Coastal landscape with cliffs, a sandy beach, and ocean waves

About Us

What do we do

As a California non-profit public benefit corporation, the Catalina Film Institute champions imagination, education, and destination through film. In practice, we support storytellers with year-round experiences, industry conversations, and community-driven events.

Led by film industry professionals, the Institute celebrates the creative process and the people behind it. At the same time, our work helps filmmakers and new-media creators grow, while promoting film as an art form, from development and production to distribution.

Across Southern California, our outreach delivers hands-on, education-based events and workshops in collaboration with like-minded organizations. As a result, students, professionals, and film enthusiasts can connect, learn, and contribute.

With deep passion for our namesake island, Catalina, we also support the local community and its off-season economy. In doing so, we celebrate the island’s charitable organizations, residents, and long-standing film history.

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Catalina Film Festival

Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 2022 “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” (worldwide), Catalina Film Festival (CFF) has also ranked in FilmFreeway.com’s Top 25-40 “Best Reviewed Festivals” (out of 10,000+ festivals worldwide) for nearly a decade.

Each year, the Catalina Film Institute presents CFF as a celebration of film on the only California coast resort island. In addition to 200+ films, the festival features nightly events and industry networking, set against Catalina’s clear blue water and coastal breezes, just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles.

Long Beach Launch

On the mainland, our connecting city is Long Beach. There, the historic 1924 Scottish Rite Cultural Centre serves as our headquarters and a landmark art deco venue with an iconic 800-seat theatre. Notably, it was built by the same masons behind the Avalon Theatre, so the two share architectural style and elegance.

Catalina Film Institute

Presents: Korea

Catalina Film Institute is expanding its international outreach through Catalina Film Institute Presents: Korea, a new initiative created to strengthen cultural exchange and spotlight outstanding Korean cinema.

Yoo Yeol Park, Founding Director, Catalina Film Institute Presents: Korea, will lead relationships with filmmakers, universities, and cultural partners in Korea, with the goal of introducing new voices and films to the Catalina Film Institute and the Catalina Film Festival, while exploring future educational programs, seminars, and curated screenings in Korea.

As this collaboration develops, we will share updates and opportunities to participate.

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Since 2011…

Catalina Film & New Media Summit

As an integral part of the Institute’s educational mission, the Summit supports filmmakers through learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections. For example, participants can explore panels, seminars, pitches, and networking events with both filmmakers and industry leaders.

Catalina Film Society

Alongside the festival, the Film Society curates screenings—from festival winners to classic films. In addition, filmmaker Q&As and meet-and-greets help unpack the creative process behind the work.

Catalina Film Workshops

Based in Avalon, between Avalon Canyon and Avalon Bay, these hands-on experiences offer filmmakers an inspiring setting to learn and create. In particular, the program draws creative energy from Catalina’s landscapes and the Catalina Island Conservancy’s preserved interiors.

Catalina Film Radio Program

Through introspective one-on-one interviews with today’s top independent filmmakers, the Radio Program explores each artist’s journey and influences. Over time, these conversations reveal the creative decisions behind the films we see on screen.

Screenings on Catalina

Across Catalina Island, films are screened at multiple venues, including the iconic Avalon Theatre, an art deco landmark and the world’s first sound theatre, with 1,200 seats.

Meanwhile, Catalina Film Festival remains a competitive festival with awards in up to 11 categories, as well as prestigious industry honors.

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Aerial view of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island with boats and the iconic round waterfront building

Platform

Overall, our platform is built on education, art, and entertainment. Equally important, we support local charities and the Southern California and Catalina Island economy, especially during the off-season.

Through independent screenings and community events, we celebrate a wide spectrum of filmmaking, including:
• feature films
• documentaries
• screenplays
• animation
• short films
• horror
• student work

Finally, we spotlight a dedicated conservation series, honoring filmmakers whose work supports protecting, restoring, and experiencing the power of nature.

Want to get involved?

To get involved, support the Catalina Film Institute, explore MerchLab, or help us with a donation.

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