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
Daphne Davenport
Daphne Davenport is a film major at Cal Poly Humboldt in her junior year. After graduating high school in Boise Idaho with a year's worth of college credits under her belt, she set her sights on Humboldt for its beautiful and supportive environment. While here, she has committed herself to the film program, diving into student productions and dedicating her time to the Humboldt International Film Festival. She loves to get her hands on as many projects as possible, and will say yes to any role on set. Her specialty however, is directing and production design, which she hopes to find opportunities in once graduating. Daphne is thrilled to be a co-director for HIFF 60 where she is excited to help bring the festival to life, applying her love for creativity and innovation to the role.
CO-DIRECTOR
ELOISE OCOBOC
Eloise is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt majoring in Film with a minor in art studio. As a filmmaker, she has a passion for experimentation across film and the arts. She has directed and produced several films and is drawn to work that explores new ideas and ways of storytelling. As a HIFF Co-Director, she is excited to help shape the festival’s creative identity through its branding and marketing. She is also looking forward to collaborating with her fellow students to build an engaging and welcoming festival to both filmmakers and audiences.
CO-DIRECTOR
CO-DIRECTOR
ZACA LEATHERWOOD
Zaca Leatherwood is a California-based filmmaker dedicated to capturing authentic moments of human experience. Raised off the grid, his passion for film was ignited upon his reintegration into modern society as a teenager, when he immersed himself in the world of cinema he had missed. Drawn to the unearthly properties of water, the natural world serves as a constant source of creative inspiration. He currently works professionally as a Videographer, Production Assistant, and Drone Operator while completing his undergraduate degree in Film at Cal Poly Humboldt, where he continues to develop his technical and creative craft.
Nicola Waugh
FESTIVAL FACULTY ADVISOR
Nicola is an independent producer, film programmer and communications expert working between Arcata, California and Calgary, Canada. She holds a Master's Degree in Communication & Culture from Toronto Metropolitan University/York University, and has a background in film programming and criticism. She has worked with film festivals and artist-run centers, 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.