Healdsburg International Short Film Festival 2025

Set in the heart of California Wine Country, the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival (HISFF) returns for its fourth year Sept. 26–28, promising a weekend of cinema, parties, and red carpet celebrations. Organized in collaboration with the Healdsburg Center for the Arts (HCA), HISFF coincides with HCA’s Festival of the Arts in the Healdsburg Plaza, creating a vibrant, art-filled weekend.

The festival opens Friday with a red carpet arrival and photo opportunities, followed by an exclusive party for filmmakers, sponsors, and VIPs. Screenings will run throughout the weekend, along with a Saturday night party, a filmmaker breakfast, and the awards ceremony on Sunday evening.

A panel of notable judges from the entertainment industry makes HISFF a draw for both new and veteran filmmakers. This year’s jury includes actor Ed Begley Jr., comedian Laraine Newman, musician Tom Waits, and others. Several jurists are expected to attend, with Begley scheduled for a book signing at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Raven Theater. Books will be available for purchase and signing, with preorders recommended through Copperfield’s.

HISFF will also host a booth at the Healdsburg Festival of the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Plaza.

Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets to student film screenings are $10. Special passes are available for $75 to $150.