POINT ARENA, CA., 11/1/25 – The Arena Theater Short Film Festival will return to downtown Point Arena next week for its third annual showcase of local storytelling by Northern California filmmakers.
According to the theater’s website, the Arena Theater Short Film Festival committee has selected over 50 films at this year’s screenings from Nov. 7-9. Many of the filmmakers will also be in attendance to hold question-and-answer sessions after the films.
The theater’s website reads, “Please settle in and enjoy a cinematic journey that celebrates both the power of film and the joy of coming together. From global perspectives to local stories, this year’s festival is a testament to the enduring magic of our nearly century-old theater and the community that keeps it thriving.”
Local theater historians Jean Ohman and Mitch McFarland estimate that the Arena Theater opened its doors in 1931 as a vaudeville palace. It was restored in 1996 with Art Deco furnishings.
Today, the theater offers a mix of film events, concerts and screenings. It features everything from first-run films and documentaries to art house and classic selections, as well as live telecasts from the Metropolitan Opera and the National Theatre.
Shauna Boyd, the Arena Theater Short Film Festival director, said in an interview that she has witnessed the event evolve into a well-loved community tradition.
“We are really excited that it’s becoming a beloved annual tradition,” Boyd said. “It’s been very embraced by the community.”
The third annual Arena Theater Short Film Festival takes place Nov. 7-9 at the Arena Theater in Point Arena. Visit arenatheater.org/cinema/arena-theater-short-film-festival/ for more information and tickets.