As we begin 2026, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to celebrate 25 years of the San Diego International Film Festival. This milestone feels both humbling and energizing. Film festivals are ultimately about people—those who create the work, those who support it, and those who sit in the audience ready to be moved by a story—and I’ve been thinking a great deal about how all of you have shaped this journey. When I joined the festival in 2012, I was drawn to its sense of purpose and its potential to be more than watching films. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching filmmakers share deeply personal stories, seeing audiences connect in unexpected ways, and witnessing how film can open conversations that linger long after the credits roll. Those moments are what stay with me, and they are what have guided our growth. Reaching 25 years invites us to honor what came before—the vision that launched the festival in 2001 and the many hands that sustained it along the way. It also invites us to look forward with curiosity and optimism.  Storytelling is always changing, as is our responsibility to protect and nurture it. In moments of uncertainty, we often turn to artists—not for easy answers, but for insight. Film allows us to walk beside lives not our own, to see through unfamiliar eyes, and to feel what we might otherwise overlook. Film helps us find our footing and reminds us of our shared humanity. I’m excited to celebrate this anniversary with you and to continue shaping what the next chapter of the festival will be—together.

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Posted January 12, 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on all the latest news!