Welcome to the San Diego International Film Festival’s
FOCUS on Impact
Educational Program
Helping to Prepare Future Leaders Through The Power of Film
Imagine a scenario where educators have access to an extensive library of short films addressing a spectrum of intricate social issues. These films come equipped with curated curricula and pre-recorded interviews with the filmmakers, providing invaluable resources for teachers and students alike.
The FOCUS on Impact Education Program is an innovative initiative that fosters civil discourse, critical thinking, and empathy. By investing in the next generation of changemakers, the program helps prepare future leaders to engage in respectful dialogue around complex issues—empowering them to become more informed, socially responsible, and deeply engaged in their communities.
The Festival and the FOCUS on Impact program is the springboard for films that elevate perspectives on significant social impact issues that affect our communities and our world. Creating this awareness, and the power to make a difference, is something that stays with these young people as they move into adulthood.
— Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director
Film is a uniquely potent medium, offering viewers a window into the lives of others and allowing for a profound understanding of complex issues. Following their participation in our program, 85% of students reported feeling more empathetic and informed.
Contributions in the form of donations and sponsorships, along with proceeds from festival events, are pivotal in expanding our educational outreach and nurturing local communities. Your generous support enables us to fulfill our mission of empowering future leaders to effect positive change in society.
The San Diego International Film Festival’s FOCUS on Impact Education Program is offered to teachers and schools at no cost. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions.
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
FOCUS on Impact Film Library
Unleash the Power of Film: Access Perspectives on Social Impact Topics
This groundbreaking initiative grants high school and college educators unrestricted access to a curated collection of short films addressing various social issues. With this resource at their fingertips, teachers can seamlessly integrate these films into their curriculum throughout the academic year, ensuring timely and relevant discussions in the classroom.
Each short film in our library is complemented by a pre-recorded interview with the filmmakers, offering valuable insights into their creative process and sparking meaningful dialogue among students. Additionally, educators will have access to a comprehensive teacher’s guide to facilitate seamless integration of these films into their lessons.
Our program is designed to equip future leaders with global perspectives through the transformative power of film, curriculum, and conversation. With this expansion, we are poised to impact over 50,000 high school and college students in San Diego and beyond.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Full access to films throughout the year
✓ Ability to preview films before showing them
✓ Access to curriculum materials
✓ Films include pre-recorded Q&A sessions with filmmakers
✓ Available at no cost to schools
Student Art Competition & Exhibit
The Power of Film Portrayed by Art Students
Film is known for its powerful storytelling, and now art students are challenged to tell stories through their artwork. The FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition & Exhibit invites students to create pieces that raise awareness of critical social issues such as inclusion, equality, cultural identity, climate change, pollution (ocean, land, thermal, plastic, soil), homelessness, PTSD (military veterans), human trafficking, and LGBTQAI+ rights.
“These and so many other timely topics are annually submitted to the San Diego International Film Festival by filmmakers around the world, and the best are curated for the FOCUS on Impact Education Program.”
—Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director
This initiative will highlight the creative and critical thinking skills developed by students in visual arts programs. This pilot program aims to showcase the innovative and analytical abilities of students who have pursued an education in visual arts.
Special Thanks To our EDUCATION Partners
