Heart & History on Paseo Figueroa I2th Annual Celebration of Independent Cinema

The Highland Park Independent Film Festival is excited to announce its upcoming 2025 festival taking place from October 22nd-26th at The Garibaldina Society in Highland Park, 4533 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90065.

“Heart and History” promises an inspiring array of films, compelling discussions and panels, and a vibrant celebration of film in the heart of Northeast Los Angeles.

From diverse creators hailing from right here in Highland Park and around the world, the festival features fresh perspectives and thought-provoking narratives. The works include World, California and Los Angeles Premieres. Notable highlights include an opening feature documentary from a Highland Park filmmaker, a mini Horror Fest on Friday Night, a feature film from Mexico closing the fest on Sunday with the filmmakers from Mexico City in attendance and not-to-be-missed panels, parties and special events!

Wednesday, October 22nd Filmmaker Meet and Greet: A fun kick-off party for the filmmakers, sponsors, media and staff. The soiree is themed “Dreams of Electronic Cinema” and is headlined by “Circuitry & Poetry”, a collaborative experimental and interactive performance of circuit bending with dance, poetry and sign language. Circuitry artist, Jeff Boynton, harnesses the black art of circuit bending to fabricate DIY (Do-It-Yourself) experimental electronic instruments and music, while Poetry artist, Mona Jean Cedar, composes spoken word poetry and choreographs dance with sign language, to create innovative and evocative live performances. Showgoers are encouraged to have fun with Electronic Cinema attire on the red carpet!
Thursday, October 23rd: Feature Documentary “40 Watts from Nowhere” by Highland Park’s own Susan Carpenter opens the fest. The film features vintage footage shot in 1998 that shows pirate radio station KBLT operating 24/7 out of an apartment closet in Silver Lake. Sue Carpenter started the 40-watt FM station in 1995, exploiting a legal case that allowed hundreds of low-power illegal radio operators to proliferate throughout the country and gave birth to the legal LPFM movement. Carpenter was 28 years old when she first set up KBLT and invited strangers into her house to spin whatever the hell they wanted. It soon took on a life of its own, drawing Mazzy Starr to headline a benefit concert and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to play live in her living room. The day continues with short programs: Humanity in Focus, documentary shorts and the narrative short program of edgy dramas, “Handcrafted Independents”.

Friday October 24th: Screenwriting Panel Luncheon: Demystifying the writing process with “most improved” Iris Almaraz. Shorts programs starting with animation shorts Hues of Animation, comedy shorts Highland Park Hijinks and ending with a mini Horror Fest featuring the programs Hypnotic Filmscapes and Horror in the Hood.

Saturday, October 25th: Directing Panel Luncheon with Kenneth Castillo. Followed by narrative short screenings “Harmonic Reflections” films about inspiring and thought-provoking stories, “Haciendo Cine” films by and about Latino filmmakers, “Herspective Cinema”, films directed by and about women, “Healing Reels” films about beautiful healing stories.
Sunday, October 26th, 2 PM: Closing Feature Film: Kokoro: Heart of a City directed by Mauricio Medina Elizondo. The film is an anthology compiling stories of heartbreak, friendship, first love and self-love, involving modern and complex relationships in Mexico City. The director will be in attendance. Mauricio Medina-Elizondo is a Director and Screenwriter from Mexico City. He studied Cinema Arts at Columbia College Chicago. “I want to make films that make us live the present moment, that mirror us somehow and those around us so we can discover new things that internally move us to grow, to love, to forgive, to be here.” said Medina Elizondo about the creation of this film.

Sunday October 26th, 7 PM: Heart & History Awards Gala, Red Carpet 7 to 8, Awards, Dinner & Mixer 8 to 10.
“We believe that film is a powerful medium for sparking dialogue and fostering connections,” said Marita De La Torre, Festival Founder. “Heart & History is not just about showcasing unique films; it’s about creating a space for meaningful conversation and celebrating the twelve years that the festival has been part of the fabric of this vibrant community.”

We pride ourselves in focusing on diverse programming in our line-up. Our festival highlights films that challenge societal norms and celebrate underrepresented voices, making it a perfect fit for outlets focused on cultural relevance and social impact. From red-carpet events to our panels and films, the festival offers engaging content that can be tailored to your audience’s interests.