LA Harbor International Film Festival™ Sets Sail On 18th Voyage March 3-6 Back in Warner Grand Theatre (WGT) Commemorating 90th Anniversary of Movie Palace
LA Harbor International Film Festival™ Sets Sail On 18th Voyage March 3-6 Back in Warner Grand Theatre (WGT)
Commemorating 90th Anniversary of Movie Palace
LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF ) takes place March 3-6 “live” in the Warner Grand Theatre (WGT) with links for “virtual” access to films programmed, continuing to commemorate of the 90th anniversary of the opening of the vintage art deco WGT) - nee Warner Bros. - an icon of historic downtown SP – Port of Los Angeles. The WGT is facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and has been the main venue for the LAHIFF since 2004.
“Last year the WGT was closed and our programs were presented via internet. This year we are forging on with the in person programs and ‘just in case’ providing links to view the films via internet and/or home entertainment centers. With the slated closure of the WGT in June for renovation it’s event more meaningful to be in the theatre seeing films – and we have two 35mm prints being shown - as they’re meant to be seen, on the big screen,” states Mardesich.
The festival has a long and loyal list of sponsors and supporters, especially Los Angeles County (LAC) Supervisor Janice Hahn (District 4), Contributing Sponsor, who as Los Angeles City Council member for District 15 advocated for the film festival since it was founded in 2003; and has continued as staunch supporter from her tenure in the harbor area including representative in U.S.A.Congress, and currentl as she continues working vigorously for District 4 and all constituents of the LAC. Councilman Joe Buscaino is another ardent supporter since the first festival in 2004. LAHIFF kicks off Thursday, Program A, March 3 at 10:30 am with “Read the Book, See the Movie” (RBSM) that promotes literacy and a more thoughtful way to view a film, featuring the classic novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (RLS), and the Walt Disney Studios 1950 film adaptation in 35mm. Juxtaposed with the live program will be a real time Webinar set up for those who cannot attend the free education outreach program in person. Over 18,000 complimentary books have been distributed since the program was launched. For some students it is the first time they have owned a book of their own, and as Mardesich puts it “To have a book in hand, is to have a friend for life.”
Opening Night Program B, Friday March 4, features the “real” West Side Story (1961) as a tribute to the Academy Award® recipient for Best Supporting Actor George Chakiris, marking 60th anniversary of his award and recent publication of his book/memoir My West Side Story (Lyons Press; 2021; 222 pp.); and co-star Russ Tamblyn. They are invited to attend, subject to availability. Both were honored by LAHIFF in 2009 when the movie was the HNT. The immortal film garnered eleven Oscar® nods, with 10 wins - a record number at the time - and is revered in the canon of movie greats for all time.
Program C, Saturday, March 5 at 4 pm the HNT, co-presented with San Pedro International Film Festival (SPIFFest), sponsored by Rancho LPG Holdings, is The Sound Of Music in 35mm. The audience is invited to sing along and come dressed as their favorite characters. LAHIFF always encourages festival attendees to support the Epicurean Sponsors Niko’s Pizzeria, Wienerschnitzel, San Pedro Brewing Company, Big Nick’s, Sacred Grounds, J. Trani’s Ristorante, Think Café, Rafaello’s Ristorante, Omelet & Waffle Shop, The Sandwich Saloon and Think Prime (in RPV), and dine before or after programs.
Closing day March 6, known as “DocSunday” is devoted to non-fiction film with POLA premieres beginning with Program D participation for the tenth year by NewFilmmakers LA Short Documentary Project at 1 pm. Followed at 2:30 pm by Program E Eddy’s Story, inspiring account of 100 year old “toy genius” inventor Eddy Goldfarb, produced and directed by his daughter Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Lyn Goldfarb. Closing Program F is the world premier of composite film of oral history project Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA) The Movie – Volumes II & III produced by Mardesich and Jack Baric who also directs. Conversation and Q&A with filmmakers after the screenings.
The WGT was dedicated on opening day 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 metropolitan L A. area (others were in Beverly Hills and Huntington Park) known as “the triplets” with distinguished architecture and décor; and the only one still functioning. It is considered a treasure of historic downtown SP, and the region. With 1500 seats the WGT typically offers a variety of concerts, musical plays, live performances including annual San Pedro City Ballet production of “The Nutcracker”, graduation ceremonies, weddings, and community events throughout the calendar year. It is is also a location for numerous commercial and theatrical film productions. On going restoration projects include the GVF “Save Your Seat” and “Love The Lobby” campaigns. As previously mentioned the WGT is scheduled to close for renovation work c. June 2022 for an undetermined length of time for the extended repairs and expansion funded by City of L.A.
The LAHIFF offers stimulating and entertaining programming that inspire the audience and respects the integrity of the silver screen. As Mardesich, an alumna of the University of Southern California film school, founded the LAHIFF in 2003 (with Jack Baric) contends “the film festival is a way to offer a collective experience augmenting the cultural landscape of and promoting all San Pedro and surrounding areas have to offer residents, visitors, and tourists.”
Additional LAHIFF supporters include Associate Sponsors Marathon Petroleum, Cal Marine Fish Company, SA Recycling, Community Fund of Boeing California; Sustaining Sponsors Los Angeles City Council District 15, ILWU Foremen’s Local #94, Joseph & Lee (Sher) Mardesich Family Trust; Rancho LPG Holdings; Elite Sponsor Spirit Cruises;
Quality of Live Sponsor Clean San Pedro; Media Sponsors are PalosVerdesPulse.com, Random Lengths News, San Pedro Today Magazine and NewFilmmakers LA (social media). Festival advisor is Dr. Betsy McLane, Ph.D.
Additional in-Kind Sponsors include: Los Angeles Maritime Museum (LAMM), Hollywood Heritage, Inc. (HH), Polish Film Festival L.A, Grand Vision Foundation (GVF), San Pedro Bay Historical Society (SPBHS), fINdings Art Center & Gallery; Courier Sponsor 247 Delivers; Website sponsor is Clear Steps; Volunteer support from Fred Brown Recovery Services. ). Other LAHIFF board members include community liaison Andrea (Rukavina) Hegybeli; businesswoman Nancy (McCutchan) Nottingham, and Northern California (Bay Area) rep Carla Contestable, R.N.
“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.”
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with no paid employees, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Over the past 18 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. Donations to the LAHIFF are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various benefit levels.
“The LA Harbor International Film Festival is a local tradition, and I am grateful that it is going to be able to return to the beautiful Warner Grand Theater for its 19th year,” stated Supervisor Hahn. “The festival has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you are looking forward to revisiting a Hollywood classic or learning from a thoughtful documentary.”
Tickets at Box Office day of programs, open one hour prior to program time, cash only. General Admission $10; discount admission $8 for seniors, students, and “affiliations” including LAMM, GVF, HH, and SPBHS. All veterans and those currently serving in military receive complimentary admission.
For more contact: Stephanie Mardesich, Festival Director at stephaniemardesich@yahoo.com or telephone (310) 519-0756. See www.laharborfilmfest.com for updates on programming.
List of films and links to view:
March 3 Prog. A RBSM - 10:30 am “real time Webinar” 10:30 a.m. TREASURE ISLAND https://bit.ly/RTBSTM2022
“Zoom” access: 869 4231 1869, no password
Link to view: https://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Island-Basil-Sidney/dp/B003QSFW9C/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr
March 4 Prog. B - Opening Night West Side Story (1961) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
March 5 Prog. C - The Sound Of Music https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
DocSunday
March 6 Prog. D - New Filmmakers L.A. Short Documentary Project (no fee) March 3-6 only: www.NFMLA.org/LAHIFF2022
March 6 Prog. E - Eddy’s Story (no fee) March 3-6 only: https://vimeo.com/453116634
March 6 Prog. F - Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA) “The Movie – Volumes II & III”
From March 6 see at website: www.storieslaharborarea.com
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