“Tips for Choosing the Perfect Festival Pass”

– Scott Nyberg

As the summer blockbuster movie season winds down, the San Diego Film Foundation is gearing up for this year’s San Diego International Film Festival, showcasing the best independent features, documentaries, and shorts in the world. Celebrating its 17th year, the Festival kicks off on October 10 and you can buy tickets and passes now.

So far, the festival has announced a number of parties including the glamorous Opening Night Film and After Party experience, the Night of the Stars Tribute where Hollywood’s most accomplished actors, directors, and filmmakers are celebrated, a Festival walk of Fame – Friday Night Party, where everyone can hit the red carpet for their 15 minutes of fame, the Filmmaker Awards Show and Party, honoring winning filmmakers from around the world, and Culinary Cinema, a unique cinematic adventure into the world of food.  

You’ll have a chance to see the official list of all films, panels, and parties when it’s released on August 28. But here’s the really good news – San Diego International Film Festival fans can select from a variety of passes, including a Day Pass; the exclusive Fest Pass; or pick up the VIP Fest Pass. The 2018 San Diego International Film Festival dates are October 10 – 14.

If you just want to take in a cool indie flick during the Festival, individual tickets are just $16. If you want to think bigger, go for the Day Pass ($75), which gives you total access to any film you’d like to see on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you want to take your experience to the next level, then look to The Fest Pass. This gives you full, 5-day access to all screenings, panels and more. Then there’s the VIP Fest Pass. You’ll definitely want this if you’re aiming for a “bucket list” type of cinematic experience. Here, the Festival pulls out all the stops and rolls out the red carpet for you. You’ll get the star treatment with numerous special perks and benefits including VIP Advanced Reservations for films and events, VIP Priority Line Access (yup, that means no waiting in line!), valet parking, unlimited admission to all parties, screenings, panels and events, plus exclusive entry into the Festival’s VIP Lounges, featuring complimentary drinks and snacks and opportunities to hang out with filmmakers for $400 – $550 per person thru Sept 7th.

The San Diego International Film Festival has become California’s premier independent film event. Last year, Festival judges reviewed nearly 2,500 submissions from independent filmmakers from 60+ countries. This extremely competitive process narrowed the field down to a little over 100 films that were selected for the Festival, and this year promises the same. You’ll see the best features, documentaries and short films in the world. And here’s the best part – you’ll see them before they’re released to the public.

But you won’t just watch the movie, you’ll go behind the scenes. After each screening, filmmakers deliver deep dives into their creative process during insightful Q&A sessions, discussing the path their film followed from its screenplay to the silver screen. They’ll peel back the curtain for you, discussing fascinating backstories on how their films were produced, share humorous on-set antics of the cast you won’t hear anywhere else, or how they overcame the struggle of getting financing and distribution deals.

Who will you see at this year’s event? A VIP guest list filled with Hollywood’s most popular filmmakers will be released soon and if history is any indication, you won’t be disappointed. Previous Festival Honorees and guests include: Patrick Stewart, Judd Apatow, John Boyega, Kate Beckinsale, Annette Benning, Alan Arkin, Kumain Nanijani, Taran Killam, Heather Graham, Simon Helberg, Adrien Brody, Geena Davis, Beau Bridges, Eli Roth, Tom Berenger, Mariel Hemingway, and many more.

If you’re looking for a totally one-of-a-kind film experience, The San Diego International Film Festival is a must-attend event. Passes are limited and are expected to sell out soon so don’t miss your chance to attend its world premieres, never before seen studio releases, and all the glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.

Produced by the non-profit San Diego Film Foundation, the Festival’s events are held in both San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and in nearby La Jolla.

Get your passes and tickets now at The San Diego International Film Festival.