FOCUS on Impact
Educational Program
Help Prepare Future Leaders Utilizing The Power of Film + Art
The groundbreaking initiative harnesses the power of film and art to inspire meaningful dialogue, broaden perspectives, and cultivate empathy among San Diego County high school and college students.
The mission is to equip students with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world through the transformative power of film, curriculum, conversation and art.
FOCUS on Impact – Empowering Students Through Film + Art
Through powerful films and bold visual art, students explore real-world social issues— share their voices with the community and engage thoughtfully.
“The Festival is the springboard for films that elevate perspectives on significant social impact issues that affect our communities and our world. Amplifying this awareness through the FOCUS on Impact Library and Student Art Competition instills within these students the power to make a difference. It prepares future leaders through the power of film, inspiring them to carry that awareness into everything they do.”
— Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director
FOCUS on Impact Film Library
Each year, the San Diego International Film Festival receives over 3,500 film submissions from Filmmakers in more than 80 countries. Through a rigorous screening and scoring process, approximately 100 films are selected for inclusion in the annual Festival. From this group of elite selections, the FOCUS on Impact Film Library is curated, providing a unique educational experience that is unmatched elsewhere.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive Film Library: Unlimited Teacher access to selected short films (less than 30 minutes) throughout the academic year.
- Curated Curriculum: Each film includes a Teacher’s Guide with discussion prompts, student activities and other recommended resources on the topic.
- Filmmaker Q&A: Pre-recorded sessions deepen engagement with the material, offering firsthand insights into their creative process and sparking dialogue among students.
- Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can integrate films at their convenience to complement their curriculum.
- No Cost: Available at no charge to participating high schools and colleges through generous Patron donations.
Film is a singularly powerful medium that allows us to see what it is like to walk in another person’s shoes and therefore see an issue from a deeply connected point of view. After participating in this program, 85% of the students said they felt more empathetic and informed.
The goal is to make this program available to almost 50,000 students throughout San Diego County preparing them to become thoughtful leaders committed to meaningful discourse and social harmony.
Student Art Competition & Exhibit
Each spring, the FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition & Exhibit invites junior and high school students to tell their social impact stories affecting our lives by creating art designed to raise awareness and provide their perspective.
Students demonstrate their creativity, innovation, and analytical abilities by creating artwork in the medium of their choice. Submissions are then evaluated by educators from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and the San Diego International Film Festival Leadership Team. This initiative highlights the creative and critical thinking skills developed by students in visual arts programs.
See the Student Art Finalists and Winner exhibit during the Festival in October.
The FOCUS on Impact Educational Program is an initiative of the San Diego Film Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and education organization that engages audiences year-round through the Film Insider Series, the acclaimed annual San Diego International Film Festival each October, the FOCUS on Impact Education Program and the Student Art Competition and Exhibit.
The FOCUS on Impact Education Program is in partnership with:
- San Diego Unified School District
- San Diego County Office of Education
- San Diego Community College District
- American Indian High Schools in San Diego County
- Monarch Schools
Special Thanks To our EDUCATION Partners
