PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO PREMIERE DOCUMENTARY AT LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
‘The Smell of Money’ Documents History of Los Angeles Harbor Area Fishing and Canning Industry; Public Invited to Free Screening
Updated March 6 at 1:30 p.m. - Corrected "Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival" to "LA Harbor International Film Festival."
Updated March 7 at 6 p.m. - Eventbrite tickets are no longer available online. A limited number of tickets may be available at the event.
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – March 6, 2024 – An area rich in history and tradition, the Los Angeles Harbor in the early 20th Century was a bustling hub, attracting immigrants from around the world in pursuit of the American dream and economic opportunity. A big part of that history was the fishing and canning industry, an era now celebrated in a new 30-minute documentary commissioned by the Port of Los Angeles.
The Smell of Money – named for locals’ descriptions of both the industry’s emanating aromas and lucrative economic benefits – will be shown for the first time at the LA Harbor International Film Festival’s DocSunday, on Sunday, March 17 at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s John Olguin Auditorium.
“The fishing and canning industry played a pivotal role in the early days of the Los Angeles Harbor,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. “The documentary is a fitting tribute to this important era in our region’s history, and to all the men and women who contributed to its success.”
“This incredible documentary honors those who played a role in fishing and canning throughout the harbor,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “It’s a poignant reminder of all the positive impacts that the industry has had on generations of local residents.”
The premiere of The Smell of Money is free and open to the public, and reservations are required as seating is limited. The LA Harbor International Film Festival runs from March 14-17.
Sunday’s program opens with a Croatian fishing documentary, Longline, followed by The Smell of Money. Both documentaries are approximately 30 minutes in length, with the full program expected to run from 2:45-4:45 p.m., including a special appearance by Croatian Vocal Ensemble “Izvor,” introductions, film screenings and question-and-answer sessions.
The Smell of Money was written, narrated, and directed by local filmmaker and director Jack Baric, with production, research assistance, and imagery provided by Port of Los Angeles staff.