The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the launch of its 2026 Educational Classic Film Program, now in its fifth season. This initiative, which was previously known as the Student Classic Series, aims to foster cinematic literacy by exposing students and the wider community to iconic films from Hollywood’s Golden Age, spanning the mid-1930s to the early 1960s. This year, the program broadens its reach to welcome all film enthusiasts, enhancing community engagement.
On February 22, 2026, CIFF will screen the critically acclaimed film To Kill a Mockingbird, directed by Robert Mulligan. This special event, held in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, is free and open to the public of all ages. The screening coincides with Black History Month, highlighting the film’s significant cultural themes.
Atticus Finch, portrayed by Gregory Peck, stands out as a pivotal character in cinematic history. Recognized as the greatest movie hero by the American Film Institute’s “100 Years” Series in 2003, Atticus Finch epitomizes moral integrity and justice, despite facing insurmountable challenges in defending his client. The film adapts Harper Lee‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, offering audiences a chance to engage with its powerful themes.
The event invites cinephiles of all ages to participate in discussions about the film’s enduring impact. Attendees will have the opportunity to assume the role of “cinema scholars,” sharing their insights on the classic narrative and its relevance today. This cross-generational initiative encourages participation from grandparents, students, and film lovers alike, creating a space for dialogue about films that have shaped cinematic history.
The 2026 program series is themed “The Art of Adaptation,” exemplified by the Oscar-winning screenplay of To Kill a Mockingbird. The film tells the story through the perspective of Atticus’s children, particularly his daughter, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, played by Mary Badham. At just ten years old, Badham received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the youngest nominee in that category at the time.
In total, To Kill a Mockingbird garnered eight Oscar nominations, winning three awards, including Best Actor for Peck. During the screening, attendees will hear from Phil Garn, the grandson of the film’s Oscar-winning Art Director, Alexander Golitzen. Garn will share insights regarding his grandfather’s artistic contributions to the film, providing a unique perspective on the craftsmanship of movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
This screening offers a rare chance to witness a landmark film in American cinema. Following the film, participants will engage in a discussion about its cultural, cinematic, and historical significance. The audience member with the most compelling interpretation during the post-screening conversation will receive a copy of Harper Lee‘s novel, courtesy of CIFF.
As noted by Lee on the set of To Kill a Mockingbird, upon seeing Peck, she remarked, “The minute I saw him I knew everything was going to be all right, because he was Atticus.” The full line-up for the 2026 program includes other classic adaptations such as Captains Courageous (1937), Shane (1953), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), A Tale of Two Cities (1937), and Les Misérables (1935).
CIFF’s Educational Classic Film Program promises to be a captivating exploration of the art of cinema, bridging generations and fostering a deeper appreciation for classic films.
