Family movie nights precede film festival

Huntington Beach is gearing up for the SoCal Independent Film Festival with free family movies by the pier before it kicks off 10 days of film in September.

The film festival is in its fifth year and has grown from a five day event with 30 movies to a 10-day festival boasting 204 selections including world premieres, shorts, features and documentaries. The festival was founded by Brian Barsuglia to share the art and cultural aspects of film. He said people will get the chance to view movies they might never get to see otherwise.

“There is a great film culture that is outside of the main stream culture,” Barsuglia said.

The festival will run from Sept. 14 to 23 at the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center’s theater. Out of the 204 selections, 135 movies will be shown, guest speakers will be on hand and directors and actors will participate in a Q-and-A section.

There will also be workshops for aspiring filmmakers on preparing their pitches, how to get a movie overseas and whether or not self distribution of a movie can lead to major distribution, Barsuglia said.

Tickets for individual movies are on sale now at socalfilmfest.com. Festival passes are also available for $35 or $20 for admission to weekend festivities only.

For the free outdoor films, “Wall-E” played for more than 450 people on Aug. 6, Barsuglia said.

“We suggest people get there early and scope out spots,” Barsuglia said.

“Kung Fu Panda” will be shown tonight at sundown at the Huntington Beach Pier amphitheater. “The Wizard of Oz” will play on Aug. 20 and it will end with “Finding Nemo” on Aug. 27.

— Britney Barnes