about us
We, the students of Cal Poly Humboldt, have been inviting filmmakers (working in traditional, experimental, and non-traditional modes) to enter their film shorts into our festival since 1967 and that makes us the world’s oldest student-run film festival.
Our students judge the entries from September to March. The finalists then show for three evenings for our guest industry judges and local audience. The Humboldt International Film Festival has been held in person at the historic Minor Theatre in Arcata, CA, almost every year.
Our festival promotes the art of film, not only as a means of entertainment, but also as a vehicle for self-expression and a stimulus for dialogue about social, political and cultural issues. To dive into our extensive history check out the link below!
our mission
To create a space for independent filmmakers to express themselves, free from the censorship of mainstream media. The Humboldt International Film Festival is particularly aware of the power of short, independent film, and we seek those which inspire social and environmental change.
MEET THE TEAM
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Danica Frey
CO-DIRECTOR
Danica is a Film major at Cal Poly Humboldt in her senior year. Since transferring, she has written, produced, and directed several short films and has enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the film industry as well as the creative process that goes into making independent short films. She particularly enjoys the hands-on work of building props and designing sets, as well as the research and material sourcing that go into production design. Once she graduates, she hopes to pursue a career as an Art Director and/or Production Designer, where she can bring her artistic visions to life and help bring stories to the screen. Within HIFF, Danica is thrilled to be a co-director, even more so by helping with its expansion. She's focused on learning more about the branding/marketing aspects of running a successful festival and looks forward to helping with programming and working with the students involved to create a festival that inspires other filmmakers. -
Sara Ortega
CO-DIRECTOR
Sara Ortega is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt, double-majoring in Film and Communications. She transferred to CPH after earning Associate Degrees in Film Studies, Communications, and Arts & Humanities from Santa Monica College. As a filmmaker, Sara has directed and produced several short films. Her long-term goal is to launch her own production company, one that not only supports emerging filmmakers by fostering a strong, collaborative creative community but also inspires and uplifts the dreams of children through storytelling, mentorship, and access to filmmaking opportunities. As a HIFF co-director, Sara is committed to expanding the festival’s reach and impact by programming and selecting diverse films. She hopes to inspire collaboration, encourage teamwork, and spark a shared passion for cinema between both participants and attendees.
Nicola Waugh
FESTIVAL FACULTY ADVISOR
Nicola Waugh is an independent producer, film programmer and communications expert working between Arcata, California and Calgary, Canada. She has produced several short and feature films including Events Transpiring Before, During, and After a High School Basketball Game, which premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival and is currently streaming on major platforms in the US and Canada. Her recent feature documentary projects include 'A'-t'i' Xwee-ghayt-nish (Still, We Live On), Borrowed From Nature and Orphaned. Nicola holds a Master's Degree in Communication and Culture from Ryerson University in Toronto, and has a background in film programming and criticism. She has worked with several film festivals and artist-run centres, including the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, Artifact Small Format Film Festival, Calgary Underground Film Festival, Calgary Cinematheque, Regent Park Film Festival, and Reel Asian Film Festival, and is the co-founder of the online film and media art publication LUMA Quarterly.