LA Harbor International Film Festival™

Sets Sail On 18th Voyage March 11-14 In Virtual Presentation

Commemorates 90th Anniversary of Warner Grand Theatre

& Dedicated to Memory of Honorable Tom LaBonge

The 18th annual LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) takes place March 11-14 for the first time via online “virtual” presentation with access to films programmed though internet link(s) provided that will be promoted via printed cards, email and social media preceding and during festival dates. This year’s LAHIFF is dedicated memory of the Honorable Tom LaBonge, the late great Los Angeles City Councilman from Hollywood known as “Mr. Los Angeles” who was an enthusiastic supporter and loved movies, and also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the opening of the vintage art deco Warner Grand Theatre (WGT) - nee Warner Bros. - an icon of historic downtown San Pedro that has been the main venue for the LAHIFF since 2004. The WGT has been the setting for not many Peninsula related events.

Known for its outstanding artwork depicting the LAHIFF brand “Cinematic Bridge” this year’s official poster, unveiled at a media event in front of The Whale & Ale English pub and restaurant in historic downtown San Pedro, year is no exception with “Surfing The Cinematic Bridge” inspired by renowned artist and RPV resident John Van Hamersveld who crated the iconic poster for the closing film on DocSunday The Endless Summer.

Because of virus concerns the WGT is currently closed however, “We were never going to ‘give up’ rather had to be more creative in presenting our programs,” comments Stephanie Mardesich, festival director/founder. “The ‘ticket’ to view film(s), except for opening day and Saturday matinee is via Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) with links there to pay and view the movie(s). There is a designated time though films can be viewed at one’s preference in the comfort of home and hearth.

LAHIFF kicks off with the free education outreach program “Read the Book, See the Movie” that many PVP students have participated in over the past 17 years. This year’s book is Pollyana with a webinar set for March 11 where students will converse then view the charming 1960 Disney film version.

Opening night “Mangia Italiano 4” keeps up the tradition of celebrating ethnic culture and an homage to the new Little Italy which began in 2008 when popular actor Joe Mantegna was guest of honor at a reception before screening of the charming film he starred in Uncle Neno. (PHOTO OF JOE M. ). The actor is part of a stellar line up of real movie stars and celebrities that have graced the LAHIFF “Red Carpet” over the years at the Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute including Mitzi Gaynor, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn, Nancy Kwan, Pat Boone, and at other events James MacArthur (remember him from Hawaii 5-0? "Book 'em Danno...") and Marsha Hunt who was honored in 2016, and now at 103 probably the last of the "golden age of Hollywood" actors still living, among other talent honored.

A list of links for programs at the end of this article.

The LAHIFF proud to have a long and loyal list of supporters, especially Los Angeles County (LAC) Supervisor Janice Hahn (District 4), Contributing Sponsor, who as Council member of District 15 advocated for the film festival since it was founded in 2003.

Being a sponsor of the LAHIFF demonstrates community awareness and appreciation of our mission,” proffered Mardesich. “The commitment to support culture and education is vital as partnerships between business and individuals is fundamental to perpetuate the humanity, creativity, and traits we value as citizens; and its significance can never be underestimated. We also thank community collaborators for helping us to promote the program schedule.

Students read and discuss the book over several weeks and would customarily attend the Culmination Program at the WGT, enthused and excited as they arrive welcomed by an authentic bagpiper, and the past two years the LAC Mounted Enforcement Unit (sheriffs on horseback), then enjoy fun healthy snacks while watching the movie version of the book followed by a lively discussion. This year’s books were distributed in December 2020 along with sponsor The Popcorn Man (RPV resident Jim Melikian) Cheesy Popcorn in individual bags. The “Webinar” is being set up by Sandy Martin-Alvarenga, San Pedro High School teacher and coordinator; and the film presented via Disney Plus link. Other RBSM sponsors include Supervisor Hahn, Mary Star of the Sea High School, and Ranch LPG Holdings. In previous years filmmakers such as Ken Annakin director, and James Mac Arthur star of Swiss Family Robinson regaled the students with stories about making movies.

Opening Night (Program B) Friday March 12 “Mangia Italiano 4” at 7 pm is the beloved IL POSTINO, Academy Awardâ recipient for Best Picture in 1996, revered for its sweet romantic story and memorable musical score. An homage to the “Little Italy” district in downtown San Pedro. The “Mangia Italiano” theme began in 2008 with Uncle Neno that starred popular actor Joe Mantegna who was guest of honor at a joyful reception preceding the screening of the picture.

Saturday, March 13 (Program C) matinee begins at high noon (12pm) featuring for the ninth year NewFilmmakers L.A. (NFMLA). LAHIFF is partnering with NFMLA for this “Special Presentation” to showcase a selection of nine short films made in L.A. The movies are diverse content and style showcasing upcoming talent in front of and behind the screen.

Saturday evening (Program D) 7 pm is the traditional Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute (HNT) featuring Phantom Of The Opera. “If we can’t be in the WGT, then we’re watching a movie that takes place in a grand theatre,” comments Mardesich. “The MGM 1943 version starring Claude Raines as the nefarious phantom is the perfect choice with all the drama and romance that has made the story so intriguing for generations.”

For 16 years the “HNT Red Carpet Gala” was a highlight of the LAHIFF and local social events with many true movie stars and celebrities parading the Red cCarpet to The Arcade Building or WGT Mezzanine including, to name a few, Mitzi Gaynor (South Pacific), George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn (Westside Story), Nancy Kwan (Flower Drum Song) and Pat Boone (April Love); and legendary Dodger famous for “stealing” bases RPV resident Maury Wills (Take Me Out To The Ball Game). The HNT reaffirms the LAHIFF mission to promote and preserve the best of Hollywood filmmaking from decades gone by. Epicurean Sponsor Whale & Ale will present a special menu to compliment the French setting of the movie. This year a special effort is being made to promote and support the Epicurean Sponsors since restaurants have been so hard hit with the restrictions imposed by the City and County of Los Angeles with regard to virus concerns (see list at end of article).

Closing day March 14, known as “DocSunday” is devoted to non-fiction film beginning with the award winning short documentary (Program D) 1 pm POLA premiere John Van Hamersveld’s Crazy World Ain’t It about artist John Van Hamersveld (who grew up in PVP Lunada Bay and resides in RPV) the artist who created the iconic poster for The Endless Summer celebrated documentary feature (Program F) at 1 pm that closes the festival “Echoing the timeless theme of the ocean, the sun, and surfing like an image of infinity and sign of hope” observes Mardesich.

The WGT was dedicated in 1931 by Jack Warner, one of the four Warner brothers, who proclaimed “you’ll enter the palace of your dreams” to the eager audience. It is one of the three Warner Bros. theatres built in the Los Angeles metropolitan area known as “the triplets” that had uniquely distinguished architecture and décor. The WGT is considered a treasure of historic downtown SP, and the greater L.A. region. It seats 1500 and when open offers a variety of stage productions, live performances including annual San Pedro City Ballet production of “The Nutcracker”, graduation ceremonies, weddings, community events and the annual Palos Verdes Land Conservancy “Wild & Scenic Film Festival, throughout the year; and also setting for numerous commercial and theatrical film productions. On going restoration projects include the GVF “Save Your Seat” campaign.

“We are hopeful for the WGT to open again soon. It’s one of the last movie theatres in the country, and locally, that has capability to project 35mm film. Its historical significance, and as a major venue for so many cultural and community events, is hugely important to region,” observes Mardesich.

Some Quincinera photos from 15th LAHIFF that were spectacular.

The LAHIFF offers stimulating and entertaining programming that inspires the audience and respects the integrity of the silver screen. Mardesich, an alumna of the University of Southern California film school, founded the LAHIFF in 2003

(with Jack Baric, SP native and RPV resident)) contends “the film festival is a way to create a collective experience augmenting the cultural landscape of and promoting all San Pedro and surrounding areas have to offer residents, visitors, and tourists.”

LAHIFF is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, with no paid employees, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Over the past 17 years LAHIFF has continued to grow and gain support. In 2013 the Coastal SP

Neighborhood Council presented LAHIFF with a special Proclamation for ten years of outstanding contribution to culture and education leadership. Volunteer hours can also be accrued for school or community service.

Since the programs are being presented in “virtual” manner there is no box office ticket charge only what fees might be required at online links. Donations to the LAHIFF are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various

benefit levels. Ordinarily all veterans and those currently serving in military would be admitted for free, this year honored in spirit.

“For its 18th year, the LA Harbor International Film Festival is going virtual,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We all will miss being together in the beautiful Warner Grand Theater, but I am grateful that this harbor area tradition has been kept alive, allowing people to enjoy classic Hollywood movies and learn from thoughtful documentaries, from the safety of their homes.”

Get your popcorn ready to drizzle with butter, stock up on movie candy and sodas, or perhaps some adult beverage, order to go and enjoy the show!

See www.laharborfilmfest.com history and program information. Twitter twitter.com/laharborfilm

List of films and links to view:

March 11 Prog. A - 10:30 am RBSM Pollyanna real time Webinar presentation http://bit.ly/rtbstmpollyanna

March 12 Prog. B - Opening Nigh “Mangia Italiano 4” IL POSTINO https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110877/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

March 13 Prog. C - New Filmmakers L.A. lahiff.eventive.org (Must pre-register at this link to view and for Q&A)

March 13 Prog. D - HNT Phantom Of The Opera https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036261/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_45

March 14 Prog. E - DocSunday John Van Hamersveld’s Crazy World Ain’t It https://vimeo.com/480561807 Password: CWAI

March 14 Prog. F - DocSunday The Endless Summer https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Epicurean Sponsors (websites /contact tel. listed for “outdoor dining/ordering to go/ curbside pick up”)

Niko’s Pizzeria www.nikospizzeria.com

Wienerschnitzel www.wienerschnitzel.com/location/59-north-gaffey-west-sepulveda-san-pedro-230-north-gaffey-san-pedro-ca-90731/

San Pedro Brewing Company https://sanpedrobrewing.com/

Sacred Grounds (telephone) (310)514-0800

The Whale & Ale https://www.thewhaleandale.com/

J. Trani's Ristorante https://www.sacredgrounds.coffee/

Rafaello’s Ristorante https://www.raffaelloristorante.com/

The Sandwich Saloon https://www.sandwichsaloondeli.com/

Think Café https://www.thinkcafesanpedro.com/

Omelet & Waffle Shop (telephone) (310) 831-3277

Big Nick’s https://bignickspizza.com/

Sebastian’s Mediterranean Cuisine https://www.sebastiansmc.com/

La Bocca Felice https://www.bfelice.com/

Think Prime (telephone) (310) 221-0415

Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.

For more see:

(to look up films) www.imdb.com

www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)

www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)