ANIMATION BLOCK A-8

This animated film is a love letter to a girl in a painting. We follow our protagonist as they travel around their imagination, exploring the brushstroke worlds of art in a museum, including the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Miró, and Seurat.

The film shows the innocence of a child's love, as well as the journey of growing up and learning to face reality.

ANIMATION BLOCK A-8

A nervous girl encountered a strange spirit at the train station and she was invited to try on a roller coaster.

Life is a roller coaster, and instead of fearing it, let's have some fun!

ANIMATION BLOCK A-8

It just looks exactly like Little Red Riding Hood. It has no elaborate plan —just a simple desire to walk along the path, delivering itself straight into the claws of the Big Bad Wolf. Where it can find satisfaction.

ANIMATION BLOCK A-8

A bat, a ghost and a witch must decide which is more dangerous: Halloween, Trick or Treaters, or each other?!

Starring Andrea Salloum as Hag, the animated film "Night of the 31st" is written and animated by Jeff Etter and features an original music score by Fabrizio Mancinelli and Produced by Margot Moss.

ANIMATION BLOCK A-8

This darkly comedic, animated fantasy film follows the daily struggles of Frank, a middle-aged man - living in a bizarre suburbia, …in hell itself.

Each day begins and ends with a series of absurd and catastrophic events, making Frank's life a continuous loop of pain and suffering.

This exhilarating action-packed feature from Johnny Sabar, a martial arts expert who brings an unparalleled level of authenticity to the project.

Seamlessly blending heart-pounding fight sequences with a deeply meaningful story that underscoring the values of peace, honor, and doing what’s right. “The Man Inside” follows a hero’s journey of personal growth and redemption, demonstrating that strength lies not only in physical prowess but in the courage to make choices that serve the greater good.

The film explores themes of using one’s power and heart to bring about positive change, with thrilling battles that leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

Jeremy Renner's song "Wait" is a heartfelt reflection on resilience and love, inspired by his near-fatal snowplow accident. Addressed to his daughter Ava, “Wait" conveys a plea for patience and understanding as he overcomes challenges in his recovery.

The lyrics capture his journey of healing and the strength he finds in their relationship, making "Wait" a touching tribute to life’s fragile yet precious moments.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

The "Obsolete" Music Video is a gripping visual narrative that captures the dark complexity of love, self-destruction, and the quest for liberation.

Yoko Gold takes us on a dark, emotional journey through the tormented psyche of a toxic Relationship as Yoko discovers his beloved Angel is entangled with another version of himself - a haunting symbol of his own dark side.

This sinister doppelgänger is confronted in a series of tense and dramatic moments featuring Angel experiencing psychotic breaks; her turmoil mirroring the chaos of their relationship.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

Three storylines connected by love, loss, and uncertainty tie together Mojave Ghost's nostalgic rock song "Green Eyes" - illustrated with several visually striking vignettes; including colorful and faceless silhouettes haunting a 1960s home, rain pouring through the ceiling of a young girl's home, and a 1950s cowboy stuck in a loop on a film set.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

"Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)" is a bittersweet time travel tale of gentrification and changes.

Characterized by NBC as "a dreamy song [that] is evocative and uplifting esoteric, fitting the SoCal-flavored mood of this memory lane adventure", the song's accompanying music video is a historic Los Angeles time warp adventure.

Directed by Modern Time Machines frontman Ben Golomb, the video costars L.A. Kitsch King Charles Phoenix as a time travel salesman.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

A lonely child dreams of being an astronaut, wishes on a star, and with the help of a musician achieves the dream.

This film is a positive story about finding one's place in this world, and beyond.

MUSIC VIDEO PROGRAM B-8

This music video depicts a plane going down, while all the passengers and crew are blissfully content. Representing that no matter what happens, we'll all be okay.

HORROR / SCI-FI BLOCK C-8

This film follows Soren, a resourceful and determined dreamer, lost in a ceaseless struggle to evade capture by the mysterious organization known only as SUITCORP.

Despite his endless efforts to shake their pursuit, the organization closes in on Soren yet again, leaving him with no choice but to stand his ground and face the threat head on.

In the midst of the extraordinary conflict, both Soren and his counterpart fight to vindicate their opposing perspectives on a world seemingly predetermined to impose its own definition of what can be possible.

HORROR / SCI-FI BLOCK C-8

Set in a world where technology allows people to permanently remove the sensation of romantic love through a procedure, while amidst this dystopian backdrop, a forbidden love story unfolds between Megan and Jagger.

“Always & For Never” is a subtle, relatable sci-fi, that makes people think about their lives, and values.

HORROR / SCI-FI BLOCK C-8

During a dark night in a quiet city park, a recovering drug addict named Rene sees two men gnaw at a massive limb in a sewer pipe.

After his drug dealer appears to warn that the men’s actions against the subterranean creature have poisoned the city's water supply. Rene rushes to the suburbs to convince his skeptical sister and her no-nonsense boyfriend to stay away from the tap water - an impossible task since even he isn’t sure what he saw was real.

HORROR / SCI-FI BLOCK C-8

Quarantine at your own risk.

How is the world affected by a catastrophic event, as seen through the eyes of a couple named Cathy and Matt? Everyday people live through a government mandated quarantine during a global pandemic while desperate scientists race to find a cure.

But is it too late?

GENRE AWARD SHORTS D-8

"If hell is around the corner, Jonny got himself a ticket"

The film follows Jonny Favorite (Michael A. Barker) as he struggles to remember the truth about a specific day in his life, all while being questioned by Louise Cypher (Audrey Looye).

This film delves into the intricate layers of accountability, intertwined with the portrayal of a dark subject like incest while artfully weaving such an unsettling theme into its surreal fabric, and prompting a thought-provoking reflection on responsibility.

GENRE AWARD SHORTS D-8

When boy genius Wyatt Whipple and his best friend Emmahleigh create the “perfect girlfriend” from his exes’ DNA, they accidentally unleash a monster. The creature, Frankengirl, turns out to be dangerously possessive and starts killing anyone close to Wyatt.

When a failed attempt to stop her morphs her into a monstrous spider, Wyatt and Emmahleigh must team up and evade the police—including her father, Sheriff Harper—to save the city from their creation.

GENRE AWARD SHORTS D-8

It’s been years since the original telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia tragically collapsed, and now we’re thirty minutes out from it coming back online.

Two local interference detection officers head out into the Appalachian day to uphold the reinstated ban on frequency-emitting household devices when they’re taken off course by a mysterious light.

GENRE AWARD SHORTS D-8

This award-winning Sci-Fi film follows a group of time traveling vigilantes who travel back in time in an attempt to rescue Emmett Till.

Red Carpet Press Event #1 - for Award Ceremony attendees.

Join the HRIFF Award Winners, Celebrity Guests, and fans of cinema at the HRIFF Red Carpet Photo and Press Event #1 - for Award Ceremony Ticket Holders Only.

Red Carpet Press Photo Event #1 features Press Photography from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
For Award Ceremony Attendees only.
Red Carpet Event #1 - Line-Up begins at 4:15pm
Red Carpet Photo Area will be closed from today from 5:45pm-6:00pm.

Press Photographers will be on hand again from 6:10pm-6:30pm for our Red Carpet Press Event #2 - which is open to all festival filmmakers who are not attending the ceremony

Press, Media Photographers including Getty and Wire Image, as well as our own staff, and any festival-approved (and officially approved) paparazzi will all be on hand at the Red Carpet Press Event #1 - shooting HRIFF Award Ceremony Ticket Holders from 4:30pm to 5:30pm,

Press, Media Photographers including Getty and Wire Image, as well as our own staff will also be available for Red Carpet Press Event #2 taking place from 6:10pm- 6:30pm - and which is open to all festival filmmakers and guests not attending today’s Award Ceremony.

Additional smaller Photo Backdrop areas will also be available sporadically throughout most days of the festival for “self-taken” photos.

Red Carpet Press Event #3 is also being held on Sunday from 6:00pm-6:45pm - for all festival filmmakers and festival guests who prefer to avoid crowds and the high pressure madness of our Saturday Red Carpet Press & Photo Events.

Red Carpet Event #1 takes place from 4:30-5:30pm
Line-Up begins at 4:15pm
For Award Ceremony Attendees only
L.A. Live location - To Be Announced

AWARD SHORTS E-8

This documentary film focuses on developmental disabilities. Through the lens of Scott Gutentag, a licensed educational psychologist and professional photographer, the film conveys how the power of photography can inform others about inclusion, diversity, and humanity while telling the authentic stories of a misunderstood and overlooked sector of the human population.

AWARD SHORTS E-8

Isaac finds himself struggling with the meaning of life without his beloved Anna. He soon learns to cherish the beautiful memories they created together and realizes that love transcends this world.

AWARD SHORTS E-8

It’s the Civil War. Battles, death, victory, and defeat. From 1863-1865 the Rock Island, Illinois Union Army Prison held Confederate soldiers.

In 1864 replacement guards were needed. Runaway slaves who recently escaped to join the Union Army in exchange for their freedom, are assigned to guard the Confederates POWs. In this award-winning dramatic film,... there’s a new guard in town!

AWARD SHORTS E-8

In the midst of America's rising anti-immigrant climate, a Pakistani asylum seeker is fighting for his future.

With his legal immigration status hanging by a thread, he scrambles to deliver the final document to immigration authorities—his last chance for safety. But as he races against time, every step forward is met with unexpected obstacles that threaten not just his hopes for a new life, but his very survival. That is, until he meets someone who sees him for who he truly is—a person, not a problem—and offers him a glimmer of hope.

AWARD SHORTS E-8

Emma used to be an outgoing and adventurous grandma. But ever since her husband died nine years ago she has increasingly isolated herself from others.

When Landon, her outspoken and oftentimes raunchy gay grandson visits her, Landon challenges Emma to start online dating. Stubbornly she resists, as a secret from her past still haunts her.

Will Emma be able to confront and overcome a painful truth, or be doomed to a life of self imposed seclusion?

The HRIFF Award Ceremony is a star-studded event not to be missed!

Cheer on your favorite filmmakers both emerging & legendary, and get ready to be surprised, as this event always has few unexpected celebrity guests!

Pierce Brosnan, Joe Mantegna, Gary Cole, Dominic Purcell, Frances Fisher, Tyler Blackburn, John Robinson, Lee Meriwether, Dee Wallace, Uwe Boll, (as well as friends no longer with us that includes Martin Landau, John Heard, the wonderful Joe Polito, and the legendary Harry Dean Stanton being just a few of the fantastic icons who have stopped by over the years.

Join the celebration to find out who is stopping by our Award Ceremony stage this year.

Ceremony Line-Up Begins at: 5:30pm.
Ceremony doors open for seating at: 6:05pm.
Ceremony begins promptly at 6:15pm.
No Late Entry After 6:15pm.

All guests arriving after 6:15pm may be required to wait for ushers to escort any late arrivals at pauses during the ceremony. Arrive prior to 6:10pm to make sure you don't miss a thing.

No Entry to Award Ceremony without commemorative Award Ceremony Physical Ticket. Other festival passes or tickets are NOT valid for entry to the ceremony.
Tickets for the Award Ceremony sell out quickly - get your tickets today!

SHORT FILM BLOCK F-8

This high-stakes thriller explores themes of justice, redemption, and maternal instinct.

An ex-cop turned bounty hunter, is forced to confront her past when her former lover escapes from prison. Knowing he has no idea their son exists, she sets out to capture him before he learns the truth and takes the child she has fought to protect.

Shot with a gritty, immersive style, this film places the audience directly in the central character's perspective, heightening the tension and urgency of her mission. The film delivers a compelling mix of action, comedy and drama, ultimately begs the question of how far one will go to protect the ones they love.

SHORT FILM BLOCK F-8

Veronica, a transgender homeless woman and drug addict, sells heroin throughout Venice Beach for Victor, a violent gang lord. After Luke, a local surfer and one of Victor’s dealers, doesn’t come up with payment, Victor asks Veronica to find a hitman to kill him. Veronica hires a violent drifter resulting in a bloody catastrophe with Veronica scrambling for her life.

SHORT FILM BLOCK F-8

In the wake of his wife's sudden death, Henry is consumed by a depression that leaves him teetering on the edge of reality.

Desperate to save his patient, Dr. Fennell, a psychologist with a reputation for unconventional methods, devises a controversial plan. He hires a sex worker and instructs her to impersonate his client’s wife, hoping to bring closure.

Overwhelmed by memories and emotions that seem to belong to the late wife herself, the hired impersonator begins to worry, has she become the ghost of a woman she never knew?

Red Carpet Press Event for filmmakers.

Press Photographers will be on hand for Red Carpet Press Event #2 from 6:10pm-6:30pm.
Red Carpet Press Event #2 is open to all festival filmmakers.

Press & Media Photographers, including Getty and Wire Image, as well as festival staff photographers will be available for Red Carpet Press Event #2 taking place from 6:10pm-6:30pm and is open to all festival filmmakers and guests who did not attend today’s Award Ceremony.

Additional smaller Photo Backdrop areas will also be available sporadically throughout many days of the festival - for “self-taken” photos.

Red Carpet Press Event (#3) is also being held on Sunday - for all HRIFF filmmakers and festival guests that prefer to avoid the crowds of our Saturday Press & Photo Red Carpet Events.

Red Carpet Event #2 takes place from 6:10-6:30pm
Line begins at 5:30pm
L.A. Live location - To Be Announced

DRAMA / THRILLER BLOCK G-8

“The Talented Mr. Ripley” meets “Pride And Glory” as identical twin brothers Matt and Clay wind up on opposite ends of the life success spectrum.

One day, after a tragic boating mistake takes Clay’s life, Matt makes a seminal decision to bury his brother's corpse in the woods and start his own life anew as Clay; a hero cop working for their police chief father Jim.

DRAMA / THRILLER BLOCK G-8

Adam and Eva seem like the picture-perfect couple, sharing a love story that appears idyllic to those around them. However, as the date on the lake progresses an unexpected twist occurs.

Is this part of Eva's meticulously planned date, a symbolic gesture for Adam to reflect on something deeper, or has something gone horribly wrong, turning a romantic date into a perilous situation.

DRAMA / THRILLER BLOCK G-8

A young teenager, Joyce, has a complicated relationship with her depressed mom, Dawn.

Joyce does the chores and is her mom’s caretaker because she loves and wants to help her. Yet, she has built up walls to protect herself from the tense and unpredictable behavior of her mom’s illness.

One Saturday afternoon, Joyce lets down her guard and embraces a carefree day. When she returns home, what she finds will change her life.

DRAMA / THRILLER BLOCK G-8

Written and Directed by Veronica Valenti, Confessions is a Neo-noir drama following a serial killer re-telling the dark secrets of her past.

Through her memories, the line between truth and deception blurs, leaving the detective wondering who the real victim is.

DRAMA / THRILLER BLOCK G-8

Val seems to be hitting it off with Chad on their first date. Unfortunately, these days, dating is torture...

A down-on-his-luck party clown gets caught up in a dangerous criminal underworld and must navigate a treacherous maze of lies, deceit, and violence to survive.

This award-winning noir pays homage to the gritty independent films of the past.

This timeless coming-of-age story is about a boy, Hardy Williams, who dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. His guilt and anxiety from a tragedy that occurred in his childhood prevents him from reaching his potential, and realizing his ultimate goal.

His mother, Abby, encourages and nurtures him throughout his trials and tribulations outside of his sheltered farm life. Manoah, Hardy’s grandpa, teaches Hardy life lessons through his profound words of wisdom that propel Hardy to look inside and claim victory over his most notorious enemy.

The spiritual undertones resonate throughout the movie using visuals, sound design, and original musical score that brings substance and perspective of an eternal reality common to all the characters.

AWARD GENRE SHORTS H-8

A woman’s quiet routine is upended when she welcomes a sleek, AI-powered washing machine into her home. Designed to anticipate her needs, the appliance seems almost too intuitive — responding with unsettling precision and inching into her life in ways she never imagined.

As technology and solitude intertwine, the line between convenience and control blurs — until even a house pet isn’t safe. Washed Out explores the quiet dread of intelligent machines and the boundaries we surrender when we invite them in.

AWARD GENRE SHORTS H-8

Corporate Hill has created an energy drink that is so powerful that it turns people, objects, anything and everything into creatures, manifesting chaos everywhere. Beware, one taste of a “Creature” drink, you will become a creature. Spill “Creature” on anything, and it becomes a creature.

Welcome to Creatureville. A stellar, exciting, horror, comedic/campy film with a little animation and musical bits from award-winning filmmakers Anthony T. Tran and Bobby Duncan

AWARD GENRE SHORTS H-8

Two strangers must unite to hunt down an ancient, forest-dwelling monster that lures victims into the woods by mimicking the voices of their loved ones.

At its core, Skinwalker highlights the importance of confronting fear, guilt, and inner struggles head-on, rather than fleeing from them. Just as the characters must face the Skinwalker in the dark depths of the forest, we too are called to confront our demons and emerge as better versions of ourselves.

AWARD GENRE SHORTS H-8

Six recovering addicts meet every week in a local community center to share coffee, cookies, and stories of the ups and downs of their recovery process. When one newcomer, Paul, reluctantly attends the meeting and is forced to face his relationship to alcohol - as well as his father, things take a dark, unexpected turn.

Jackie Russo has built a successful career as a psychiatrist while keeping her own neuroses secret from her patients. When the pandemic and its lockdowns hit, OCD balloons to full agoraphobia while her anxiety and depression spike to panic and despair from her husband and daughter missing in China.

Finding help for her family is not her only impossible task. She must also overcome her agoraphobia to leave her home and save one of her patients’ life.

JJ is a man that has just made a deal with the Devil herself. He's tasked with an ominous goal: Collect seven souls in seven days. With the clock ticking, there's only one thing that can stop him. Love.

Line-up for entry begins at: 10:15pm | After-Party: 10:30pm - 12:45am

After seeing celebrities on the Red Carpet and purchasing tickets to see filmmakers honored at the HRIFF Award Ceremony - make sure not to forget to purchase tickets to the biggest and best social event of the season: The Award Night Gala After-Party!

Socialize with fellow festival attendees and meet your favorite festival filmmakers while drinking, eating, or dancing to our private DJ in a VIP, exclusive, private nightlife setting where you can chill out and have fun after a long day of film viewing and a busy evening of celebrity sightseeing.

Who can say what stars may come to party and rub elbows with you?

Don't miss the biggest nighttime party extravaganza of the festival! Come and join us for our BIGGEST and WILDEST party celebration yet!

This year the Award Night After-Party is taking place at a new, secret location. The party starts just a few hours after the Award Ceremony.

All festival Party Events take place at (or within walking distance of) L.A. LIVE - where most of this year's festival film screenings take place.

Make sure to get your Party Pass or your Award Night After-Party TIcket soon - this event will sell out fast!

No Minors Allowed. 21 & up only, with ID.