The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the launch of its 2026 Educational Classic Film Program, marking the fifth season of this initiative aimed at enhancing cinematic literacy. The program, previously known as the Student Classic Series, has expanded its reach this year to include the wider community, allowing film enthusiasts of all ages to engage with classic cinema.
On February 22, 2026, CIFF will host a screening of the acclaimed 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird in honor of Black History Month. The event will take place in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library from 1:30 PM to 4 PM. This screening is free of charge and accessible to the public, encouraging a diverse audience to participate.
The film, directed by Robert Mulligan, is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee. It tells the story of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer in the Depression-era South, as he defends an African American man unjustly accused of a crime. This character has been celebrated widely; in 2003, the American Film Institute named Atticus Finch the greatest hero in cinematic history.
Discussion surrounding the film is expected to delve into why Finch resonates as a heroic figure, despite facing profound challenges in his quest for justice. Cinephiles are encouraged to engage in this dialogue, contributing their insights as “cinema scholars” during the event.
The 2026 program’s theme, “The Art of Adaptation,” reflects the significance of translating literary works into film. The adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird features a screenplay by Horton Foote, who won an Academy Award for his work. The film’s portrayal of Finch, played by Gregory Peck, earned Peck his only Best Actor Oscar. The film itself received eight Oscar nominations, winning three.
As part of the event, Phil Garn, the grandson of the film’s Oscar-winning Art Director, Alexander Golitzen, will present insights into his grandfather’s contributions to the film. This unique perspective will enhance the audience’s understanding of the craftsmanship involved in creating landmark films of the Golden Age.
Attendees will not only have the chance to view this significant film but also engage in post-screening discussions about its cultural, cinematic, and historical relevance. A reward will be offered for the best analysis during these discussions: a hard copy of Harper Lee’s novel, courtesy of CIFF.
The 2026 Educational Classic Film Program will feature a diverse selection of films, including Captains Courageous (1937), Shane (1953), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), A Tale of Two Cities (1937), and Les Misérables (1935). Each film will serve as a platform for further exploration and appreciation of cinema’s rich history.
This initiative aims to foster a love for classic films, making them accessible to a new generation and providing a space for intergenerational dialogue. As Harper Lee once remarked about Gregory Peck, “The minute I saw him, I knew everything was going to be all right, because he was Atticus.” This screening promises to reignite that sentiment among audiences, inviting them to reflect on the enduring impact of such iconic storytelling.
