The Highland Park Independent Film Festival (HPIFF) was founded by a group of filmmakers whose express mission is to promote independent cinema and to build community through the art of film. HPIFF is the first film festival of its kind in Highland Park. We are a grassroots organization, dedicated to inviting filmmakers who are producing the most unique and captivating independent cinema today to share their work with the Highland Park community.

We believe in fostering emerging and established filmmakers by providing forums for screening projects, networking with industry professionals, and mentoring student filmmakers. To this end, our organization consists of three essential components: the Highland Park Independent Film Festival (HPIFF), which is an annual event held in October featuring the works of independent filmmakers from Highland Park and around the world; the HPIFilmFest Series, which consists of film programs and screenings designed to build community through film in our neighborhood; and the HPIFF Mentorship Program, which offers film education to schools in Northeast Los Angeles.

The first festival, which debuted in 2014, took place in the historic Highland Theatre, located off the Figueroa corridor of Historic Route 66. After the Highland Theatres closed in 2024, the festival has been hosted by the beautiful space and the wonderful team of the Garibaldina Society.  In addition to screenings of films, guests also enjoy red carpet events, industry mixers, and panel discussions with film professionals. Each year, we collaborate with local businesses and organizations in the area and build community through a shared love of film and authentic storytelling. We are proud and thankful to announce that we will hold our 13th Annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival in 2026. We look forward to continuing our mission of cultivating independent cinema right here in our beloved Highland Park!