COMEDY PROGRAM A-25

Breaking Bad meets Thelma & Louise.

A dark comedy about two best friends staring down the barrel of 40, facing the painful truth that their individual hopes for motherhood have been bested by dead-end careers and unfaithful partners. At the end of their collective ropes, a rage- and alcohol-fueled science experiment becomes their dark solution to the genetic injustice of their biological clocks.

COMEDY PROGRAM A-25

Destruction and creation are never more present than in the city of Los Angeles. Here, crimes and murders run rampant - but also art and the birth of culture. If these two halves can coexist in one city, can they coexist in one man? If so, what type of man?

Perhaps none other than a crime scene photographer who does it for the art, or “still life.”

COMEDY PROGRAM A-25

Mia discusses why size matters in the bedroom, and makes a passionate case for the little guy. This unique and stylistic film breaks down a simple stereotype: that all women need in life is a man to satisfy her physically. W.I.L.S.D.M challenges this misinformed ideology in a humorous and educational way.

When Mia feels low and needs someone to connect with, she reaches out to Jim; a handsome well-endowed heartthrob. The problem is, Mia isn’t built to handle all of Jim’s manliness and experiences uncomfortable intimacy in order to receive what she is really after: the cuddling. Mia dives into her own psyche to understand that undermining inner voice that prevents her from true love.

When an opportunity presents itself to Mia for a new romantic partner, will Mia’s bedroom fears prevent her from taking a chance?

PG COMEDY PROGRAM B-25

When a happy couple, Millie and Wilfred, go out to dinner for their anniversary, they each give each other a gift. However, despite good intentions, Millie’s gift might not only ruin their romantic evening, but also their entire relationship.

PG COMEDY PROGRAM B-25

Bert needs to break up with Laura for a very specific reason that’s tearing their relationship apart. However, Bert finds out the true reason for why Laura is carrying on with her “charade”.

Will he be able to leave her?

PG COMEDY PROGRAM B-25

A businesswoman is sent on a "wilderness retreat" that ends up being a lot less luxurious and much more rugged than she anticipated. Despite the challenges, she learns a lot along the way, and maybe it's just what she needs.

PG COMEDY PROGRAM B-25

After Rob and Katie move into a new home for a total steal, they discover the catch: the ghost of an annoying teenage girl who died in the house years ago and never left.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

The film is a narrative illustrating the challenges of discussing and treating mental health in black and brown communities in the context of a horror/ Sci-fi story.

Through the eyes of Kai, a teenage girl, we see the frustration of not being understood and dismissed even in the healthcare system. Her clinic visit turns into an inquisition when the arrogant and presumptive Dr. Karlson refuses to listen or show empathy to her concerns and further accuses her substance abuse.

The ending has the audience question if what occurred is part of the young woman's imagination, psychosis, ...or indeed a paranormal event.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

Sky is a house sitter to the celebs, who gets a new off-the-grid sitting gig for a secretive client, but the house however, is as mysterious as its owner.

Sky discovers the house hides dark secrets, and she soon finds it begins to unlock a part of herself that she has kept hidden.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

Stella loves horror. As a teen, she devoured the cosmic horror tales of Randolph K. Mortem. As an adult she co-hosts the popular horror chat show, Gore Gab, with her vain partner, Conroy. To celebrate Mortem, Stella designs a custom toy of her favorite monster--Bapholeth, The Nightmare Unfathomable.

But one of Gore Gab’s biggest fans is a cultist of the very real Bapholeth. Deeply offended by an adorable toy of his hideous god, the Cultist unleashes his fury and Stella must fight against the ultimate in gatekeeping.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

A group of friends on a hiking/camping trip are met by an unknown and unseen attacker. Sara, a past survivor of a psychopath, has her old fears and horrors come back to her.

When she finds that one of her friends, Steven, is alive, together they try to figure out who - or what - is hunting them. Sara finds her resolve, and decides she will not be victim to an attacker again. She decides, to Steven’s dismay, that she will become the hunter - and seeks to kill whoever or whatever it is.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

Danny Hartford is a slacker with dreams of being an actor. Low on cash and behind on rent, Danny is offered a peculiar job from a stranger known as The Agent. While it seems like easy money, Danny is left in charge of an item that turns all of his dreams into nightmares.

HORROR PROGRAM C-25

Marcus is an inspiring influencer who dreams of becoming famous online. With the help of his Dads camera and his older brother Chris, they record videos and start uploading them on the web with hope of looking for a audience.

Sadly, with no views or recognition, Marcus starts to get desperate for views which leads him unnecessary pranks against his older brother. We also learn more about the families behavior through the lens of the dads camera. With Marcus so desperate to reach his goal his then pulls the unnecessary against his brother which will change the family forever.

ANIMATION PROGRAM D-25

It was supposed to be a simple mission! A quick pit stop for the spacecraft. But when Nate's shadow comes to life, electronics start going haywire. Now he's stuck out in the middle of space with Cosmo, a robot he doesn't get along with.

ANIMATION PROGRAM D-25

‘We’re the Kung Fu Gator Hooligans! We’re here to fight crime, hang out, and say no to drugs!’ That’s the motto for this gang of crime fighting alligator teens.

Together with their sidekick Kelly, they can tackle any villain that comes their way! Or so they thought. Kelly starts to wonder if being a sidekick is what she really wants.

Will her search for independence break the Gators apart?

ANIMATION PROGRAM D-25

Missing children, mysterious footprints, and strange sounds, all point to one thing: proof positive that monsters thrive in the forests of New Orleans!

Humanity’s second-best chance - Middle school misfits Jasmine and Owen, who are on a quest to become the most popular monster hunters ever! If their fantastic science fair failures, social media antics, or frenemies don’t stop them, the wonderfully weird beasts of the night will!

PG SHORTS PROGRAM E-25

Ben tells scary fairy tales to put her daughter to sleep as Lily refuses and questions why she should sleep early.

PG SHORTS PROGRAM E-25

A young girl named Charlie dresses up as a clown everyday in honor of her deceased mom who was in the circus. Charlie gets bullied for the way she looks until she unexpectedly meets a new friend.

Not my Circus thematically engages the viewer in a narrative that encourages to stand up to bullying, dealing with loss and the power of friendship.

PG SHORTS PROGRAM E-25

As the evening descends, a man in his forties, bearing the semblance of a businessman, arrives at a quiet single-family home. His family, comprised of a wife who is a dedicated homemaker, a high school-aged daughter, and a 10-year-old son, each spend the fleeting moments before dinner in their own ways.

A visit from the daughter’s classmate adds another dimension, joining the family circle. Shortly after that, two deliverymen make their entrance. One of them hinders the daughter when she goes to fetch a package at the doorstep. Seizing the opportunity, the other accomplice abducts the daughter, transporting her away in a waiting car.

Simultaneously, in the living room, the family gathers for dinner. The daughter’s friend becomes a part of the gathering, and an elderly figure resembling a grandfather descends from an upper floor, taking a seat at the table. A seemingly ordinary family meal unfolds within the walls of this single Home.

PG SHORTS PROGRAM E-25

A gas station clerk and his father face unusual series of events at an isolated gas station in 1987.

Meet your Award Ceremony Hosts as they oversee (limited quantities) of Free Popcorn while you mingle with festival filmmakers and festival guests at this All-Ages social reception that runs from 4:30pm until 5:30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Socialize with your fellow filmmakers & have some fun during a full day of festival film screenings, at this fun-filled not-to-be-missed event. This event take places at L.A. LIVE.

Purchase an HRIFF Party-Ticket Package to be able to check out all of our party events.

Get your tickets today!

Ray Sutton, founder of the “REBEL DRIFTERS MC”, is released from prison after serving 10 years and rounds up what’s left of the club to ride again for revenge on the man that framed him and to get his daughter back.

Filmed entirely in Las Vegas, Nevada the film is an homage to Cult, Grindhouse, Legend, Ray Dennis Steckler, and features several Steckler actors…Ron Jason, Chris Cave, and Glenda Savage.

DRAMA PROGRAM F-25

ARMY Vet Charles Sutton embarks on a mission to avenge his late wife's death and to uncover the dark truth behind his missing son in LA'S underworld.

Through trials and tribulations, Charles uncovers dark secrets other those around him. With the help of former colleagues, Charles is able to track down certain individuals, before he is met with an unwelcoming surprise.

DRAMA PROGRAM F-25

This film follows the lives of Nina, who works as a driver for her pastor and her husband Steve, a day laborer in local factories. Nina and Steve started out as a loving couple, and we catch up with them after they have been together for 10 years. Things take a turn for the worse.

The marriage gets torn apart. He starts behaving in a nasty and rude way towards her, and she becomes unhinged with anger and frustration. Their life together starts to unravel as domestic violence and mental illness come into play.

ANIMATION PROGRAM G-25

“It is important to stimulate critics and haters so that the artist evolves his achievement.”

ANIMATION PROGRAM G-25

This short Animated Music Video is from Star2 promoting his single "Clout Chaser" from his upcoming "Shooting Stars" album.

The animated video shows two girls in a fierce race to get to Star2 and his riches. They hurdle over a series of blocks and use supernatural powers to battle each other to reach him in a room guarded by a golden dragon and Buddha where he sits on a throne in front of hundreds of gold bars. Star2 narrates the video singing into a microphone: “she a little, little, little, clout chaser, she a little, little, gold digger, she don’t love me, she just love my money, love my money…

ANIMATION PROGRAM G-25

In the dazzling real of La La Land, “How to make it in Hollywood, while being Black” is an animated film that humorously addresses the challenges faced by young Black Americans aspiring to conquer the movie biz. While dreaming of shattering the cultural glass ceiling that often cast shadows on their journeys to success.

ANIMATION PROGRAM G-25

In the Animal Kingdom, one kingdom stands above the rest: Snuggleville, where all animals are created equal.

King Happy and Queen Abigail of Snuggleville take a royal break from 'conducting the business of the nation' to reminisce about the epic saga of their inaugural spat – pardon - strategic marital skirmish. Join them for a delightful interlude away from the kingdom's corridors and comedic conflicts.

ANIMATION PROGRAM G-25

This animated horror story from Voltaire's 'Candide (or Optimism)' is part of a larger project started during the pandemic.

Born the daughter of a Pope, the Old Woman has experienced the death of a fiancé, abduction by pirates, slavery, plague and cannibalism in wartime. This survivor's misfortunes have made her appreciate the little things. Utilizing the popular gossip of the 18th century, Candide is a story about the search for happiness, written by one of history's great philosophers.

In a harrowing exploration of Hollywood's seductive underbelly, this film delves deep into the generational legacy of mental illness, weaving a tragic narrative of broken dreams, psychological torment, and the haunting belief that fame alone can mend their fractured souls.

As James embarks on his Hollywood odyssey with his best friend and girlfriend, he confronts the ghosts of his past in a desperate journey mirroring his mother's tragic demise beneath the iconic Hollywood sign.

What happens when a straight boy is put through Conversion Therapy?

Ari, an innocent 11-year old boy, is manipulated to believe he is a homosexual by his own father, who happens to run a conversion therapy camp aimed to "fixing" young boys. Twenty five years later, ARI finds himself deeply in love with a woman as he contemplates marriage. But, unable to commit, chronic internalized homophobia pushes him to once again examine his authentic self; questioning if he's struggling with childhood PTSD, or living his life in denial.

Socialize with filmmakers & festival guests at our Sunday, low key meet-up event from 9:30pm-10:30pm

Enjoy a more personal event (when compared to our other parties and events), where it is easier to make new friends and collaborators, this event takes place in a casual bar/lounge setting.

Purchase an HRIFF Party-Ticket Package, to be able to check out all of our party events.

Get your tickets today!

Ticket Required For Entry.
21 and Up only.
No Minors.