15th Catalina Film Festival 2025
Films, Panels & Avalon Experience | Best of LA, From September 25–28, 2025, Catalina Island transforms into a vibrant hub of cinema, creativity, and storytelling with the 15th Catalina Film Festival. This festival is a celebration of the art of filmmaking, a platform for independent creators, and a highlight on the best of LA experiences. Set in the picturesque town of Avalon, the festival combines cinematic excellence with scenic beauty, offering visitors a truly unforgettable event. For anyone following an LA guide to top cultural experiences, the Catalina Film Festival is a must-attend destination.
For over a decade, the festival has built a reputation for showcasing independent films and providing opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles to connect. Its location on Catalina Island adds a unique charm, making it one of the most anticipated LA events each year.
A Festival with a Rich Legacy
Founded by Ron Truppa, the Catalina Film Festival has grown into one of Southern California’s premier film events. Its combination of intimate island settings and high-quality film selections makes it stand out. Over the years, it has become synonymous with diverse storytelling and innovation, attracting filmmakers from across the globe.
Catalina Island, often called “Hollywood’s Island,” has a rich cinematic history. The Avalon Theatre, one of the festival’s main venues, was the first-ever sound theater and hosted legends like Charlie Chaplin and Cecil B. DeMille. Attending the festival allows visitors to discover LA through the island’s historic film legacy while enjoying modern independent cinema.
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Festival Highlights | Catalina Film Festival 2025
Diverse Film Screenings
The 2025 festival features an eclectic mix of films across genres, including thought-provoking documentaries, feature narratives, and shorts. Highlights include:
GO ON Directorial Debut for Landon Ashworth
Starring: Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men), Laura Wiggins (Shameless) and Landon Ashworth Go On is a quiet, character-driven film about a man named Jim who finds himself in a mysterious purgatory where time feels endless and the rules are unclear. As he wanders through this strange place, he encounters strangers including Zac, a lost soul who becomes his unlikely companion—each searching for meaning and release. Together, they wrestle with loneliness, memory, and the hope of moving on, discovering that connection may be the only way forward.
WATCH TRAILER: HERE
Spotlight Feature: Sat. Sept 27, 1:30 PM Venue: ACC Theatre- THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
Director Mallika Dhaliwal Starring Shane West (A Walk to Remember, Nikita, Salem) Brady Hepner (The Holdovers, Blumhouse’s The Black Phone) An artist harboring dark fantasies about his teenage son’s girlfriend is drawn into a twisted cat and mouse game after his obsession goes too far.
Film Block: CRINGE BINGE (U.S. SHORTS) Avalon City Hall, Sat., Sept. 27, 2:00 PM - STATUS ACTIVE
Director Bob Morley Starring Eliza Morley – A female driven, genre bending, dark comedy about a day in the life of a “Go Kart Go” delivery driver in Los Angeles.
Film Block: SCHITTZ & GIGGLEZ (Shorts) Avalon City Hall, Friday Sept. 26, 12:30 p.m. - Mildred 4 a Million
Director Kim ‘Kimmie P’ Callaway A gregarious great-grandmother who desperately wants to connect with her tablet-obsessed great-granddaughter sets out on a quest to get a million followers on TikTok. Starring legendary TV icon Marla Gibbs at 93 years young, this poignant comedy explores human connection across generations in the age of tech addiction.
Film Block: THE FUNNY SIDE OF LIFE, ACC Theatre, Sat., Sept. 27 11:30 AM - YOU. MATTER.
Director John J Budion Starring Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, Cody John, and Sofia Arata, YOU.MATTER. is an extremely visual poetic film of an astronaut who has been dislodged from her mothership, left with only her final thoughts of how and why this has happened to her. The story unfolds through a composition of original art, animation, and sound, blended with photo-realism without the use of AI.
Film Block: DRAWN TO LIFE (Animation) ACC Theatre, Fri. Sept. 26, 2:00 PM - DANDELION
Director Fiona Obertinca In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen MARGARET gets thrown out of yet another foster placement and finds herself in the company of a mysterious social worker who’s tasked with finding her a new home before the break of dawn. At odds and forced to travel the city together, Margaret realizes that running may not be her only option.
Film Block: WAIT… WHAT?! (Shorts) Avalon City Hall, Fri. Sept. 26, 10:30 AM - PEARL COMB
Director Ali Cook In 1893, an endearing Cornish fisherman’s wife captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to ever cure someone of Tuberculosis. A doctor, hell bent on proving a woman’s place is in the home and not practising medicine, is sent to investigate her miraculous claim – only to discover the source of her unearthly power.
Feature: FRIDAY SHORTS Avalon Theater, Catalina Casino Fri, Sept. 26, 7:00 PM - EM & SELMA GO GRIFFIN HUNTING
Director Alexander Thompson An allegorical 1930s-set coming-of-age fable about mothers, daughters & the beasts they hunt. Starring HEREDITARY’s Milly Shapiro and WALKING DEAD’s Pollyanna McIntosh.
Feature: FRIDAY SHORTS Avalon Theater, Catalina Casino Fri, Sept. 26, 7:00 PM - And More
Each film is carefully selected for its artistic quality and ability to spark meaningful conversations among audiences, making it a key destination for anyone following a Los Angeles guide to cultural events.
Panels, Workshops, and Learning
The Catalina Film Festival is more than just screenings. It offers panels and workshops led by industry experts, covering topics like scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, and distribution. These sessions provide valuable insights for both emerging and seasoned filmmakers. Participating in workshops is a perfect way to discover LA creative talent and learn new techniques in filmmaking.
Networking Opportunities
The festival is a premier Catalina Film Festival 2025 hub for networking, connecting filmmakers, producers, and actors. From casual meet-and-greets to VIP receptions, attendees have the chance to forge professional relationships, collaborate on projects, and explore opportunities that extend beyond the festival. These connections make the Catalina Film Festival an essential stop on any LA guide to film and cultural events.
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Cff Guests Attend Private Pre-Red Carpet Mansion Parties in Hamilton Cove
Experiencing Catalina Island Catalina Film Festival 2025
Catalina Island itself is a destination. Beyond its cinematic history, the island boasts beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and charming streets lined with restaurants and shops. Avalon, the festival’s host town, combines coastal charm with a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy Catalina’s natural beauty while attending one of the most prominent LA events of the year.
Whether it’s exploring scenic trails, strolling along the waterfront, or attending screenings and panels, the festival provides an enriching experience that connects visitors to the best of LA culture in a stunning island setting.
Tickets and Attendance
The Catalina Film Festival offers different passes to suit various preferences:
Festival Pass – Access to all screenings and public events.
VIP Pass – Premium seating, early access, and exclusive receptions.
Cinema Pass – Entry to specific curated screenings.
Tickets are available on the official festival website: catalinafilm.org.
Co-Founder & Programming Director Tim Delious Kennedy, Past Honoree Roman Copolla, Executive Director and Founder Ron Truppa
The Historic Catalina Casino Is Home to Catalina Film Festival’s Red Carpet Press Line, Spotlight Films and Awards Ceremony
Why You Should Attend
The Catalina Film Festival is more than a celebration of cinema; it’s a highlight in any Los Angeles guide to culture, art, and entertainment. With independent films, engaging panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, the festival offers something for everyone. Whether you are a filmmaker seeking inspiration or a passionate movie lover, this festival provides a memorable, educational, and truly immersive experience.
By attending, visitors can discover LA through the lens of Catalina Island’s cinematic history and participate in one of the most exciting LA events of the year. From its stunning landscapes to its red carpet screenings, the festival exemplifies the best of LA in every way.
