DOWNEY -- The Glennfest Film Festival in Downey continues through this weekend to its closing night on Oct. 8 with 11 more films.  All screenings are free to the public.

The Downey Civic Theatre is the venue for the Oct. 4  afternoon screening of the documentary "Landfill Harmonic."  The combined program, celebrating music and art, includes a special art exhibit in the lobby and mezzanine. 

Doors open at 2 p.m. and the screening begins at 3. Refreshments will be available.
"Landfill Harmonic" traces the remarkable story of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura in Paraguay.  All of the instruments for this youth orchestra were made from items salvaged from one of Latin America’s biggest landfills.  

In a slum overwhelmed with stories of drugs, crime, and destitution, a local music teacher and a self-taught craftsman work together to make instruments for the children to have something positive to do. 

This youth orchestra has been featured on "60 Minutes," National Public Radio, CNN, and in publications such as The New York Times and the Washington Post. Their documentary reflects the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

The art exhibit in the theatre lobby, "Dance and Movement," features the work of 25 local artists. The theme was inspired by the upcoming fall concert of the Downey Symphony Orchestra, which includes selections from the ballet "Swan Lake." The artwork will be on display for theatre patrons for three weeks.  

This free event is sponsored by the Downey Arts Coalition, with a grant from the city, and the Glennfest Film Festival.  

“We’re excited about this family-friendly program,” says Andrew Wahlquist, president of DAC, “and proud to be the first recipient of the Downey Theatre financial aid initiative.” The city grant program is designed to make the theatre accessible to non-profit arts groups in Downey.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Epic Lounge on 2nd Street will feature the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Since the movie’s premiere over 40 years ago in Westwood, new generations continue to fall in love with the musical comedy horror film and come to the show dressed as their favorite characters.  Seating is limited, and people are encouraged to make reservations on the website, glennfest.com.

Trailers of all of the Glennfest films this year are available for viewing on the website. The public is encouraged to reserve seats.