The San Diego International Film Festival announces the footprint for the 24th Annual Festival (Oct 15-19, 2025). The San Diego International Film Festival, ‘where culture, coast and cinema collide’ is back with curated screenings that inform, inspire and entertain. Festival events include the Opening Night Film Premiere & Party the Night of the Stars Tribute, “Party With a Purpose”, Culinary Cinema, Studio Premieres, curated features, documentaries and shorts from Independent Filmmakers around the world as well as parties, panels and networking events.
The festival is thrilled to announce some brand new locations for 2025 Festival events. The Opening Night Premiere and Party will take place at THE LOT, La Jolla and the Party With a Purpose will take place at The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. Additional events and screenings will return to The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla and AMC14 hosted by Westfield UTC.
Each year the San Diego International Film Festival receives submissions from over 3200 independent filmmakers from 85 countries. The San Diego International Film Festival is strategically positioned in October to premiere potential contenders just prior to the industry nominations and awards shows. Through the years, the San Diego International Film Festival has screened premieres that have garnered 36 ACADEMY AWARDS and 167 NOMINATIONS!
Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director shared “Sharing stories is at the heart of everything we do at the festival. We are grateful we get to do this with our community – exploring stories together, examining issues and finding common ground together. This year – we are particularly excited about our partnership with the iconic House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park. They are one of San Diego’s great treasures! Their 32 international houses in Balboa Park explore foreign culture and share it with San Diego – which is exactly what we look to do with our International Film track. This partnership brings together like minded people who are curious about the world we share. We are also thrilled that VARIETY has joined us as the Media Partner for the Night of the Stars Tribute, presenting the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema. Their partnership adds an extraordinary level of prestige on a National level to one of our most celebrated events- and allows us to expand the reach of all the stories we share. We look forward to unveiling our complete slate of films with the community in early September.”
VARIETY Joins the San Diego International Film Festival as Official Media Partner for the Night of the Stars Tribute, presenting the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema
The San Diego International Film Festival is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with VARIETY, the most trusted name in entertainment news, for this year’s prestigious Night of the Stars Tribute. As part of this collaboration, VARIETY will present the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema, one of the Festival’s most prestigious honors. Past recipients include acclaimed talents such as Annette Bening, Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia, Alan Arkin, and others, each recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the art of filmmaking.
Each year, the Night of the Stars honors some of the most accomplished actors and filmmakers working today with awards including the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema, the Cinema Vanguard Award, Rising Star Award amongst others. This red-carpet event, held at The Conrad in La Jolla, draws filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and film lovers from around the country.
The partnership with VARIETY underscores the Festival’s continued growth and its mission to celebrate cinematic excellence while elevating socially impactful storytelling.
The House of Pacific Relations (HPR) in Balboa Park and the San Diego International Film Festival partner with a shared interest in cultural exploration.
With a passion for international stories celebrated in its Foreign Film track, the San Diego International Film Festival is thrilled to partner with HPR. Founded in 1935, the House of Pacific Relations, International Cottages (HPR) in Balboa Park, San Diego, California is celebrating its 90th Anniversary. HPR is a consortium of ‘houses’ representing 35 cultures. The HPR promotes multicultural goodwill and understanding through education and cultural programs. The park contains 1935 Exposition cottages plus many newer cottages where HPR member cultures can offer visitors a window to their culture, history and traditions. HPR celebrates their 90th Anniversary on September 6 & 7th from 11am – 5pm with food and entertainment on the HPR Lawn and Cottages on September 7th from 2-3:30 at The Organ Pavilion with organ, bagpipes, multi-national choirs and more! www.sdhpr.org
Selected films for the Foreign Film Track and the entire 2025 Festival Slate will be announced in early September. sdfilmfest.com
2025 SAN DIEGO INTL FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
WED. OCT 15
Opening Night Film Premiere & Party
THE LOT, La Jolla
7611 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Time: 5:30pm Red Carpet/ Pre-Reception
Screening starts at 6:30pm followed by after party
Join us on Wednesday, Oct 15th, as we kick off the 24th Annual San Diego International Film Festival at our new Opening Night location — THE LOT, La Jolla! This luxury cinema and dining destination combines state-of-the-art theaters, chef-driven cuisine, and a vibrant social atmosphere — the perfect setting for our exciting Opening Night Film Premiere with pre- and post-parties.
THURS. OCT 16
Night of the Stars Tribute
Gregory Peck Award presented by VARIETY
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla
Time: 5:30pm Red Carpet and Pre-Reception; 7:00pm Awards Ceremony
The San Diego International Film Festival honors some of the film industry’s most accomplished actors, directors, and filmmakers. Each year, we are proud to present the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema, made possible with the support of the Peck family. Rising stars, visionary auteurs, and trailblazing filmmakers are also celebrated, taking center stage on the red carpet as we shine a spotlight on their remarkable contributions to the art of cinema.
Partial List of Past Honorees
•Laurence Fishburne
•Sir Patrick Stewart
•Annette Bening
•Andy Garcia
•Gus Van Sant
•Kenny Loggins
•Kate Beckinsale
•Geena Davis
•Marianne Jean-Baptiste
•Geena Davis
•Judd Apatow
•Adrian Brody
•Regina Hall
•Alessandro Nivola
•Heather Graham
FRIDAY. OCT 17
Party With a Purpose
Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
Time: 9pm – 12:30am
This year’s Party with a Purpose is taking over the Belly Up in Solana Beach! Bring your moves, your style, and your energy for a night of music, dancing, and making an impact.
The night kicks off with PJ da DJ spinning high-energy tracks to set the vibe, followed by The Mustache Bash Band, a funk-filled celebration of bold style, feel-good grooves, and the soul of ’75 where disco beats, funk rhythms, and retro cool collide.
It’s more than just a party… it’s a fun-raiser for the San Diego International Film Festival’s FOCUS on Impact Education Program, delivering powerful films, curriculum, and conversation on social impact topics to San Diego high school students.
THURS. OCT 16—SUN. OCT 19
Studio Premieres, Independent Film Screenings and Panels
AMC UTC 14 hosted by Westfield UTC
Film lovers will experience a thrilling lineup of Studio Premieres, Independent Features, International Films, Documentaries, and Short Films, complete with Filmmaker Q&As and engaging Panels. Between screenings, guests can head to the Fest Lounge to enjoy cocktails, live music, and vibrant conversations with fellow film enthusiasts.
SUN. OCT 19Culinary Cinema
Capital One Café & AMC UTC 14 Patio hosted by Westfield UTC
Culinary Cinema is the perfect recipe for Sunday fun and a dream come true for foodies! Hosted by Shawn Styles from CBS8’s ‘Cooking with Styles’, the ingredients begin with an extravagant nosh at the Capital One Cafe, followed by a cuisine-themed film. Afterwards, enjoy bites and pairings inspired by renowned San Diego Chefs. Add some nice wines and good conversation with fellow film lovers and you have a perfect Sunday afternoon!
PASS PACKAGES:
The Festival’s signature events (Opening Night Film and Pre-Reception and Culinary Cinema) typically sell out. The best way to guarantee reservations at these events is to purchase a pass and reserve your tickets no later than Sep 4.
The VIP Pass Package includes: Opening Night Film Premiere and Party, Night of the Stars Tribute, Party With a Purpose, Culinary Cinema, first access to all film screenings, panels, special events and Fest Lounge.
The Fest Pass Package includes all screenings on Thursday – Sunday. Does NOT include Opening Night Film & Party, Night of the Stars Tribute or Culinary Cinema.
The Weekend Pass Package includes all screenings on Saturday and Sunday only. Culinary Cinema not included
10-Ticket Package: Choose 10 screenings from a curated selection of premieres, international films, indies, docs, and shorts. Your festival, your way. Buy the 10-Ticket Bundle for $175 and save $25!
Valid Thu, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 19
Individual event tickets to the signature events will go on Sept 5th on a space available basis.
There are a variety of Festival Packages available to suit every budget. Individual screenings can be purchased for $20 all the way up to the VIP PASS PACKAGE for $575. Learn more about Festival ticketing options https://sdfilmfest.com/buy-passes/
We are cashless/paperless and badges are printed physically. All tickets can be uploaded digitally and scanned.
About The San Diego International Film Festival:
The San Diego International Film Festival is the region’s premier cinematic event and a key stop on the independent film festival circuit. The Festival offers a truly unique experience, featuring world premieres, exclusive studio releases, and the finest in independent filmmaking. Guided by the belief that cinema can be a catalyst for positive change, the Festival presents a diverse array of programming—ensuring that every film lover finds a genre that speaks to their heart.
About the San Diego Film Foundation:
CREATING EMPATHY IN A COMPLEX WORLD…
Our mission is to harness the power of film to explore issues of global impact, foster dialogue, and cultivate empathy and understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world. We extend these important conversations through partnerships with the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego Unified School District, and San Diego Community College District, using cinematic storytelling to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders on key issues affecting our communities and the world.
A 501c.3. The San Diego Film Foundation brings the finest independent cinematic storytelling from around the world to San Diego each year. We present films that make a difference through a variety of events and programs. We have a created robust infrastructure to continue sharing film and discussion safely including:
● FOCUS on Impact Film Series for all High School and Community College Students in San Diego County (Fall and Spring 2025/2026)
● Film Insider Series (May – August 2025)
● 2025 San Diego International Film Festival (October 15-19, 2025)
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