YOUR CINEMATIC HOLIDAY BEGINS HERE
5 DAYS | FILMS | PREMIERES | PANELS | WORKSHOPS
THE CULINARY CINEMA SERIES | 2025 SHORTSFEST
THE LEONARD MALTIN INDUSTRY TRIBUTE AWARDS GALA
The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) welcomes makers and lovers of film from all over the world to the storied seaside village of Coronado, California to celebrate the magical art of visual storytelling. Coronado’s enduring love affair with Hollywood began more than a century ago at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, our festival’s Presenting Sponsor. Launched in 2016, CIFF quickly established itself as a unique, walkable, destination film festival.
Just across the blue bridge from downtown San Diego lies Coronado—a storied island where Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot, Charlie Chaplin strolled the streets, and Tom Cruise took flight. From Hollywood icons to dignitaries and dreamers, Coronado has long been a stage for history and imagination.
Building on that legacy, the Coronado Island Film Festival was founded ten years ago as a creative crossroads—where filmmakers, screenwriters, emerging artists, and industry leaders come together to connect, inspire, and celebrate the power of storytelling. With premieres, panels, workshops, and the celebrated Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala, CIFF is where the art and impact of cinema shine brightest.
*CIFF has a strict NO REFUND policy (this includes acts of God, nature and any communicable viruses)
*Transfers ARE allowed with approval from the CIFF Box office if you are unable to attend for any reason.
*Badges do NOT include the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Award Gala.
* Access does not guarantee a seat - a reservation is required for all screenings, events, parties and will fill up on a first come basis.
Programming Schedule and Venues are subject to change at any time
All films open 30 minutes prior to the stated start time
CIFF is a Cash-free festival (we accept all major Credit Card & venmo)
Celebrate the legacy of The Beatles with a one-of-a-kind event in Coronado!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with rare memorabilia, film tributes, and expert insights as we honor the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary San Diego concert and the cinematic milestone of HELP! — all culminating in a special SiriusXM-hosted documentary conversation with Sir Paul McCartney. Historian and CIFF Program partner, Tim Reid has once again delivered a tremendous event that weaves Coronado/San Diego history with Hollywood and celebrity moments celebrating the rich legacy that defines our City.
A global, gutsy cast of characters has to work, live, and survive together on an uninhabited tropical island that is no paradise.
"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is a poignant and personal exploration of a son's journey to understand his father. Andrew Gans, son of the renowned Las Vegas entertainer, Danny Gans, embarks on an intimate exploration of his father's inspiring, improbable life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing.
Through a tapestry of archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and intimate interviews, Andrew paints a vivid portrait of a man who juggled the roles of acclaimed performer, devoted family man, and a beacon of inspiration, yet privately battled with severe health issues and chronic pain which led to Opiate dependency.
The documentary peels back the layers of Danny's multifaceted life, revealing a man who touched many lives through his talent and tenacity while wrestling with his own personal demons. As Andrew delves deeper into his father's life, he also grapples with his own evolving identities as he chases his own dreams, becomes a new husband and an expecting father.
"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is not just a biography of an extraordinary man, but a profound exploration of the complex father-son bond. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance for Andrew, mirrored against the backdrop of his father's improbable underdog story. It's a story about the echoes of a voice that continues to inspire, reverberating through the life of the son left behind.
Blending documentary and musical memoir, EVERYWHERE MAN tells the extraordinary life story of Peter Asher—pop star, producer, manager, and confidant to legends from Paul McCartney to James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, and many more—across six decades at the heart of rock and roll history.
Babette's Feast - A Culinary Classic
At once a rousing paean to artistic creation, a delicate evocation of divine grace, and the ultimate film about food, the Oscar-winning Babette’s Feast is a deeply beloved treasure of cinema. Directed by Gabriel Axel and adapted from a story by Isak Dinesen, it is the lovingly layered tale of a French housekeeper with a mysterious past who brings quiet revolution in the form of one exquisite meal to a circle of starkly pious villagers in late nineteenth-century Denmark. Babette’s Feast combines earthiness and reverence in an indescribably moving depiction of sensual pleasure that goes to your head like fine champagne.
CULINARY PARTNERS
From the Oscar-nominated director of ‘Honeyland’ comes a poignant and visually arresting story set in the heart of rural Macedonia. Nikola, a farmer grappling with the harsh realities of new government policies, finds himself unable to sell his land or crops. When his family leaves in search of a better life abroad, Nikola takes a job as a landfill attendant, where he encounters the injured white stork Silyan. As he nurses the bird back to health, an unlikely bond forms between man and animal. The result is a deeply moving film that touches on climate change, economic migration, resilience and the quiet power of connection.
Kwame Nkrumah was a towering figure of African history who inspired the liberation of the continent in the 1950s and 1960s after rising to serve as Ghana’s first President. A political theorist and prominent African leader, Nkrumah was even featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1953. Nkrumah was later toppled by a military coup in 1966, which was allegedly backed by the CIA, after he was cast as a dictator. As a result, the films made during Nkrumah’s time were ordered to be burned. Though his name is all but erased in the U.S., Nkrumah remains an iconic and revered figure across much of Africa.
When a crisis provides Morgan the rare opportunity to spend time with her significantly older half-siblings, she hopes they'll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to discover that they're all faking it.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
John D. Spreckels Hospitality Center
BE A PART OF THE ACTION
Step into the story of Coronado’s cinematic legacy with Scenes & Sips, an elegant progressive tasting event set along our celebrated Avenue of the Stars. From 4:00–6:00 PM on Saturday, November 8, guests will embark on a flavorful stroll down Orange Avenue, where each star on the sidewalk honors an individual with real ties to Coronado’s rich film and cultural history.
THE SCENE
Your evening begins at our Hospitality Center, where CinePass pickup will be available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, November 8th The CinePass is your exclusive guide to the event — complete with a map of all participating stops on the back, ensuring you don’t miss a single taste along the way.
With CinePass in hand, you’ll set off on a curated tasting tour, enjoying bites and sips from celebrated local restaurants and purveyors. Each stop has been carefully chosen to complement the spirit of Coronado’s cinematic legacy. As you walk among the names that have graced both Coronado and the silver screen, you’ll enjoy a golden-hour celebration of community, cuisine, and cultural tradition.
Scenes & Sips is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
Enjoy a flavorful walking tour down Orange Avenue celebrating Coronado’s cinematic legacy. Guests will receive a CinePass for tastings from local restaurants and shops, plus a free tour of the Coronado Historical Association’s special D-Day tribute. Stroll among the stars honoring Coronado’s film history and soak in an evening of community, cuisine, and cinematic charm.
CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE
After the Closing Night Reception at the Hotel del Coronado Ocean Ballroom head over to Village Theater to watch the Closing Night feature film.
Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star. Suddenly, the two sisters must navigate their complicated relationship with their father — and deal with an American star dropped right into the middle of their complex family dynamics.
"It’s a movie that sneaks up on you like great fiction, blending theme and character in a way that allows it to live in your mind after you see it, rolling around what it means to both the people in it and your own life." -- Brian Tallerico [RogerEbert.com]
OPENING NIGHT! Badge Holders Only
RED CARPET 5:30 | DOORS OPEN AT 6:00
Champagne & Specialty Cocktails by:
Dead Man's Wire is a 2025 American historical crime film directed by Gus Van Sant, written by Austin Kolodney, based on the true story of kidnapping by Tony Kiritsis in the 1970s. It stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha'la, Cary Elwes, John Robinson, and Al Pacino.
The film had its world premiere out of competition in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2025
"Scripted with fat-free economy by Austin Kolodney and made in the gritty, realistic style of Sidney Lumet’s ‘70s thrillers, the film pays tribute to Dog Day Afternoon while carving its own identity." - David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
AFTER PARTY
The celebration doesn’t stop when the credits roll! Badge holders are invited to an exclusive Private Opening Night After Party at The Tavern. Savor handcrafted cocktails, indulge in delectable passed bites, and dance the night away as DJ TeeLynn keeps the energy alive.
This is the can’t-miss gathering to toast the start of the festival, connect with fellow film lovers, and celebrate in true CIFF style.
Be sure to pick up your wristband at Opening Night check-in for entry to this unforgettable evening!
Join us for the Closing Night (no-host) Cocktail Reception as the final gathering of the 2025 Festival!
Raise a glass and take in the breathtaking views from the newly remodeled Ocean Ballroom at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Sip your favorite cocktail during the reception—and grab that final photo on the red carpet!
Then, stay for a magical screening of Some Like It Hot, the classic film famously shot right here at the Hotel del. Celebrate the end of the festival in true Hollywood style, surrounded by history, glamour, and oceanfront splendor.
This curated collection of films that celebrate food, culture, and creativity through the lens of culinary storytelling. Our relationship with food, where it is sourced and how we gather is part of our culture. Join us for this special event!
The films included in this showcase are:
Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace
Culinary Art School in Tijuana Celebrates 20 Years of Building Pride and Prosperity
Gus Doesn’t Serve Calamari
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
Retired PI Martin Dye is drawn into investigating a 20-year-old car crash after a fan reveals the victim was a drug dealer with missing money. Dye unravels a web of deception involving various factions, leading to a climactic conclusion.
Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.
A poingnant family friendly film! (recommended for ages 13+)
A struggling single father tries to reconnect with his distant teenage daughter while chaperoning her at a regional dance competition in the Southeast.
"One of the joys of She Dances is the amount of love we can feel between father and daughter. ...The movie is heartwarming without being overly manipulative or pandering. And it’s quite funny without being contrived." --Frank J. Avella The Contending
Kwame Nkrumah was a towering figure of African history who inspired the liberation of the continent in the 1950s and 1960s after rising to serve as Ghana’s first President. A political theorist and prominent African leader, Nkrumah was even featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1953. Nkrumah was later toppled by a military coup in 1966, which was allegedly backed by the CIA, after he was cast as a dictator. As a result, the films made during Nkrumah’s time were ordered to be burned. Though his name is all but erased in the U.S., Nkrumah remains an iconic and revered figure across much of Africa.
On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.
"Linklater reminds us that he's still able to make two people simply sitting around and talking fascinating. After all these years, the pair of Hawke and Linklater remains a winning combination" ---Ross Bonaime Collider
Set in April 1862 in Arizona Territory, The War Between follows two enemy soldiers and a Chiricahua Apache outcast, who must rely on each other to survive the unforgiving Sonoran Desert. As a Union soldier with no memory struggles to reclaim his identity, the trio confronts their beliefs, prejudices, and the harsh realities of a divided nation. Set against a little-known Civil War campaign in the American Southwest, this intimate epic explores how survival, identity, and connection are forged in the face of war.
Join leading voices from San Diego’s film industry for an insider roundtable on the region’s rapidly evolving production landscape. In a candid, conversational format, panelists will explore current opportunities, future growth, resources for filmmakers, and the advantages of collaborating with union talent and SAG-AFTRA productions. Whether you’re a local attendee, a visitor, filmmaker, actor, investor, or industry supporter, this discussion will offer valuable insight into building and sustaining film projects in San Diego.
Christine Altan - Moderator, Actor & Filmmaker, CIFF SAG-AFTRA Liaison
Larry Poole, San Diego SAG-AFTRA President
Michael Wood, San Diego Media Pros President
Jordan Jacobo, San Diego Writer/Director (Emmy-nominated)
Greg Sowizdrzal from IATSE
Jodi Cilley, Founder San Diego Film Consortium
Investing in film can be as thrilling as the movies themselves. This panel pulls back the curtain on funding models, market trends, and the balance of risks and rewards in both studio and independent projects. Industry experts will share what investors look for, how data and algorithms shape decisions, and why financing films remains both an art and a business.
Moderator: Steve Alexander
Steve Alexander is a producer and actor best known as executive producer of The Secret Art of Human Flight (Tribeca Film Festival, 2023), in which he also appeared. He is executive producing the upcoming film Nuur (2025), directed by Lula Ali Ismaïl and adapted from Hassan Ghedi Santur's novel, The Youth of God. He is the executive producer of the documentary, My Elephant Odyssey (2025), produced and directed by Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell and Timothy Rodwell. In 2025, he joined the board of The Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York, on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair. He co-founded and manages AHA Productions with his wife and actress, Idylia Hachi.
Alysha Haran, Producer, Director and COO Chula Vista Entertainment Center, Alysha's career started in theater before moving to LA where she produced commercials and music videos. After a change in plans spared her from the events of 9/11, she spent 17 years serving as a US Navy Officer. A member of the Dramatist Guild with degrees in Directing and Creative Writing, she has been a senior manager for ABC Studios at Walt Disney Television
for the past 5 years
Julien Levesque began his entertainment career in CAA’s mailroom before joining Roeg Sutherland’s desk in the agency’s Indie Film Group. While on Sutherland’s desk, Levesque helmed CAA’s 2019 Task Force, which spearheaded significant fundraising and community activities for CAA’s Foundation. In 2001, he was selected for CAA’s first COVID-era Agent Trainee Class. While at CAA, Levesque worked on films like HELL OF A SUMMER, HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE, THELMA, and FATE OF A SPORT. In 2023, Julien left CAA to produce the film PSYCHOTHERAPY, which stars Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, and Britt Lower, and premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. In Fall 2023, Levesque joined Gersh, where he co-leads the agency’s Indie Film Group. During this tenure, he has worked on films such as Harris Dickinson’s directorial debut URCHIN, Gore Verbinski’s Sam Rockwell-led GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE, and Philipa Lowthorpe’s H IS FOR HAWK. He was also instrumental in setting Tom McCarthy’s overhead deal at Closer Media. Internally, Levesque heads Gersh’s Festival Group, which works to strengthen the agency’s strategy and presence at major festivals. Outside of financing, packaging, and sales, Julien represents clients such as Fangoria and Washington Film Works. Known for combining creative vision with strategic deal-making, Julien is building a reputation as a community-driven executive shaping the future of indie film.
"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is a poignant and personal exploration of a son's journey to understand his father. Andrew Gans, son of the renowned Las Vegas entertainer, Danny Gans, embarks on an intimate exploration of his father's inspiring, improbable life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing.
Through a tapestry of archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and intimate interviews, Andrew paints a vivid portrait of a man who juggled the roles of acclaimed performer, devoted family man, and a beacon of inspiration, yet privately battled with severe health issues and chronic pain which led to Opiate dependency.
The documentary peels back the layers of Danny's multifaceted life, revealing a man who touched many lives through his talent and tenacity while wrestling with his own personal demons. As Andrew delves deeper into his father's life, he also grapples with his own evolving identities as he chases his own dreams, becomes a new husband and an expecting father.
"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is not just a biography of an extraordinary man, but a profound exploration of the complex father-son bond. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance for Andrew, mirrored against the backdrop of his father's improbable underdog story. It's a story about the echoes of a voice that continues to inspire, reverberating through the life of the son left behind.
Director Adam Bhala Lough sets out to better understand the technology and people at the center of the AI boom. His quest sends him on a path towards the father of AI, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman. When he isn’t able to sit down with Altman himself, Adam travels to India to create an AI version of him to interview instead.
Director Adam Bhala Lough sets out to better understand the technology and people at the center of the AI boom. His quest sends him on a path towards the father of AI, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman. When he isn’t able to sit down with Altman himself, Adam travels to India to create an AI version of him to interview instead.
This film calls for chilled Champagne upon arrival!
Poignant and humor-filled, pitched at the intersection of regrets and glories.
"Mr. Clooney and Mr. Baumbach, in a script co-written with actress Emily Mortimer, go as deep into the contradictions of movie stardom as anyone since Billy Wilder in this sometimes-transcendent comedy-drama." ---Kyle Smith Wall Street Journal
Day laborer Robert Grainier is employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys, and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss and unique bonds, on a journey that is both distinct and universal.
"An absolutely gorgeous film about the building of America through its destruction. An epic piece of storytelling in under 100 mins of progress and capitalism with a full spectrum of emotional weight channeled through Joel Edgerton’s incredible performance." --Erik Childress Movie Madness Podcast
Yorkshire, 1916. A choral society's male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army.
"This film is best described as close in tone to Downton Abbey, though with a little less melodrama. It doesn’t need to be overly processed to be enjoyable." ---Abe Friedtanzer Awards Buzz
Biography of Larry Herbert, inventor of the Pantone Matching System, which established a universal worldwide language for color. At 96 years old, Larry Herbert, known as “The Pantone Guy,” is a visionary whose revolutionary idea to standardize color remains largely unrecognized. Growing up in Depression-era Brooklyn, Larry entered the print and manufacturing trade during a time when color was a chaotic and subjective experience. He channeled his unique vision into creating the Pantone Matching System—a groundbreaking invention that established a universal language for color, profoundly enhancing artistic expression and commercial production across all industries. Directed by Patrick Creadon (Wordplay, Hesburgh), this compelling documentary features an exclusive interview with Larry himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind behind Pantone and his enduring impact on how we perceive and use color today.
After losing his father, Alex discovers a box of unfinished scripts and a handkerchief with the name “Billy Knight” embroidered on it. Consumed with the desire to discover his identity, Alex embarks on a Hollywood adventure to track down this mysterious and reclusive Billy Knight.
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
Al is a devoted music therapist at a children’s hospital in Texas. Charlie is the rebellious teen patient assigned to work with her. When Charlie reveals a secret passion project, and professional lines begin to blur, the two forge an unexpected bond that will teach them both how to live.
Al is a devoted music therapist at a children’s hospital in Texas. Charlie is the rebellious teen patient assigned to work with her. When Charlie reveals a secret passion project, and professional lines begin to blur, the two forge an unexpected bond that will teach them both how to live.
Family Friendly | pre-teens and older will enjoy this visually animated feature.
A magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. As Arco develops a charming and touching friendship with a young girl named Iris, they band together and along with her trusted robot caretaker Mikki, set out on a quest to get Arco home, while the two children may also be the only ones who can save our planet. A wondrous odyssey filled with hope and optimism for our future, Arco is an enchanting fable from breakout filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Remembers’ Bienvenu and Felix de Givry, and Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas.
"All of this skews quite young which makes this well-intentioned tale quite accessible for the little members of the family. Parents may well appreciate the environmental message as well as the dazzling colorful visual style." -- Pete Hammond. Deadline Hollywood Daily
A magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. As Arco develops a charming and touching friendship with a young girl named Iris, they band together and along with her trusted robot caretaker Mikki, set out on a quest to get Arco home, while the two children may also be the only ones who can save our planet. A wondrous odyssey filled with hope and optimism for our future, Arco is an enchanting fable from breakout filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Remembers’ Bienvenu and Felix de Givry, and Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas.
Liza, a young and optimistic woman, arrives in Saint Petersburg for the first time, enchanted by the city's poetic bridges, legendary embankments, and vibrant bohemian parties. Her adventure begins when she meets a free-spirited artist named Vasya and his musician friend, Viktor. Together, they embark on a whimsical journey through the city, involving the sale of an antique bed, spontaneous conversations, and the magic of white nights. As the day unfolds, unexpected connections form, leading Liza to discover that love might be found in the most unforeseen circumstances.
Liza, a young and optimistic woman, arrives in Saint Petersburg for the first time, enchanted by the city's poetic bridges, legendary embankments, and vibrant bohemian parties. Her adventure begins when she meets a free-spirited artist named Vasya and his musician friend, Viktor. Together, they embark on a whimsical journey through the city, involving the sale of an antique bed, spontaneous conversations, and the magic of white nights. As the day unfolds, unexpected connections form, leading Liza to discover that love might be found in the most unforeseen circumstances.
In the twilight of his life, an aging Alaskan fisherman and father, grieving his late wife, considers a mysterious procedure promising a fresh start. As close friends undergo the transformation, he grapples with his longing for a second chance and the cost of letting go of the life he’s known.
In the twilight of his life, an aging Alaskan fisherman and father, grieving his late wife, considers a mysterious procedure promising a fresh start. As close friends undergo the transformation, he grapples with his longing for a second chance and the cost of letting go of the life he’s known.
A group of architecture students embark on an epic adventure when they set out to design and build a research station on one of the least hospitable places on the planet, Antarctica.
A group of architecture students embark on an epic adventure when they set out to design and build a research station on one of the least hospitable places on the planet, Antarctica.
For the children and women of all wars, it never leaves.
Land of the Mustaches is an autobiographical story of a young girl growing up in the Displaced Persons refugee camps with her mother and grandmother after World War Two left them starving and stateless, and her father's disappearance into Stalin's notorious Gulag labor camps in Siberia with only what he was wearing the day he was abducted—two hard paths that parallel each other until they finally merge into one story: The ultimate celebration of resilience and the human spirit.
Noted film critic Rex Reed said, "I found your film to be so tender and truthful and honest ... It is constantly mesmerizing."
Our film is a visual memoir told through rich and real vignettes, heightened by archival footage and animation, illuminating how inter-generational, female family life persists and humans persevere even in the most extreme circumstances: In 1947, there were still about a million refugees in the Displaced Persons camps of occupied Europe; there are over a hundred million globally today. The mind struggles to comprehend such numbers, but the story of one family is recognizable. In our seemingly endless wars, the plight of their voiceless victims--families stripped of everything, women and children left on their own with no support, left bereft--is just as true today as it was 80 years ago when I grew up in the rubble and converted concentration camps.
It was shot in two back-to-back 18-hour days. We chose to film minimalistically and theatrically, using the early style and approach of Brian de Palma, with whom Rutanya had worked in his films Greetings ('68) and Hi, Mom! ('70). At the end of the second day of shooting my D.P. handed me the 3 1/2 hours of film. I held the film in my hands and thought: What now? May this film be an inspiration to all the first time filmmakers.
Six Academy members came together to make this unique, truly independent, and micro-budget film: Actress Rutanya Alda (The Deer Hunter, Mommie Dearest, Amityville II, among 110+ film and TV credits), writer, producer, and performer of Land of the Mustaches; acclaimed Emmy-nominated editor, David Ray (Scarface, Reds, All That Jazz, the Bronx Tale); brilliant Emmy-winning composer, Charles Bernstein (ASCAP Deems Taylor award, 140+ films); director and award-winning filmmaker, Leon Joosen (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Scooby-Doo, Muppet Babies); Emmy-winning animator, Candy Kugel (MTV, Sesame Street, Berenstain Bears, A Warm Reception in L.A.), and producer Donna Dickman (who publicized Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Pianist, and The Motorcycle Diaries.)
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
For the children and women of all wars, it never leaves.
Land of the Mustaches is an autobiographical story of a young girl growing up in the Displaced Persons refugee camps with her mother and grandmother after World War Two left them starving and stateless, and her father's disappearance into Stalin's notorious Gulag labor camps in Siberia with only what he was wearing the day he was abducted—two hard paths that parallel each other until they finally merge into one story: The ultimate celebration of resilience and the human spirit.
Noted film critic Rex Reed said, "I found your film to be so tender and truthful and honest ... It is constantly mesmerizing."
Our film is a visual memoir told through rich and real vignettes, heightened by archival footage and animation, illuminating how inter-generational, female family life persists and humans persevere even in the most extreme circumstances: In 1947, there were still about a million refugees in the Displaced Persons camps of occupied Europe; there are over a hundred million globally today. The mind struggles to comprehend such numbers, but the story of one family is recognizable. In our seemingly endless wars, the plight of their voiceless victims--families stripped of everything, women and children left on their own with no support, left bereft--is just as true today as it was 80 years ago when I grew up in the rubble and converted concentration camps.
It was shot in two back-to-back 18-hour days. We chose to film minimalistically and theatrically, using the early style and approach of Brian de Palma, with whom Rutanya had worked in his films Greetings ('68) and Hi, Mom! ('70). At the end of the second day of shooting my D.P. handed me the 3 1/2 hours of film. I held the film in my hands and thought: What now? May this film be an inspiration to all the first time filmmakers.
Six Academy members came together to make this unique, truly independent, and micro-budget film: Actress Rutanya Alda (The Deer Hunter, Mommie Dearest, Amityville II, among 110+ film and TV credits), writer, producer, and performer of Land of the Mustaches; acclaimed Emmy-nominated editor, David Ray (Scarface, Reds, All That Jazz, the Bronx Tale); brilliant Emmy-winning composer, Charles Bernstein (ASCAP Deems Taylor award, 140+ films); director and award-winning filmmaker, Leon Joosen (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Scooby-Doo, Muppet Babies); Emmy-winning animator, Candy Kugel (MTV, Sesame Street, Berenstain Bears, A Warm Reception in L.A.), and producer Donna Dickman (who publicized Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Pianist, and The Motorcycle Diaries.)
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
PREMIERE SCREENING
In this bittersweet portrait of a vanishing rural way of life, Dalia travels to Piedmont to care for her aging grandfather Igor, an expert forager. Armed with his field notes and loyal dog Birba, she searches for a prizewinning truffle to save his home.
CULINARY PARTNERS
Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert in his early 40s, is on the run. Hoping to reunite with his son, he travels to Recife during Carnival but soon realizes that the city is not the safe haven he was expecting.
Winner of Best Director and Best Actor in Cannes.
"The Secret Agent is a slow-burn thriller that extracts a career-best performance from Moura, while cementing Mendonca Filho as one of Brazil’s top auteurs of the moment." --Alfred Castaneda Shade Studios
WORLD PREMIERE | Exclusive
Aaron Davidman, writer-director debuting his first feature film
Joshua Close (Killers of the Flower Moon) stars in the film as a U.S. soldier struggling to make sense of civilian life when he is confronted with the complexities of gun violence in America. Film Executive producers are Davidman, Lisa Bruce (The Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour), David Oyelowo (Selma, The Water Man) and Dylan Kussman (Wrestling Jerusalem). Marcus Gardley (What’s Going On, The Color Purple) served as consulting producer.
Q&A with the filmmakers will immediately follow the film:
Aaron Davidman - Writer/Director
Lisa Bruce - Executive Producer
Joshua Close - Actor (Lead)
Gilbert Owuor - Actor
Mike Martin - Blacksmith
Good Morning Badge Holders! Donuts and Coffee
Badge holders start the day off right with a dash of sugar and a kick of caffeine.
Served in the Hospitality Center Thursday-Sunday!
Back by popular demand, this panel brings together some of the most talented and diverse writers in the industry. Learn from their experience as they share how to craft and deliver a winning pitch, offering insights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from the writers’ room to the big screen.
Moderated by Lisa Bruce
n 2018 Bruce is once again nominated for both an Academy Award for Best Picture and again for 2 BAFTA's for Best Picture and for Best British Picture for her newest feature, "Darkest Hour". In 2015 Bruce won the Best British Film BAFTA and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award® for "The Theory of Everything". Critically acclaimed, it was nominated for 100 international awards and won 29 including three BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, and an Academy Award®.
Prior to that, Bruce produced 15 feature films including the Working Title and HBO telefilm "Mary and Martha", directed by Phillip Noyce, written by Richard Curtis and starring Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn. Previously for HBO, she had produced "Walkout", starring Alexa Vega and Michael Pena, about Mexican American activism for which director Edward James Olmos received a Directors Guild of America Award nomination.
Ms. Bruce was an executive producer on Ivan Reitman's hit "No Strings Attached", starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher; on Dito Montiel's "Fighting" with Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard; and on Dante Ariola's "Arthur Newman", starring Colin Firth and Emily Blunt. She was co-producer of Nigel Cole's "A Lot Like Love", which paired Mr. Kutcher with Amanda Peet; of Christian Alvart's "Case 39" starring Renée Zellweger; and of Michael Hoffman's "The Emperor's Club", starring Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Patrick Dempsey, Jesse Eisenberg, and Paul Dano.
Bruce was the co-producer of Gavin O'Connor's breakthrough feature, "Tumbleweeds". The film's young star Kimberly J. Brown won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance and lead Janet McTeer was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Actress and won the Golden Globe. Tumbleweeds was cited by the National Board of Review as one of the year's 10 Best Movies.
Bruce was a founding partner of Orenda Films, a New York-based company for which she developed and produced internationally-released feature films including Sam Henry Kass' "The Search for One-Eye Jimmy" and Buddy Giovinazzo's "No Way Home" starring Tim Roth.
Panelist include CIFF Screenwriter Competition Jury
Susan Cartsonis Partner / Co-Founder. The Hollywood Reporter named Susan Cartsonis one of the top five grossing producers of the year for What Women Want—the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time at the time of its release starring Academy Award-winners Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt—and Where the Heart Is starring Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman. She has produced recent hits for Netflix including True Spirit, starring Academy Award-winner Anna Paquin. The movies that she’s supervised have amassed more than 1B in theatrical box office worldwide.
Cartsonis was Senior VP of Production 20th Century Fox where she worked for a decade, developing and supervising iconic films including Nell starring Academy Award-winner Jodie Foster, French Kiss starring Academy Award and Tony Award winner Kevin Kline, For the Boys starring Academy Award winner Bette Midler, Dying Young starring Academy Award-winner Julia Roberts, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer which launched a billion dollar television franchise. She also supervised talent deals for Fox such as that of Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book, There’s Something About Mary), Academy Award-winner Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise, The Accidental Tourist), Golden Globe Award winner Richard Gere, and Golden Globe Award-winner Johnny Depp.Cartsonis is a member of the Motion Picture Academy, the Television Academy and the Producer’s Guild. She serves on the board of The Writer’s Lab founded by Meryl Streep, co-funded by Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey. She serves on the board of the non- profit screenwriters’ workshop, Cinestory, and teaches at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
She recently produced Sitting In Bars With Cake for Amazon starring Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion, and Bette Midler, which premiered September 2023, with her Resonate partners.
Suzanne Farwell Partner / Co-Founder Longtime collaborator of writer/director Nancy Meyers, Suzanne Farwell has produced some of the most commercially successful comedies in recent history and has worked with many of the industry’s most recognized and sought-after talent.
With early training at The William Morris Agency, Farwell began her production career on the set of Walt Disney Pictures’ remake of The Parent Trap. As President of Waverly Films at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Farwell co-produced the 2003 critically-acclaimed box office success Something’s Gotta Give (starring Academy Award winners Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton) and was Executive Producer on the 2006 worldwide box-office hit The Holiday (starring Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, Academy Award nominee Jude Law and Golden Globe nominees Cameron Diaz and Jack Black) for the studio. In 2009, Farwell went on to executive produce It’s Complicated (starring Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Steve Martin and Emmy Award winner Alec Baldwin). In 2015, Farwell produced The Intern (starring Academy Award winners Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway) for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Farwell produced the 2017 independent feature film Carrie Pilby, starring Bel Powley, Nathan Lane, Gabriel Byrne, Jason Ritter and Vanessa Bayer. Carrie Pilby premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival and was released theatrically by The Orchard and on Netflix in 2017.
In 2016, Farwell founded Resonate Entertainment with Susan Cartsonis and Brent Emery, her producing partners on Carrie Pilby. In 2020, Farwell was Executive Producer on the hit Netflix original film Feel theBeat starring Sofia Carson and on the Disney Channel Original Movie Upside Down Magic, both under the Resonate banner.
She recently produced the final installment of Disney hit musical franchise Zombies 3 which was released on Disney+ in July 2022 as the number one hit movie on the platform
She recently produced Sitting In Bars With Cake for Amazon starring Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion, and Bette Midler, which premiered September 2023, with her Resonate partners.
Joey Siara - Joey Siara grew up in Whittier, California. He spent his twenties performing in a noisy indie-rock band and has seen nearly every state in the country through the cracked window of a Ford Econoline. The band played over five-hundred shows including sets at Lollapalooza and Coachella. His music has been featured in several TV series – from Sons of Anarchy to Parenthood to Gossip Girl. He has a Master’s from Harvard, an MFA from UCLA, and has worked on series for PBS, Discovery, and CNN. Most recently, he was staffed on Emergence for ABC and co-wrote a comedy feature with his brother, Andy, for Limelight. He is a writing instructor in the School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA. His short-story, The Last of the Goggled Barskys, was just featured on Slate.
From soundscapes to visual effects, editing rhythms to wardrobe and design, discover how today’s creators harness technology and artistry to push the boundaries of storytelling and elevate the magic of cinema.
Behind every jaw-dropping chase, fight, and fall is a fearless stunt team making the impossible look effortless. Seasoned stunt performers and coordinators reveal the craft behind designing action, balancing practical special effects, and the training it takes to bring high-risk, high-reward moments to the screen.
Moderated by Deadline
A dynamic conversation with the women shaping the future of the industry. Meet the groundbreaking women redefining cinema’s future. This panel unites producers, filmmakers, and creative leaders to share insights, challenges, and triumphs from the set to the boardroom. A powerful discussion on leadership, representation, and the impact of female voices in shaping storytelling.
Presented by DEADLINE
Moderated by Deadline
The entertainment landscape is evolving at lightning speed. From AI and streaming dominance to shifting audience habits and Hollywood’s new realities, industry leaders explore the forces reshaping film and television. Gain insights into the future of content creation, marketing, and distribution in this pivotal conversation.
Presented by MovieMaker
Moderated by : Tim Malloy, editor of MovieMaker Magazine and MovieMaker.com, writing about the art and craft of moviemaking, as well as film schools, festivals and more.
James Oliver:
James Aaron Oliver is an actor, writer, producer with an extensive early career in Equity Theatre, TV and film as an Actor and later as a Screenwriter, Producer, and Executive Producer on several films under his company BLKBRD Films. He was an acting company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for several seasons and as a recurring co-star for three seasons on NBC’s Frasier as well as several independent and studio films. He is an Executive Producer on the British film INLAND Starring Mark Rylance and a Co-Producer alongside Wim Wenders on the Polish independent film Roving Woman. He recently sold his first screenplay to a major production company to be filmed later this year with an unannounced A-list actor and high profile auteur Director. He is currently setting up his next film, a thriller set in Italy for 2026. His company BLKBRD specializes in film finance, investor relationships, film development and hands-on production services. James is also a native to Coronado with close family recently returning to live on the island.
Bettina Sherick is an entertainment digital marketing veteran and President/Founder of Hollywood In Pixels, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and preserving theatrical digital marketing innovation. She began her career at 20th Century Fox, rising to SVP of Strategic Digital Marketing at Fox International, where she led global teams on groundbreaking campaigns, including award-winning campaigns for AVATAR, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, the X-MEN franchise, and LIFE OF PI. She then held leadership roles in digital, data, and innovation at Warner Bros. and at 20th Century Fox before most recently serving as Head of Digital Intelligence at Prime Video, overseeing audience insights for the first season of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER and launching their global social intelligence program. An active AMPAS member, she has served eight terms on the Marketing & PR Branch Executive Committee, and chaired the Student Academy Awards Executive Committee for five terms. Sherick also sits on Loyola Marymount University’s advisory council for its Masters in Entertainment Leadership. She is the recipient of the CLIO Entertainment Impact Award and the Coronado Island Film Festival Trailblazer Award (2024), was twice named to Variety’s Digital Impact Report (2019, 2022), and received the Advanced Imaging Society’s Distinguished Leadership Award (2018).
Brian Walker Brian is a versatile change agent with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of culture, digital media, social enterprise, and social justice. For over eight years, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of The Creative Mind Group, he has also formerly directed social impact campaigns and digital strategy at Participant Media and served as the first Culture and Entertainment Advocacy Director at Color of Change. Most recently, Brian served as a Stakeholder Engagement Leader with the Enterprise Diversity & Inclusion group at The Walt Disney Company. Brian also currently serves on the board of Made In Her Image, an organization dedicated to the advancement of young women, girls, and non-binary youth of color within film, media, and technology.
Aaron Roberts is an industry lifer, starting work as a PA on his father’s award-winning commercial sets as early as 10 years old. Since then, Aaron has helped build multi-million dollar creative agencies routinely working with publicly traded tech and hospitality brands, and is working with the city of Chula Vista on developing a next-generation film studio and creative campus to re-ignite the film industry in San Diego again.
Executive Chef Gus Trejo of the Jack O'Neill Restaurant – literal feet away from the Santa Cruz, California oceanfront – intentionally doesn't serve calamari... This documentary will leave you with a taste of the experience of seeing the food in the field get served on the plate. A sample of the potential to reconnect with our food. The hope that next time we're in a restaurant, we take a moment to appreciate the local providers who contributed to our meal.
Over the past two decades, the Culinary Art School has helped to change the perception of Tijuana, from a border town to a culinary destination.The school's graduates are now working in 14 countries around the world, bringing the flavors of Baja California to new audiences. They are also helping to build a sense of pride and ownership among young people in Tijuana.
Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace is a moving portrait of a mother’s resilience and the healing power of food. After the tragic loss of her son Justin, chef Lisa Dahl found solace and purpose in Sedona, Arizona—where the stunning red rocks, long revered for their spiritual energy, became the backdrop for her transformation. What began as a tribute to their shared love of cooking has grown into a legacy of six beloved restaurants that helped shape the region’s culinary identity. This heartfelt film explores how one woman’s faith, strength, and devotion turned unimaginable loss into lasting beauty—and how every dish she creates and every guest she serves keeps her son's spirit alive.
A dynamic selection of films that explore unique voices and fresh perspectives, offering powerful stories and thought-provoking themes.
The films included in this showcase are Main Man, The Heart of Texas, Flavor of the Month, What It's Like To Be Okay, and Butterfly on a Wheel.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
A captivating collection of films that delve into life’s unexpected disruptions, exploring how sudden events and chance encounters can alter the course of personal journeys. The films included in this showcase are Happy Snaps, Dandelion, Grind, Snipped, You & Me (& Chaz & Rodney), and A Friend of Dorothy.
A lighthearted and entertaining collection of films that find humor in unexpected places, offering witty, comedic takes on life’s challenges and absurdities. The films included in this showcase are:
Cattywampus, Big Feelings, May I Put You On Hold?, Fitted Sheet, Back to the Closet, Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob, Halfway Haunted
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
San Diego and surrounding regions are rich in talented filmmakers and remarkable storytellers! This selection of well-crafted films is a testament to our local creative talent, personalities, and artists. The films included in this showcase are The Second Sunday of May, Is It True?, Aunt Cindy and The Alchemist, Crane, Stone Garden, and Handwoven. Q&A with filmmakers will immediately follow the screenings.
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
A powerful collection of films that honor resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The films included in this showcase are: Homeward Dawn, Mismatch, Unseen Scars, and The Singers.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
A powerful collection of films that explore hidden struggles, difficult choices, and the lasting impact of personal decisions. The films included in this showcase are: Homework, Ripple, The Companions, Sugar, Cold Hands, Just Like a Boy, and Trapped.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
A captivating collection of films that explore chance encounters, unexpected twists, and the choices that shape our paths. The films included in this showcase are: Susana, A Guest In My Country, The Big Everything, The Errand, Soul Bird, and Chasers.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
A heartfelt collection of films that capture the complexities of love, connection, and the unexpected bonds that shape our lives. The films included in this showcase are: Houston, We Have A Crush, Undeletable, Love Eternal, Alone Together, and Focal Point.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
An evocative collection of films that explore connection, identity, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives and communities. The films included in this showcase are: Unholy, Beyond Silence, Hāfu, Lonely, Spit It Out, and Camp Widow.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
A diverse collection of documentary films capturing real lives, raw truths, and unexpected journeys. The films included in this showcase are: Shanti Rides Shotgun, Georgie, Hustle and Run, 300, and Richard Neutra's Maslon House.
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
An inspiring showcase of films that capture resilience, rivalry, and the spirit of competition—showing how the pursuit of victory reaches far beyond the field. The films included in this showcase are: Passarinho, Interloper, Starting Line, As Tough As Ice, Bike Short, and A Good Day Will Come.
Join us for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
Stories of innovation driving real-world solutions for wildlife, habitats, and our planet. An eye-opening collection of short films that highlight the urgent need to protect our planet’s wildlife and natural habitats.
The films included in this showcase are:
Ramfy: The Pangolin in My Bedroom,
Wild Hope: Building for Birds
Wild Hope: Significant Otter
The Everglades: Beneath the Surface.
Screening followed by a Roundtable Conversation led by Ricky Rhodes and Filmmakers.
Exclusive Trailer for new series: Impossible Cleanups is a documentary series about a team of explorers, engineers, and scientists who expedition to remote, extreme places to invent new solutions for impossible challenges. Season 1 will debut on a streaming platform in Spring, 2026.
A vibrant program showcasing the creativity and vision of the next generation of storytellers. The films included in this showcase are: Hands Wrapped, Cake with the Cream, Second Chance, Rising Above the Ashes, Come In, Where We Left Off, and All Eyes on Me.
A Filmmaker Q&A will immediately follow the screenings.
Hidden in plain sight, one of the world’s largest animal migrations hugs Florida’s east coast each year, passing millions of people, most of whom never even notice. Join photographer Mac Stone beneath the surface as he explores the vital connection between the Everglades watershed and our urban, yet wild, estuaries. Stone brings the audience into dizzying schools of prey and predator to reveal a breathtaking and ancient spectacle—one that is reliant on a healthy and restored Everglades.
Sea otters are back, and their return is a breath of fresh air for the waters of Monterey Bay. Marine ecologists Brent Hughes and Kat Beheshti reveal how re-planting seagrass, along with help from a healthy population of crab-eating otters, have transformed and stabilized an entire marine ecosystem.
In the heart of Monterey Bay California sits a nature-lover's paradise called Elkhorn Slough. This 7-mile estuary is one of the state's last great coastal wetlands and home to over 100 sea otters, but it wasn't always this way. In the 1800's and 1900’s, sea otters were on the brink of extinction from excessive hunting for their fur, and Elkhorn Slough was falling apart from coastal development. Crab populations exploded out of control and the Slough’s banks began to wash away.
Thanks to a lucky discovery and some help from a dedicated reintroduction effort, sea otter numbers rebounded. Their crab consumption is finally restabilizing the Slough, from the banks all the way down to the seagrass.
Millions of birds pass through our yards during their bi-annual migrations, but they face an invisible killer along the way: glass windows. In the US alone, an estimated one billion birds die each year when they collide with windows. Now, two organizations help pave the way to a bird-friendly future.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. is located in the middle of a major migration route that birds have flown for thousands of years. To stop collisions from happening on their campus, the Zoo’s team uses patterned decals to make glass visible to our feathered friends. In New York City, migrating birds face a gauntlet of concentrated glass – and many do not survive. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was once one of the city’s worst offenders, but creative renovations have transformed the building into a wildlife oasis.
The Zoo and the Javits Center have inspired groundbreaking legislation that reimagines what our cities can do for birds, but a critical obstacle remains: our residences account for nearly 50% of bird strikes. However, simple solutions—like window paint, decals, or even a bar of soap with patterns spaced 2 inches apart—could save the lives of millions of birds.
Wildlife filmmaker, Will Clothier, returns to South Africa in search of a very special pangolin called Ramfy. First found in 2018 at just a few weeks old, abandoned and injured on a highway, Will and a team of conservationists from around the world attempt something that has never been done before – to hand-rear and return him to the wild. But Ramfy wasn’t a normal pangolin... And when tragedy strikes, could all their hard work be for nothing? Or will Ramfy’s story help other pangolins just like him get a second chance at a wild life?
Arash is a professional wrestler with dreams of representing his country and winning gold medals. The country is in turmoil and its people are suffering. Arash must decide between using his platform to stand up to tyranny, or put his head down and remain silent.
When a mountain biker steals another’s “lucky” drying bike shorts, mistaking them for a curbside discard, a wild chase into the mountains ensues.
The demolition of Richard Neutra's Maslon House caused an international outrage and started a preservation movement. Through interviews and archival footage this documentary short brings the house back to life while sharing the story of its creation, destruction and legacy.
What began as a personal challenge became something deeper: a journey of healing, reflection, and rediscovery. From California to Antarctica, Argentina to Alaska, Miles skied through pain, joy, exhaustion, and awe. He found that the mountains weren’t just his playground, they were his sanctuary. And this wasn’t the first time they had saved him… 300 is the story of a man who refused to let grief define him. It’s about chasing a dream, not for accolades, but for meaning. And it’s about how skiing, day after day, turn after turn, can stitch a broken heart back together.
Hustle and Run is a joyful, exhilarating underdog story from an unexpected corner of British sport. The film follows maverick captain Jeannette and her team, the Aces - a ragtag band of women from the Medway towns in Kent - competing in the fast and furriest world of Flyball... Also known as “the F1 of dog sports”… and “a posh game of fetch.”
An ex-mobster reflects on life, love, and loss after spending 32 years in prison.
On Manhattan’s jam-packed streets, NYC’s most iconic driving instructor prepares students for the road ahead.
Camp Widow is a gathering for widowed people by widowed people. Over the course of three days, attendees speak candidly about death, forge connections with others over shared experiences of loss, and find ways to navigate the tricky waters of grief. Founded by Michele Neff Hernandez, who suddenly became a widow at age 35 when her husband died in a bike accident, the camp offers a way to both recognize tremendous loss, while at the same time celebrating continued life. The film follows an ensemble of campers who are weary of platitudes about grief, and speak to one another from a place of radical honesty that is by turns heartbreaking and darkly hilarious, embracing irreverent humor as a cathartic means of self-expression. This documentary shows the transformative power and therapeutic value of human connection, among those who have experienced loss and trauma. Ultimately, the film asks viewers to think about how we can recognize the grief of others, as well as find resilience during loss in our own lives.
In a traditionally male-dominated sport, the Jr. Utica Comets embody passion, strength, and love for ice hockey. With female participation on the rise, Rowan Hockman and her 12-year-old teammates navigate the commitment and effort it takes to be a top-tier hockey team from "small town USA."
A father (Eric Roberts) enthusiastically shares his DNA ancestry test results with his family. What could go wrong? Everything.
When a cross country coach pits two siblings against each other, Brody pushes himself to outpace his younger brother, Archie. But restless nights and a botched practice cause Brody's frustration to boil over and he lashes out - leaving Archie injured and forcing them both to deal with the consequences.
In the twilight of a life marked by disappointment and regret, an old man discovers a flicker of hope through an unexpected friendship.
A troubled 16 year old girl disrupts the harmony in her new foster home.
When an American bride-to-be spends the day reuniting with her
Japanese grandmother, she discovers through the dance of
communication that she is more connected to her heritage than she realized.
Olivia and Laura, two 13-year-old teenagers, have a plan to get the autograph of Passarinho, a Brazilian soccer idol, but before they can put the plan into action, Olivia has her first period.
Two women, two generations, one shared trauma. One has been silent for over thirty years, the other for ‘only’ a year and a half. Where one retreats further into silence after a confrontation, the other finds the courage to break it.
Unholy follows Noa, a young adult with a complex gastrointestinal disorder, as she attends her family's Passover Seder for the first time since being put on a feeding tube. There, she is confronted by pushy family members, malfunctioning medical devices, and a room full of food she cannot eat.
In a dystopian future, a grieving scientist discovers Earth exists within a single neuron. He launches a desperate quest across space and time to find his son.
A high school janitor runs into a set of unexpected obstacles.
Following a rapture-esque apocalypse, Eddie traverses the desolate Earth searching for other survivors. After nearly a year of searching on his lonesome, he finds Tony Initially the two are fast friends, however as time progresses, the two’s friendship quickly deteriorates into something toxic and perverse. As Eddie considers his options, he must decide if it’s better to be alone, or with someone who makes you miserable.
Love Eternal is a short sci-fi drama film that deals with love, grief, and our relationship with technology. The film is about a widowed husband who becomes obsessed with a virtual reality simulation where his deceased wife has been recreated as a digital avatar.
In a land where sexuality can mean life or death, a refugee girl must become someone else to survive. Fleeing from Iran to Europe and stranded in Afghanistan, Maryam must disguise herself as a boy to escape danger.
Unaware of her true identity, the young man Ahmed takes her in and soon an unlikely bond begins to form between them. Just Like a Boy is a story of survival, sexuality, and forbidden love, where the lines between enemy and ally, and friendship and love blur.
Emma has to inform her Dad's recently confessed lover that he has died but the painful mistakes she makes whilst recording this answerphone message confronts her with a brutal truth about the remorseless forward nature of time. A comedy.
After finding a phone accidentally left behind by an astronaut, a lonely alien develops an all-consuming crush that tests his hold on reality.
A starry-eyed musician navigates an LA party, chasing her crush while desperately dodging the heartbreaking secret that could shatter her pursuit.
Weighed down by hopelessness and despair a father stands on the edge of a devastating decision entailing tragic consequences for his family. A magical encounter with a small bird forces him to confront his inner darkness.
On the precipice of a life-changing event, Hayley is faced with the cost of letting go as she struggles to complete the final errand that will close the door on her past and force her to embrace an uncertain future.
A man finds himself in heaven’s bar, where he encounters his dog, God and his greatest loss, all in human form. Emotions run wild - from anger to higher perspective to ultimate joy…
An immigrant Ubër driver takes an upscale couple across town, and the drama that unfolds among them reveals truths they all would have preferred stayed hidden.
Susan, a middle-aged American tourist, finds herself alone in Mexico City. When she encounters a group of young Americans, she jumps at the opportunity for a little adventure, discovering just how powerful her dollars can make her.
A lyrical portrait of Nikyle Begay, a non-binary shepherd and weaver; working to preserve their way of life through the traditional art of weaving.
After running away from home, a young boy happens upon a mysterious stone garden. Through the help of the enigmatic Stone Witch, caretaker of the garden, he learns a painful lesson about regret, sacrifice and ultimately what it means to love and be loved.
A young girl gets the opportunity to visit her father, who is in a psychiatric hospital for a serious mental illness.
Crane is based on the director’s own experience growing up with a parent with a serious mental illness.
Aunt Cindy and The Alchemist is a short film that revolves around a seemingly ordinary family whose lives take a surprising turn.
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about Lucy, a teen hiding her gender identity while starting fresh at a new school. As suspicious classmates close in on her secret and a protective mother struggles to let go, Lucy must find the courage to embrace her identity and stand up for herself before the pressure overwhelms her.
A psychologist helps an elderly woman in her later years while investigating the death of her companion.
A restless young man races across a coastal town in search of croissants, music, sunflowers, and a sunset with his mother. He chases a life of color as the world turns black and white, finding glimpses of vibrance along his journey of setbacks, karma, and unexpected friends.
Dorothy (BAFTA winner Miriam Margolyes) is a lonely widow whose body is failing, but her mind remains as bright as ever. When 17-year-old JJ (Alistair Nwachukwu) accidentally kicks his football into her garden, he upends Dorothy’s daily routine of pills, prunes and crosswords, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. Despite being worlds apart in every way, the two come to find they have more in common than they could ever imagine. The cast includes Stephen Fry (Wilde, Gosford Park) and Oscar Lloyd (Stranger Things: The First Shadow).
After making a fun plan to hookup with their boyfriends for the first time, two curious teens are quickly confronted by their own shifting friendship.
A rookie sugar baby meets a first-time sugar daddy for dinner on the Upper West Side expecting to secure her financial future, but their encounter becomes intimate in a way she didn’t expect. Shot almost entirely in first-person POV, this sharp, darkly comedic short puts audiences smack dab in the perspective of the main character and highlights the absurd reality of being a woman in our culture.
A Jewish convert. A Muslim doctor. One holy snip - and a whole lot of tension.
A young couple walks down the street, they have left the children at home and are going out to dinner. A crowd gathers around something.
When John, an aspiring sneaker designer in East Los Angeles, gets the opportunity of his life to be featured in his idol’s pop-up shop, his best friend and business partner tries to pull him down his own divergent path as he promises John’s shoe design to a gang.
A woman's normal walk from her parking spot to her apartment becomes a fight for her sanity after receiving news that her abusive ex-husband may have found out where she lives.
In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen MARGARET gets thrown out of yet another foster placement and finds herself in the company of a mysterious social worker who’s tasked with finding her a new home before the break of dawn. At odds and forced to travel the city together, Margaret realizes that running may not be her only option.
A young schoolgirl is determined not to get caught with the extra 'homework' she's carrying in her bag.
On the Isle of Sheppey, two boys try to enjoy a last day together. Their adventures are captured by Gabriel, who has cerebral palsy, on an old camera. But as the day goes on, fears about the future cloud their friendship.
Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s vibrant and urban landscape, Butterfly on a Wheel follows Jacen Davis (Curran Walters) as a gifted young musician struggling to keep up with daily life due to his OCD and anxiety. Studying jazz at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music, Jacen hopes to one day conquer his fears and perform to a live audience at the illustrious Koerner Hall. While playing alone one afternoon, a chance encounter with fellow student Sorrel (Brielle Robillard) sets in motion a transformative journey that will shape Jacen’s perception of the world around him, and with the support of his brother Dylan (Michael Provost), hopes to re-discover his most authentic self.
A genre-bending film adaptation of a 19th-century short story written by Ivan Turgenev, in which a lowly pub full of downtrodden men connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off. With a cast comprised of first-time actors from the unlikeliest corners of TikTok and YouTube, the film is a celebration of diamonds in the rough and a testament to the power of vulnerability through art.
When struggling actor Terry Moore puts his career before his family, he must find a way to make amends for his mistake and reconnect with his heartbroken daughter.
Harrison Huang is a B-list Chinese American actor who is up for the role of “Wushu Warrior,” the world’s first-ever AAPI-led superhero film. Things spiral when Harrison discovers that he has to screen test against a newcomer named Jimmy, who he fears will replace him as “Hollywood’s Asian.” Inspired by a real tragedy.
Military veteran, James (Andrew Lee Potts) has difficulty adapting to civilian life, on his return from service. With the world now very different, James feels lost and spends his days working his menial job and hiding his PTSD from those around him, specifically his wife Sarah.
As the dark memories engulf him, James reluctantly seeks help from psychologist, Dr Simon Kirby (Michael Mckell).
However, as Kirby battles his own demons, will he be able to give James the help he so desperately needs?
Janie May, an aspiring country singer stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck grind, gets big news that she’s a radio contest finalist while finishing her overnight shift at a local diner in Waco, TX. She must race to the station to sing for hometown country music hero Harlan Thompson in hopes of winning the opening act spot on his upcoming tour. In a chaotic dash to the studio, she collides her car into Jesús, an undocumented worker who refuses medical care or police assistance out of fear of being discovered and deported. The two engage in a struggle, each in pursuit of their own American dreams. In the end, they do the only thing they know how to do: fend for themselves.
It’s 1977 and ERWIN KREUZ is getting interviewed by a reporter about his newfound celebrity. The German tourist who got lost in America is clearly afraid to lose the spotlight he's just found. Pull back to see a film crew in the present, telling Erwin's story in a biopic. Follow a member of the crew, sound guy, ABE, as he wanders around at lunch, trying to connect to other crew members and talk about his glory days, when he was in a band and had a one hit wonder. Abe and Erwin are two minor guys connected across history by their feelings of having peaked.
A seemingly ordinary matchstick, repeatedly dismissed and denied recognition as a military veteran, slowly ignites with emotion—until it finally flames up, revealing the true weight of the micro aggressions it endured.
A tenant in a haunted house teams up with a ghost to stop a real estate developer from demolishing the home they share.
While traveling for work, Ms. Rossi gets picked up by the wrong driver at the airport.
After ten years living together, Sebastian is going to confess the truth to Lucia about his sexual orientation. Sebastian is a victim of social pressure and has been leading a double life, but now the time has come to confess that he is heterosexual. it's time to come out of the closet..I mean, back to the closet.
When the dryer cycle ends, a man is confronted with one of life's greatest challenges.
While dealing with telephone customer service, Liz is accidentally transferred to the Afterlife. Now, stuck between death and hold music, she must outwit cosmic bureaucracy and discover what really matters to get back to the land of the living.
When a psychic tells single, cynical Eleanor that she’ll meet her soulmate tomorrow, she decides to put her skepticism aside and put herself out there. Just in case. Big Feelings is a romantic comedy from a team of female filmmakers asking: is fate real? Or just some romcom mumbo jumbo?
In the middle of a heist, two diamond thieves discover they really need to start prioritizing their work-life balance.
A long night in jail leads to a catharsis and a new day for a veteran trying to outrun his painful past.
Rising Above the Ashes, a documentary about the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, addresses the question of how people move forward after large-scale natural disasters, looking at the powerful positive effects of resilience, gratitude and community art in supporting individuals and communities as they heal and move forward.
Two housemates, a young woman, and her Uber driver will come together this holiday season. Unfortunately, not everyone will live to see Christmas.
As childhood sweethearts, they thought they had forever - until a secret comes to light, blurring the line between hope and the moments you don’t see coming.
After an incident at a Halloween party, teenager Riley Barlowe is put on house arrest. Over his secluded month-long sentence, he relives his recent mistakes and comes to realize that the world's eyes are truly on him.
An inspired young filmmaker who witnessed a disturbing incident at school looks inside Juvenile Hall and Court, through the moving account of a juvenile offender and his parents, as well as the insights of the judge, attorneys and probation officer. Second Chance takes a step towards better understanding, compassion and ultimately, hope for juveniles who are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and who are also part of its future.
A bold teen short film about the dark side of social media and raw self-acceptance, created by award-winning student filmmakers.
Hands Wrapped is a raw cinematic documentary showcasing the mental and physical journey of Casey Macias as he prepares for and competes in his professional boxing debut. Through brutal training sessions, mental battles, and personal sacrifices, the film captures the unseen struggles that pave the path to becoming a pro. As Casey pushes his body and mind to the limit, viewers are given an inside look to the heart, grit, and resilience that are needed.
An inspiring showcase spotlighting bold new voices and distinctive visions from emerging talent across the globe.
The films included in this program are: Promised Belt, We're Not the Same, At Home (Chez Moi), Uncle Berry Bit It, Romchyk, Farsi With Maman, and A Woman Is Many Things (Just Fine Isn't One of Them).
Q&A with filmmakers will immediately follow the screenings.
A sensitive teenage girl finds herself trapped between her father’s strict martial arts training and her own desire to create, feel, and draw. As their struggle unfolds, one question lingers: Is this discipline—or a hidden form of love?
During her senior year of college, Mia discovers that the father who abandoned her has a new family, leading her down a dangerous path of obsession with her half-sister, Isabella — a young woman living the life Mia believes was meant to be hers.
Chez Moi tells the story of Rimas, an 11-year-old boy navigating the quiet conflict between his divorced parents’ worlds, his mother’s strict, traditional home and his father’s freer, louder life.
A child's colorful perspective of a funeral as she attempts to process her uncle's murder.
Following a deadly missile attack, Romchyk’s life is shattered forever. Despite severe burns and wearing a medical mask, he pursues his dream of ballroom dancing, embodying resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit amidst tragedy.
An Iranian-American man recounts his complicated relationship with the native language he forgot.
Jeanie has found herself in her early 40's, divorced, and in attendance of her ex-husband’s engagement party. Set amidst a perfect party storm of pitying former friends and a new, gracious bride-to-be, Jeanie does her best to keep her sanity.
Trapped in the never-ending horror of prolonged solitary confinement, three prisoners seek comfort and escape in the boundless vistas of their own imaginations.
Short Synopsis:
Secluded in 6x9 cells year after year with little or no human contact, three individuals in prisons across the United States experience the tedium, loneliness and psychological despair of long-term solitary confinement.
Over time, they begin to construct elaborate fantasy worlds to escape their daily reality.
Through vivid, hand-drawn animation, ‘Inside, The Valley Sings’ tells their remarkable real-life stories and paints an unforgettable portrait of the power of the human imagination.
Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
An anti-war film from the future. Based on the short story by Philip K Dick.
Jett Bartholomew, a wide-eyed 13 year old boy, seeks to ask out his crush Alison Shane, with the help of his two best friends. The film is about bravery, growing up, boyhood, and friendship.
An orphaned bear cub finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, until his hunger for trash leads him to danger.
A mockumentary about two beavers that work in a post office. The camera crew observes a typical work day for Clint Eatswood, the energetic manager, as he attempts to clean up the mess created by his unenthusiastic employee, Humphrey Damiels.
Hitchhiker explores grief and acceptance through the unlikely bond between a lonely trucker and a curious alien, blending playful adventure with introspection.
In a quest to become the performer of his dreams, Dormilón, a starry-eyed and middle-aged janitor living in an abandoned theater, must confront his nightmares face-to-face.
A harried thirty-something woman is forced to decide whether she wants to be a mother after unexpectedly giving birth to her reproductive organs at her sister’s baby shower.
Day in and day out, a sparrow sees images of ostriches everywhere: on posters, in ads, and on its smartphone. In awe of the ostriches, with their long necks, dazzling eyes and muscular legs, the little bird wants to be just like them. By hitting the gym to work on its leg muscles, following make-up tutorials, and paying several visits to the neck stretching studio, the sparrow comes very close to achieving its goal. But one day when a real ostrich comes to town and the sparrow meets its idol in person, one thing becomes crystal clear: try as it might, a sparrow can never truly be an ostrich.
At apathy with his life, Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) dreams of the beauty and joy he will find in retirement.
A powerful and imaginative selection of shorts that blend artistry, emotion, and inventive storytelling across cultures and styles.
The films included in this showcase are: Retirement Plan, Dormilón, Ovary-Acting, Ostrich, The Gun, Warm Soda, Forevergreen, God Dam, Hitchhiker, and Inside, The Valley Sings.
Q&A with filmmakers will immediately follow the screenings.
A powerful and imaginative selection of shorts that blend artistry, emotion, and inventive storytelling across cultures and styles.
The films included in this showcase are: The Little Ancestor, Wednesdays with Gramps, Budō, Hoofs on Skates, Wan, Forever, Teddy On the Edge, Stalking The Bogeyman, and Hurikán.
Q&A with filmmakers will immediately follow the screenings.
Hurikán rushes out to save his favourite beer stand from closure by fetching a new keg to impress the bartender he has a crush on. In a wild Prague district, he faces robbers, cops, and his own thirst.
The true story of investigative journalist David Holthouse who plots to kill the man who sexually abused him when he was seven years old. A reconstruction of the intended murder and outcome, blending live-action, animation, and documentary elements. Based on the Outer Critics Circle Award nominated Off-Broadway play.
A teddy bear, alone on the edge of a cliff contemplating ending it all, is interrupted by a wise old bunny rabbit with a life-affirming message to pass on.
While golfers play on the other side of the fence, peaceful garden gnomes find themselves attacked by stray golf balls.
There is a Sunset in the forest. After a frantic chase, a fierce-looking hominid confronts an old man and his hyena-dog, with an unexpected result.
In a winter wonderland two friends are having a blast ice-skating on a frozen lake when suddenly a strange and unfamiliar world cracks open underneath them. Now they must learn how to deal with the other kind, not letting the fear and preconceptions rule.
On the outskirts of Tokyo lives the lonely Miho, an old widow. On her daily trip to the supermarket she meets a hungry stray cat. The cat follows her home, but soon makes himself more comfortable in her little apartment than she could ever imagine... BUDŌ is a anime inspired saga about loneliness, adventure and courage.
When a teenage boy visits his Gramps at a seemingly mundane boring assisted living facility, he comes to find that they have much more in common than he thought. “Wednesdays with Gramps” is a story about connection, communication, and commonality, without saying a word.
On a windswept hill, in a place still young and devoid of all life, an ancestral house builds itself. The house comes to life and unveils its long life of one hundred and fifty years. Brick by brick and beam by beam, each action, big or small, shows life. Over the years, it leads us to feel the passage of time, the transformations of its surroundings and its vulnerability in the face of the unstoppable frenzy of our urban growth. The house evolves quietly in the heart of a growing and buzzing city that will eventually bring its end.
Celebrate the legacy of The Beatles with a one-of-a-kind event in Coronado!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with rare memorabilia, film tributes, and expert insights as we honor the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary San Diego concert and the cinematic milestone of HELP! — all culminating in a special SiriusXM-hosted documentary conversation with Sir Paul McCartney. Historian and CIFF Program partner, Tim Reid has once again delivered a tremendous event that weaves Coronado/San Diego history with Hollywood and celebrity moments celebrating the rich legacy that defines our City.
Beatlemania Comes to Coronado!
Saturday, November 8, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Coronado Performing Arts Center
Pre-Show Events | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
THIS EVENT IS INCLUDED WITH ALL BADGES, BENEFACTORS + MEMBERSHIP LEVELS. You must sign-in and reserve to guarantee a seat.
Guests are invited to explore Chuck Gunderson’s Beatles memorabilia exhibit in the lobby, featuring rare items from the 1965 Balboa Stadium show. Simultaneously, early Beatles music will play inside the auditorium as guests are seated.
Program Overview
Leonard Maltin opens the program and introduces the day’s special guests: Tom Frangione, Natalie Palumbo, Chuck Gunderson, and Bruce Spizer. The event continues with a multimedia retrospective by Chuck Gunderson celebrating the Beatles' 1965 San Diego concert, followed by Bruce Spizer’s cinematic tribute to the 60th anniversary of HELP!.
SiriusXM Presents Documentary: Tug of War | 2:40 PM
A special documentary conversation with Sir Paul McCartney, hosted by Tom Frangione of The Beatles Channel. This exclusive segment explores the stories behind McCartney’s work and legacy.
Closing Conversation
The afternoon concludes with a Q&A featuring Leonard Maltin, Tom Frangione, and Natalie Palumbo.
(reminder: badge holders sign-in to reserve)
Good Morning Starshine! Donuts and Coffee
Badge holders start the day off right with a dash of sugar and a kick of caffeine.
Served in the Hospitality Center Thursday-Sunday!
Celebrate all of our 2024 independent film, filmmakers and screenwriters!
The CIFF esteemed Jury members will announce the winners of this year’s categories.
All filmmakers and screenwriters are invited and encouraged to attend.
Badge-holder only event.
Reservations required / limited space / first come basis
Open to all badge holders!
Stop by and enjoy happy hour with fellow attendees, filmmakers and industry guests before heading off to watch your evening film!
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Crown Room at the Iconic Hotel Del Coronado
5:30 PM Hosted Champagne Reception and Red Carpet on the Vista Terrace
7:00 PM Dinner & Awards Presentation
9:30 PM AfterParty & Dancing
The Coronado Island Film Festival’s most glamorous evening returns as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary with the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards Gala. This unforgettable evening honors the creative forces—both above and below the line—who have elevated the art and science of cinematic storytelling.
Festival Host and Honorary Jury President Leonard Maltin, one of the most respected film critics and historians, will preside over the night’s tributes, engaging honorees in thoughtful onstage conversations as they accept their awards.
The evening begins with a golden-hour sunset champagne reception on the Vista Terrace, where guests can enjoy sweeping ocean views, sparkling conversation, and our signature red carpet and step & repeat. As the sun sets, the celebration moves inside to the historic Crown Room, a venue that has welcomed presidents, movie stars, and royalty since 1888, for an elegant dinner and awards presentation. Surrounded by soaring architecture and timeless charm, we will spotlight visionary individuals whose artistry, music, cinematography, cultural impact, and legacy have inspired audiences and defined generations of cinematic storytelling.
As the formal program concludes, the festivities continue with the Industry Tribute Wrap Party. The ballroom dance floor opens as the DJ turns up the music, offering the perfect finale to a night of glamour, celebration, and cinematic excellence.
Over the years, this gala has honored some of Hollywood’s most remarkable visionaries, legacies and emerging talents, including; Jane Seymour, Diane Ladd, Geena Davis, Chloé Zhao, Jacqueline Bisset, Dean Cundey, Kris Bowers, John Toll, Richard Dreyfuss, Nancy Utley, Alexandre Desplat, Diane Warren, Paul Raci, Heba Thorisdottir, Ron Shelton, Clarence Maclin, Charles Fox, Vanessa Roth, Michelle Phillips, Mayes Rubeo.
This year, as CIFF marks a decade of storytelling magic, we look forward to celebrating new luminaries whose contributions continue to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.
Carol Sommers Arlene Inch Gail & Robert Bardin The Auen Foundation (Sherrie Auen + Catharine Reed) Susan & Michael Kidd
The Hotel Del Coronado
The City of Coronado Mayor John Duncan + City Council
US Bank Coronado
Fig Jam Estate Winery
VARIETY MAGAZINE | 
DEADLINE MAGAZINE | 
TRIBUTE HONOREE BIOS
Beau Bridges is an award-winning actor, director, and producer whose career spans more than seven decades. He currently stars opposite Kathy Bates and Jason Ritter in CBS’s “Matlock.” On the big screen, Bridges appeared in “The Descendants,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys”—for which he received the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor—“Dreamin’ Wild,” “The Hotel New Hampshire,” “Heart Like a Wheel,” “Jerry Maguire,” “The Landlord,” “Norma Rae,” “One Night in Miami,” “The Other Side of the Mountain,” “Sandkings,” and “Sordid Lives.” Nominated for 14 Emmy Awards, he received the Best Supporting Actor Emmy for “The Second Civil War,” earned both an Emmy and Golden Globe for “The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom,” and won an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Cable ACE Award for his leading role in “Without Warning: The James Brady Story.” His television credits include “Black-ish,” “Bloodline,” “Don’t Touch,” “Goliath,” “Greenleaf,” “Homeland,” “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Masters of Sex,” “Messiah,” “The Millers,” “Mosaic,” “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero,” “The Outer Limits,” and “Robbie.” As a director, Bridges helmed “Secret Sins of the Father” and “The Thanksgiving Promise,” which became one of the highest-rated Disney television films ever broadcast. Beyond his work in film and television, Bridges served on the board of The Wishtoyo Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to environmental protection. He currently serves on the board of World Youth Clubs, an international organization that helps provide a positive environment and a safe place for young people around the world. Recently, he also starred opposite his daughter, Emily Bridges, in “ Acting: The First Six Lessons, ” which they performed together at Theatre West. He played basketball under the legendary UCLA coach John Wooden and also portrayed coach John Wooden in the one-man play “Coach: An Evening with John Wooden” at Theatre Aspen’s Solo Flights Festival.
Delroy Lindo is coming off the critical and commercial success of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” Alongside critically acclaimed roles with director Spike Lee in “Da 5 Bloods”—which earned him a New York Film Critics Best Actor Award—”Clockers,” “Crooklyn,” and “Malcolm X,” he has starred in films including he has starred in films including “The Cider House Rules,” “Get Shorty,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Heist,” “The Core,” “The Harder They Fall,” “Ransom,” “Romeo Must Die,” “The One,” “This Christmas,” and “Wondrous Oblivion.” On television, he has starred in “Believe,” “The Chicago Code,” “Kidnapped,” “The Good Fight,” “Law and Order: SVU” (for which he won an NAACP Award), “Profoundly Normal,” “Soul of the Game,” “Strange Justice” (for which he won a Peabody Award), and “UnPrisoned.” On stage, he received Tony and Drama Desk nominations for “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”—which he also directed—and earned Helen Hayes and NAACP Image Award nominations for “A Raisin in the Sun.” He also won a Los Angeles Theater Weekly Award directing the play “Medal of Honor Rag.” He will next appear in the “Godzilla x Kong” franchise, and is directing the independent feature, “Jabari’s People.”
Deborah L. Scott is an Academy Award–winning costume designer known for her outstanding design, intuitive looks, and trailblazing techniques that elevate each and every character she costumes. She most recently reunited with James Cameron on “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” For this chapter, Scott and her team are once again pushing the boundaries of costume design, spending years developing intricate textiles, beadwork and embroidery, and fusing traditional handcraft with cutting-edge digital innovations. The result continues to bring the Na’vi to life with a richly detailed culture inspired by indigenous craft traditions and realized through thousands of bespoke costume pieces and props. She previously collaborated with Cameron on “Avatar: The Way of Water,” earning a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination, and on “Titanic,” which won her the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Her extensive filmography includes “Aloha,” “Avatar,” “Back to the Future,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Heat," "Legends of the Fall,” “Love & Other Drugs,” “Minority Report,” “Never Cry Wolf,” “The Patriot," "Transformers,” and “Wild Wild West.” A 2023 recipient of the CDG Career Achievement Award, Scott also serves as Designer-in-Residence at UCLA’s David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design. From miniature people to giant robots, her versatility and intelligent design elevate her films toward greatness.
Deborah L. Scott is an Academy Award–winning costume designer known for her outstanding design, intuitive looks, and trailblazing techniques that elevate each and every character she costumes. She most recently reunited with James Cameron on “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” For this chapter, Scott and her team are once again pushing the boundaries of costume design, spending years developing intricate textiles, beadwork and embroidery, and fusing traditional handcraft with cutting-edge digital innovations. The result continues to bring the Na’vi to life with a richly detailed culture inspired by indigenous craft traditions and realized through thousands of bespoke costume pieces and props. She previously collaborated with Cameron on “Avatar: The Way of Water,” earning a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination, and on “Titanic,” which won her the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Her extensive filmography includes “Aloha,” “Avatar,” “Back to the Future,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Heat," "Legends of the Fall,” “Love & Other Drugs,” “Minority Report,” “Never Cry Wolf,” “The Patriot," "Transformers,” and “Wild Wild West.” A 2023 recipient of the CDG Career Achievement Award, Scott also serves as Designer-in-Residence at UCLA’s David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design. From miniature people to giant robots, her versatility and intelligent design elevate her films toward greatness.
Austin Kolodney is the screenwriter behind Gus Van Sant’s “Dead Man’s Wire,” a darkly comedic and gritty crime thriller inspired by the Tony Kiritsis hostage crisis. The film was received enthusiastically at the Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, quickly selling to Row K Entertainment. Next up, Kolodney will write and make his directorial debut with “Josephine the Blanket” alongside Sauce Studios. A multi-hyphenate talent, Kolodney has directed content for Almost Friday, SyFy, Funny or Die, Comedy Central, Universal Music Group, and All Def. A former director’s assistant, Kolodney previously worked for David O. Russell on “Joy” and Susanne Bier on “Bird Box.” His short film, “Two Chairs, Not One,” premiered at the Austin Film Fest in 2022. He was recently named as one of Variety's 10 Screenwriters to Watch in 2025, and is represented by Verve, Mosaic, and Fox Rothschild LLP.
Heidi Moneymaker is one of Hollywood’s premier stunt performers, with a career spanning more than two decades. A former UCLA gymnast and NCAA champion, she has performed high-profile stunts in films including "Avengers: Endgame," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Black Widow," "Captain America: Civil War," "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw," "Iron Man 2," "Mission: Impossible III," "Ocean’s 13," "Spider-Man 3," "Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle," and more. Moneymaker has doubled for Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Rachel Bilson, and Brie Larson, earning multiple Taurus World Stunt Awards and recognition from the Screen Actors Guild. She has also begun stunt coordinating and second unit directing, bringing her expertise behind the camera to design and shoot action sequences. Known for her courage, precision, and athleticism, Moneymaker has helped set new standards in stunt performance and remains a trailblazer for women in the field.
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The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) welcomes makers and lovers of film from all over the world to the storied seaside village of Coronado, California to celebrate the magical art of visual storytelling. Coronado’s enduring love affair with Hollywood began more than a century ago.
