San Pedro, CA – The 23rd annual LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) is set to illuminate the Southern California coastline from to , bringing a diverse slate of cinematic works to the historic downtown area. Festival Director Stephanie Mardesich and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn unveiled the 2026 poster at Port Town Brewing Company on , signaling the start of what promises to be another vibrant celebration of global cinema.
LAHIFF’s core mission, as stated by organizers, is to “entertain, enlighten and educate” audiences through films that reflect the unique character of the harbor region – its maritime industries, diverse communities and rich cultural heritage. The festival aims to build a “cinematic bridge between the people of the region and the people of the world,” a sentiment that underscores its commitment to showcasing stories from a wide range of perspectives.
The festival’s opening day, , will feature a special, invitation-only screening of “Read the Book, See the Movie” – or RBSM – a free educational outreach program centered around a classic novel, The Swiss Family Robinson. The event will be held at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. And the program commencing at 10:00 a.m.
On , LAHIFF will present “Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” (SOLAHA), a screening of six stories from Volume VII of the SOLAHA oral history project. The film, shot at the Dalmatian American Club in 2025, will be followed by a conversation and Q&A session with participants. A happy hour (no-host bar) will precede the screening, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the film itself starting between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 310-831-9821.
A “Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute” (HNT), featuring the 1952 MGM film Skirts Ahoy!, is scheduled for . This event will benefit the YWCA Harbor Area, Toberman Neighborhood Center, and Harbor Interfaith Services. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or new clothing in lieu of ticket purchases. The event begins at 4:00 p.m., with boarding and a tour of the Battleship IOWA starting at 3:00 p.m. And concluding by 6:30 p.m. Further details and reservations are available at https://pacificbattleship.com/events/lahiff-skirts-ahoy.
The festival will culminate on with “DocSunday,” showcasing the feature presentation The Eyes Of Ghana (USA, Breakwater Studios/Higherground Productions, 90 minutes, directed by Ben Proudfoot). A special presentation of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold (USA, Jocmedia & Entertainment, 2025, 26 minutes, director Justin O. Cooper) will also be screened, followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 2:00 p.m. And concluding at 5:00 p.m. At the YWCA Harbor Area, Julia Morgan Auditorium. Reservations can be made through Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/The-Eyes-of-Ghana.
LAHIFF’s selection of venues highlights the unique character of San Pedro, including the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the Dalmatian American Club, the Battleship IOWA, and the YWCA Harbor Area. The festival also acknowledges and provides links to supporting organizations such as the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, NewFilmmakers LA, and the Grand Vision Foundation.
Organizers note that the schedule is subject to change and/or possible cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, including a complete film schedule and venue details, visit www.laharborfilmfest.com. The 23rd LA Harbor International Film Festival promises to be a compelling showcase of cinematic artistry and a celebration of the vibrant community it serves.
