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23rd Annual LA Harbor Film Festival Announced in San Pedro
Diverse slate of films, events, and tributes set for March 5-8 in historic harbor town
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The 23rd annual LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) is set to take place from March 5 to March 8 in San Pedro, California, bringing a diverse array of cinematic works to the historic downtown area. The festival aims to 'entertain, enlighten and educate' audiences through films that reflect the unique character of the harbor region, including its maritime industries, diverse communities, and rich cultural heritage.
Why it matters
The LA Harbor Film Festival has become a beloved annual event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse community of San Pedro. By showcasing a wide range of global perspectives through film, the festival helps to build 'a cinematic bridge between the people of the region and the people of the world', fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the area's unique character.
The details
The festival will feature a variety of events and screenings, including a special invitation-only opening day program focused on the classic novel 'The Swiss Family Robinson', a screening of stories from the 'Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area' oral history project, a 'Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute' featuring the 1952 film 'Skirts Ahoy!', and a 'DocSunday' program showcasing the feature film 'The Eyes Of Ghana' and the short 'CIRILO, A Legacy Untold'. The festival will take place at venues throughout San Pedro that highlight the town's maritime heritage and community spirit, including the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the Dalmatian American Club, the Battleship IOWA, and the YWCA Harbor Area.
- The 23rd annual LA Harbor International Film Festival will take place from March 5 to March 8, 2026.
- The festival's opening day program, 'Read the Book, See the Movie', will be held on March 5 at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and the program commencing at 10:00 a.m.
- The 'Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area' screening will take place on March 6, with a happy hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the film screening between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Dalmatian American Club.
- The 'Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute' featuring 'Skirts Ahoy!' is scheduled for March 7, with boarding and a tour of the Battleship IOWA starting at 3:00 p.m. and the event concluding by 6:30 p.m.
- The festival will culminate on March 8 with 'DocSunday', featuring the feature film 'The Eyes Of Ghana' and the short 'CIRILO, A Legacy Untold', with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 2:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. at the YWCA Harbor Area, Julia Morgan Auditorium.
The players
Stephanie Mardesich
The festival director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival.
Janice Hahn
The Los Angeles County Supervisor who unveiled the 2026 festival poster alongside Stephanie Mardesich.
Ben Proudfoot
The director of the feature film 'The Eyes Of Ghana', which will be screened as part of the 'DocSunday' program.
Justin O. Cooper
The director of the short film 'CIRILO, A Legacy Untold', which will also be screened as part of the 'DocSunday' program.
Port Town Brewing Company
The venue where the 2026 festival poster was unveiled.
What they’re saying
“The festival aims 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.”
— Stephanie Mardesich, Festival Director (newsdirectory3.com)
“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.”
— Stephanie Mardesich, Festival Director (newsdirectory3.com)
What’s next
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, visitors are encouraged to check the festival's website at www.laharborfilmfest.com.
The takeaway
The LA Harbor International Film Festival has become a beloved annual event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse community of San Pedro. By showcasing a wide range of global perspectives through film, the festival helps to build a greater understanding and appreciation for the area's unique character and maritime heritage.
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