Quick Intro: Humboldt Film Festival

Operating since 1967, the Humboldt film festival is the longest running international film event in the world operated by students. It has become a tradition at Humboldt State University, where some students major in theater, film and dance. The Humboldt Film Festival screens short films in experimental, documentary, narrative and animation categories. Films shown at this event are under 30 minutes in length. In addition to showing films from around the world, the Humboldt Film Festival supports artistic creations that were created locally.

Festival programmers have hosted a special night dedicated to short films and videos produced by local filmmakers during this event. Film submissions with heart and purpose are valued greater than production value. Awards are given for the “Best of the Fest”, “People’s Choice”, “Best Experimental”, “Best Animation” and “Best Documentary” film. Previous winners of the Humboldt film festival received handmade statuettes made from recycled glass. The Humboldt film festival judges also provide awards for the best immigrant and surreal films.

Students get free admission to all screenings and workshops hosted by the festival. Attendees who are not students must otherwise pay a low-cost admission fee. This festival is held annually during the spring on Humboldt State University’s campus at the Van Duzer Theatre. Proceeds from each Humboldt film festival are used for the following year to sustain this nonprofit event. The California based festival maintains a panel of judges that consist of active independent filmmakers. The judging panel varies each year and is selected by members of the Humboldt film festival committee.