SAN DIEGO/LOS ANGELES, CA (September 22, 2025): Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection. The Festival is thrilled to announce the 2025 Festival Partnerships and Panels.
2025 Festival Partnerships
According to Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival,”This year’s Festival is honored to harness the power of film by partnering with extraordinary organizations that are making a global impact and changing lives. We are especially excited to spotlight Room to Move in collaboration with La Jolla Playhouse — a visually poetic documentary that explores neurodivergence, identity, and self-discovery through the language of movement. In partnership with the House of Pacific Relations, we are proud to highlight a curated selection of international films that celebrate cultural diversity, foster global understanding, and connect audiences across borders.Through our collaboration with the Women’s Museum of California, we feature a Women’s Film Series during the Festival to discover, cultivate, and amplify the diverse voices of women filmmakers who are shaping our cultural landscape through cinematic storytelling.“
San Diego International Film Festival & La Jolla Playhouse Present the West Coast Premiere of Room to Move
Two of San Diego’s premier arts institutions unite to present the West Coast premiere of Room to Move — a powerful, visually poetic documentary exploring neurodivergence, identity, and self-discovery through the language of movement.
About the Film:
A 2025 Tribeca Film Festival World Premiere, Room to Move follows acclaimed choreographer Jenn Freeman as she receives an Autism diagnosis at age 33. Directed by Alexander Hammer and executive produced by Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer, the film captures the intersection of dance, memory, and healing with immersive intimacy and artistic depth.
Why It Matters:
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to championing underrepresented voices while also highlighting the value of experimental theatre and film as vehicles for personal and societal transformation. Room to Move opens space for deeper conversations around neurodiversity, while showcasing the kind of bold, cross-disciplinary work that pushes the boundaries of both art forms.
House of Pacific Relations
The San Diego International Film Festival and the House of Pacific Relations are proud to partner in celebration of HPR’s 90th Anniversary. This collaboration highlights a shared mission: showcasing international stories that foster cultural connection and global understanding.
Through the Festival’s curated selection of international films, audiences are invited to explore diverse voices and perspectives from around the world — a perfect complement to HPR’s decades-long dedication to multicultural education and community. This year, the Festival is highlighting films from 25 different countries.
Why It Matters: In today’s global climate, cultural exchange through film is a powerful tool for building empathy and breaking down barriers. This partnership amplifies international voices that reflect our shared humanity, inspiring greater understanding and connection across communities.
Women’s Film Series
In partnership with the Women’s Museum of California. Together – the organizations discover, cultivate and amplify diverse voices of women filmmakers who help shape our cultural landscape through the art of cinematic storytelling. This commitment to diversity, racial equity and inclusion is grounded in values established by both organizations. Seven women helmed films will receive the “Women’s Film Series” designation.
Why it Matters:
The film industry has made progress toward gender equality, particularly in the last decade, but the ratio of men to women in key roles remains heavily skewed in favor of men. In Hollywood, for example, women directed about 18% of the top 250 highest-grossing films in 2022 and 26% of the writers were women. Continued efforts to address these disparities, through policy changes, advocacy, and industry initiatives, are essential to achieving a more balanced representation.
2025 Festival Panel Discussions
Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director of the Festival shared “Each year, we look forward to sharing our Festival Panel Discussions with the community. They offer us the opportunity to examine some of the most relevant topics in the film industry, engage community and festival experts, and open up those discussions for our audience. All this happens within the framework of our patrons exploring film, and the panels provide interesting filters through which to experience. This year – we are excited to share panels on AI and the Future of Entertainment, Story Architects, Women in Film and Storytelling in the Age of Social Media.”
Next Frame: AI and the Future of Entertainment
Saturday Oct 18 / 5:45 – 6:30 AI is transforming the way stories are created and consumed — from screenwriting to post-production. This panel explores how filmmakers are embracing (and questioning) these tools, what’s at stake for creativity and authorship, and where human imagination fits in a tech-driven future.
The Story Architect: Behind the Scenes with the Showrunner of NBC’s Series “The Hunting Party” Moderated by Tonya Mantooth
Saturday, Oct 18 / 1:30 – 2:15 Go behind the curtain with the creative force behind one of television’s most talked-about series, NBC’s The Hunting Party. In this intimate conversation, acclaimed showrunner JJ Bailey shares how he builds story arcs, lead writers’ rooms, balance studio demands, and keep audiences coming back season after season. A must-see for anyone curious about the art — and pressure — of running the show.
Women in Film: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Industry
Moderated by Sandra Maas
Saturday, Oct 18 / 5:45 – 6:15 This engaging panel explores how women are redefining the film industry — from directing and producing to writing and financing. Industry leaders will discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the progress being made, and how women’s voices are shaping the future of storytelling both on screen and behind the camera.
Influencer Panel From Screen to Stream: Storytelling in the Age of Social Media
Moderated by Cindy Matalucci
Friday, Oct. 17 | 2:30-3:15
The lines between film, television, and digital content are blurrier than ever—and social media is playing a starring role. In this dynamic panel, we’ll dive into how individuals in the TV and film industry are navigating a new era where storytelling extends far beyond the screen.
From TikTok teasers and viral trailers to behind-the-scenes Instagram content, social platforms have become essential tools for shaping characters, building fan communities, and launching careers. Join us for a conversation about how the entertainment landscape is shifting—and how today’s creators are using digital strategy to amplify their stories, both on-screen and off.
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