Tarzana International Film Festival Brings Star Power, Innovation, and Nominations to the Valley

The Tarzana International Film Festival (TZIFF) is set to light up Southern California with a weekend of world-class cinema, Hollywood icons, and groundbreaking technology. Running September 5–7 at Regal Cinemas in the historic Sherman Oaks Galleria, the festival will feature more than 95 films from around the globe, including the nominated work of The Star Prairie Project, recognized among this year’s standout selections.

Adding to the star wattage, Lou Ferrigno, the legendary bodybuilder and iconic “Incredible Hulk,” will serve as an Awards Presenter alongside Dee Wallace (E.T.), Wolf Larson (Tarzan), Isaac C. Singleton Jr. (Transformers One), and acclaimed actor-impressionist Jim Meskimen (War of the Worlds).

The festivities open with a red-carpet reception hosted by Porsche of Woodland Hills, followed by the West Coast premiere of Gunner, a high-octane thriller starring Luke Hemsworth and Morgan Freeman. The celebration will close with an elegant awards gala at the Braemar Country Club, honoring this year’s filmmakers, including nominees like The Star Prairie Project, with sweeping views of Tarzana as the backdrop.

This year’s festival also honors legacy and innovation. Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. returns to the spotlight to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Burroughs’ birth, with Lou Ferrigno presenting a tribute to TV’s Ron Ely (Tarzan) and author Kevin J. Anderson (Dune) receiving the prestigious Edgar Rice Burroughs Legacy Award.

In a historic first, TZIFF is joining forces with the Artificial Intelligence Media Festival (AIMF), showcasing three full blocks of AI-created films, music, and visual art. This partnership makes TZIFF one of Los Angeles’ first film festivals to embrace AI as a frontier in cinematic storytelling.

Festivalgoers can also experience a Pop-Up Digital Art Show in the Regal lobby, while sponsors, including Regal Cinemas, Keller Williams Luxury Realty, Legacy Mortgage, and Braemar Country Club, ensure the event remains a hub for creativity and culture.

Tickets and full festival schedule available at www.itsmyseat.com/TZIFF