The San Diego International Film Festival (SDIFF) will make a notable shift this year by hosting its events entirely in La Jolla and the North coastal region, a first in its 23-year history. This change has stemmed from a gradual transition over the past five years, primarily due to the pandemic-related closure of the Theatre Box in downtown San Diego.
Previously, screenings were divided between Westfield UTC in La Jolla and the Theatre Box downtown. After 2021, the festival maintained a connection to downtown, including an opening night screening at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park, which has now been replaced by THE LOT in La Jolla for this year’s opening night.
The opening night film premiere and party is scheduled for October 15, showcasing Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” featuring prominent actors Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield. Tonya Mantooth, CEO and artistic director of SDIFF, acknowledged the charm of MOPA but emphasized the need for expanded seating as the reason for the switch to THE LOT.
“THE LOT gives us more ability to expand,” she stated, underlining that the venue fits the festival’s growing needs.
In addition to the shift in the venue for opening night, the festival has also introduced another location: the renowned Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. This venue will host the Party with a Purpose, a lively event intended to raise funds for the San Diego Film Foundation’s educational programs aimed at high school students.
Mantooth expressed enthusiasm for the Belly Up Tavern, describing it as having a great atmosphere. She believes that the event will attract filmmakers who come to town, providing a memorable experience for both attendees and filmmakers alike.
While Solana Beach stands out as an exception, most special events will be concentrated in La Jolla. One highlight will be the Night of the Stars event at The Conrad, where celebrated actor Mark Hamill will be honored with the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence on October 16.
Another popular feature of the festival is the Culinary Cinema program, which stars TV chef Shawn Styles from CBS8’s “Cooking with Styles.” This program will take place at the Capitol One Cafe within Westfield UTC, offering extravagant culinary experiences for attendees. Following the culinary delights, participants will head to the AMC theater in the same mall for a film themed around cuisine, complemented by food and drink pairings from local chefs.
The closing night film, an eagerly awaited entry in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” mystery series, featuring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, will screen at AMC Theatres at Westfield UTC. The festival will host a total of 100 screenings from October 16 to 19, utilizing venues such as The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla and AMC14 at Westfield UTC.
Despite the festival’s physical presence in La Jolla and Solana Beach, SDIFF aims to expand its reach by inviting audiences from across the entire San Diego region. Mantooth outlined their goal: to bring films from all over the world to San Diego, showcasing diverse storytelling to the local audience.
To this end, SDIFF has partnered with the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages (HPR) located in Balboa Park. This collaboration is designed not only to promote the festival but also to enhance cultural understanding through film. The marketing partnership will encourage participation from the 35 expatriate communities represented in each house, inviting them to view films from and about their respective countries.
The partnership is also focused on cross-cultural promotion, as both Mantooth and HPR recognize film’s potential to widen perspectives. “Everyone would really benefit,” said Joe Mazares, president of HPR. He noted that films create more accessible gateways to understanding diverse cultures than traditional educational methods, such as attending lectures or history classes.
Mazares highlighted the multifaceted nature of film, which can convey profound messages through sensory experiences, making it a compelling medium for connection.
Mantooth further emphasized the importance of the festival’s Foreign Films track, stating, “We need to be able to see other diverse cultures, understand people, really open up to a new perspective of what’s going on in the world.” This curated selection provides audiences with opportunities to view films ahead of their general release, including short films and documentaries that often do not receive extensive theatrical exposure.
Ultimately, SDIFF aims not only to entertain but also to engage audiences by tackling critical social and global issues alongside films that inspire joy. Attendees can look forward to a festival that promises to be both culturally enriching and entertaining, inviting everyone to explore the world through cinema.
For more information on the festival’s schedule and ticketing, interested parties should visit the SDIFF’s official website.
image source from：timesofsandiego
