Patron Circle
Partners Delivering on the Mission
The generous support of the Festival Patron Circle fuels the collective Mission to educate, empower, and amplify voices through the following impactful programs:
• Inspire future leaders with Film, Curriculum & Conversation
• Explore social impact issues from global Filmmakers
• Empower women storytellers within the film industry
Inspire Future Leaders
Through our FOCUS on Impact Film Library and Student Art Competition, educators and students engage with powerful storytelling across film and visual art.
In collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the San Diego Community College District, teachers have on-demand access to impactful short films, curriculum guides, and filmmaker Q&As, while students are invited to create original artwork exploring critical social issues. Together, these initiatives foster empathy, critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.
85% of students report feeling more informed and empathetic after participating.
Thanks to the generous support of our Patrons, these programs are offered at no cost to schools.
Explore Global Social Issues
We showcase independent films that highlight pressing global challenges—homelessness, environmental sustainability, human trafficking and more.
Following its Festival screening, RiverBlue, which exposed the environmental impact of denim production, inspired coverage from Kimberly Hunt of ABC 10News on pollution in the Tijuana River, extending the film’s message into our local community.
Through our FOCUS on Impact Education Program, the film was introduced into classrooms, where students engaged in guided discussion and reported that the experience influenced their future purchasing decisions.
Empower Women Storytellers
With women still directing just 11% of top films, we’re committed to spotlighting women-led stories and creating a more inclusive industry. In partnership with the Women’s History Museum, we champion bold, relevant, and diverse female voices in film.
“Curating films that amplify the stories and voices of women… brings with it the possibility of improving the lives of women everywhere.”
— Sandra Maas, Historical Society Board of Trustees, Women’s History Museum
Your Impact
With your support, we aim to reach 50,000 students annually, use film to foster global dialogue, and elevate underrepresented voices in cinema. Become a Patron and help ensure the stories that matter are seen, heard, and felt.
Benefits for All Patron Circle Levels
Exclusive Access
Patron Circle All Access Pass
Invitation to the Oscars Viewing Party
Invitation to the Night of the Stars
Access to private Patron events
Concierge Service
• Priority reservations
• Reserved seating
• Advance film selection assistance
• Personalized Festival scheduling
• Dedicated Patron assistance
• On-site Patron check-in
Recognition & Impact
Acknowledgment online, in print, and on screen
Direct support of our education and outreach programs
Helping reach 50,000 students
Make a Tax-Deductible Gift Today
Your support fuels our annual Festival, year-round screenings, and the FOCUS on Impact Education Program—creating opportunities across San Diego to build empathy, spark dialogue, and connect our community through film.
Complete the form below, and a member of our team will follow up with the next steps.
Chairman’s Circle – $20,000 to $50,000
All benefits of the Director Circle, Producer Circle and A-List Circle plus:
- Recognized as a Presenting underwriter of Focus On Impact Educational Program Including all film tours and residencies
- Recognized in the Festival Program as the Presenting Underwriter of Focus On Impact Educational Program
- Opportunity to present a Film Festival Filmmaker Award
- Walk the Red Carpet – San Diego Intl Film Festival Variety’s Night of the Stars Tribute
Patrons above $10,000+ receive a personalized recognition package.
A-List Circle – $10,000 to $19,999
All benefits of the Director Circle and Producer Circle plus:
- Recognized as an underwriter for the Focus On Impact Educational Program
- Recognized as an underwriter for a San Diego International Film Festival Feature Film
- Recognized as an underwriter for the Film Festival Filmmaker Awards
- Private preview event with Executive and Artistic Director Tonya Mantooth to review the film selections of the San Diego International Film Festival
- Walk the Red Carpet – San Diego International Film Festival Opening Night
Producer Circle – $5,000 to $9,999
All benefits of the Director Circle plus:
- 2 Patron Circle All Access Passes
- Recognized as an underwriter for a San Diego International Film Festival Feature Film
- Concierge Service for the Film Festival
- Personalized Director’s Chair
- 2 VIP Fest Passes
- 2 Guest Tickets Film Insider Series Screenings (Feb-July)
Director’s Circle – $2,500 to $4,999
- 1 Patron Circle All Access Pass to San Diego International Film Festival
- Priority Reservations and Reserved Seating
- San Diego International Film Festival
- Film Insider Series
- Invitation to exclusive Chairman’s Reception prior to the Night of the Stars Tribute and seating at the Tribute in the Chairman’s section
- Dedicated Customer Service Representative during the Film Festival
- Recognition online, in print, on screen
- Private Patron Events
- Tax Deductible Contribution
A special thank you to our Patron Circle
Co-Founders: Tonya Mantooth, Kevin Leap & Patti Judd
| CHAIRMAN |
|---|
| Sharon Rose |
| A-List |
|---|
| A-Mark Foundation Brian Devine Dick Hunter Ludvina Nevarez Sonny Nevarez Angelica Palmerin Lynne Wheeler Dr. Stephen Wheeler |
| PRODUCER |
|---|
| Brad Benter Gigi Brintwood Cindy Blumkin Cynthia Delaney Tom Delaney Dennis Doucette Margot Doucette Chris Eddy Vicki Eddy Molly Fredrickson Dennis Fredrickson Karen Fox Joyce Gattas Rick Hall Laryssa Hauswald Stephen Kurzyniec Elizabeth Kurzyniec Kristi Lappe Mark Lappe Kevin Leap Lisé Markham JR Rowten Elsa Mickelsen Stephen Mickelsen Barbara Milstein Dr. Howard Milstein Heather O’Shea Cecilia Peck Valerie Quick Pete Bils Bob Salt Patti Judd Chris Scarff Karen Scarff David Winkler Sherry Winkler |
| DIRECTOR |
|---|
| Laura Applegate John Cashman Ron Clapman Bill Delorey Sharon Dubovoy Margaret Dudas Arlene Esgate Cheryl Gould Ann L Hill Robert Kenyon Paul Kim Jessica Kim Sandra Maas David Marchesani Vivien Nichols Mikki Nooney Heather Salter Jennifer Thomas Stephanie Tilton Marilyn Tracy |