4:
Check out this year's Award Winners!

March 9:
Lori Petty, Ry Russo-Young, & Joaquin Alvarado announced as Guest Judges!

February 5:
Don't miss our final deadline for submissions, February 16!

November 23:
We are now accepting online submissions at withoutabox.com!

November 18:
Early "L.A. Time" deadline extended to December 15! See Submissions.