The Power of Perspective. Come Watch With Us.
Want to see creative and diverse films before award season? Want to see films that are inspiring and impactful? Come watch with us at the annual San Diego International Film Festival Oct 15-20, 2019. Since 2001, we have showcased new and exciting independent films from all over the world. Our lineup includes the best studio and independent features, documentaries, and shorts from across the globe. Meet filmmakers who are exploring issues with a global impact, feature films that spark conversation and get a new perspective from a fresh point of view. Films shown at the festival often go on to win Academy Awards and other important industry recognitions. Get your pass to new perspectives today!

Key Events

Oct 15 | Opening Night Film Premiere & Afterparty
Catch the filmmakers on the red carpet and watch a never-before-seen studio premiere.

Oct 18 | Night of the Stars Tribute
Celebrating and honoring the film industry's most accomplished actors, directors, and filmmakers. Previous honorees include Sir Patrick Stewart, Kenny Loggins, Annette Bening, Kathryn Hahn, Kumail Nanjiani, Adrien Brody, Alex Wolff, Judd Apatow, Heather Graham, and Mariel Hemingway.

Oct 19 | Filmmaker Awards Show and Party
Join us as we present the awards to the Festival’s competition films and honor the filmmakers. 

Oct 20 | Culinary Cinema
Enjoy a cinematic adventure into the world of food and then enjoy delicious bites from local chefs and restaurants.

The Best in America’s Finest City.
Come enjoy independent film AND have fun in the sun! From beautiful beaches and craft beer to award-winning farm-to-table restaurants and a hopping nightlife, San Diego has it all. Our downtown hub allows guests to attend a screening, walk to the afterparty, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many downtown restaurants. A short 15-minute drive will land you at ArcLight Cinemas La Jolla at Westfield UTC, the home of film premieres and the popular Culinary Cinema.

Learn from the Best in the Film Industry.
Want to know more about the entertainment business and movie making? After each screening, new/upcoming and veteran filmmakers will discuss their creative process, giving you an inside look at how their films were made. Learn why they made the film, and what their experience was like making it. Top directors, producers, writers, and actors will speak about how they got their movie made and distributed, and what it takes to take something from the page to the big screen. You’ll even get the opportunity to ask questions and speak to filmmakers themselves in person!