The San Diego Film Foundation Patrons
are using film to make a difference now
San Diego Film Foundation Patron Circle
Partners In Using Film To Make A Difference Today
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
Through our FOCUS on Impact Film Library, teachers access powerful short films, curriculum guides, and filmmaker Q&As.
In collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the San Diego Community College District, educators now have on-demand access to impactful films and resources. This program fosters empathy, critical thinking, and global awareness.
đź’ˇ 85% of students report feeling more informed and empathetic after participating.
Thanks to the generous support of our Patrons, this program is 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.
The documentary RiverBlue took on the fashion industry by highlighting the devastating environmental impact the production of denim has on rivers and waterways throughout the world.
- After the film screened at the Festival, Kimberly Hunt of 10News produced a segment on Tijuana River pollution, amplifying the film’s message locally.
- FOCUS on Impact Education Program’ brought RiverBlue to reach to students to consider the environmental impact of their fashion choices.
Students reported this new awareness would impact their buying decisions for jeans and other denim products.
🎤 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 Truss, Women’s History Museum
Your Impact
With your support, the goal is to reach 50,000 students annually, use film to foster global dialogue, and elevate underrepresented voices in film.
Join us today. Become a Patron—be the reason stories that matter are seen, heard, and felt.
Benefits for All Patron Circle Levels
• Patron Circle All Access Pass
Tax-Deductible Contribution
• Invitation to the Oscars Viewing Party
• Priority Reservations & Reserved Seating
– San Diego International Film Festival
– Film Insider Series
Exclusive Access to Private Patron Events
Concierge Service
• Film reservations for the Film Insider Series & San Diego International Film Festival
• Personalized concierge service during both events
Night of the Stars Tribute
• Invitation to the exclusive Patron’s Reception before the event, with celebrity honorees
Recognition
• Online, in print, and on screen
Make a Tax-Deductible Gift Today
From our renowned International Film Festival to community screenings and an educational program that impacts hundreds of kids each year we create opportunities in our community to build empathy and connection through film.
Fill out the form below and someone from our team will contact you within the next 24-48 hours.
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.Â
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 |
|---|
| Brian Devine Dick Hunter Ludvina Nevarez Sonny Nevarez Lynne Wheeler Dr. Stephen Wheeler |
| PRODUCER |
|---|
| Karen Fox Dennis Doucette Margot Doucette Molly Fredrickson Dennis Fredrickson Patti Judd Stephen Kurzyniec Elizabeth Kurzyniec Kristi Lappe Mark Lappe Kevin Leap Lise Markham Elsa Mickelsen Stephen Mickelsen Barbara Milstein Dr. Howard Milstein Heather O’Shea Cecilia Peck Valerie Quick JR Rowten Bob Salt David Winkler Sherry Winkler |
| DIRECTOR |
|---|
| Sophia Alsadek Laura Applegate Cindy Blumkin John Cashman Ron Clapman Margaret Dudas Cynthia Delaney Bill Delorey Dan Delorey Arlene Esgate Cheryl Gould Rick Hall Ann L Hill Laryssa Hauswald Sara Isgur Robert Kenyon Paul Kim David Marchesani Vivien Nichols Mikki Nooney Angelica Palmerin Heather Salter Jessica Shaanan Jennifer Thomas Marilyn Tracy |