Become a Patron
Power the Stories. Shape the Impact.
Patron support drives:
• The continued growth of the San Diego International Film Festival as both a cultural cornerstone and global destination
• Transformative education programs that inspire the next generation
• Storytelling that brings urgent social issues into focus
• Opportunities that elevate women and underrepresented filmmakers
Where Patron Support Makes a Difference
Elevate a World-Class Festival
Patron support fuels the continued growth of the San Diego International Film Festival—now recognized as both a cultural cornerstone of the region and a destination on the global film festival circuit.
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Festival reached new heights—welcoming acclaimed filmmakers, award-winning films, and industry leaders from around the world, while expanding visibility, audience reach, and economic impact across San Diego.
This milestone year reflects not just longevity, but momentum.
Patron support ensures the Festival continues to grow in influence—attracting top-tier talent, championing independent voices, and delivering unforgettable experiences that place San Diego on the international stage.
Inspire Future Leaders
Through the FOCUS on Impact Film Library and Student Art Competition + Exhibit, students and teachers engage with powerful storytelling across film and visual art on real-world issues like Environment, Mental Health, Immigration, Indigenous Culture, Racism, Women’s Rights, and more.
In partnership with the San Diego Unified School District, San Diego County Office of Education, and San Diego Community College District, classrooms gain access to curated films, curriculum, and filmmaker Q&A—at no cost to schools.
85% of students report increased empathy and awareness.
Patron support ensures these programs remain free, accessible, and transformative.
Explore Global Social Issues
The Festival showcases films that confront today’s most pressing challenges—from environmental sustainability to human trafficking and beyond.
These stories don’t end on screen. They spark real-world impact.
Following its Festival screening, RiverBlue—a documentary exposing the environmental cost of denim production—inspired local media coverage on pollution in the Tijuana River and was integrated into San Diego classrooms through the FOCUS on Impact program, influencing student awareness and behavior.
Patron support helps bring these critical stories to wider audiences—and into meaningful community conversations.
Empower Women Storytellers
With women directing only a small percentage of major films, the Foundation is committed to advancing equity in the industry.
Through strategic partnerships and dedicated programming, Patron support helps elevate bold, diverse female voices—ensuring their stories are seen, heard, and valued.
“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
Patron support fuels measurable, meaningful change:
• Elevating underrepresented voices in film
• Growing the education program to 20,000 students annually
• Expanding access to independent and global storytelling
• Advancing dialogue around critical social issues
Be part of a community using cinematic storytelling as a force for good.
Patron Circle Benefits
Exclusive Access
✓All Access Festival Pass
✓Invitation to the Awards Viewing Party
✓Invitation to Night of the Stars Tribute
✓Film Insider Series Pass
✓Access to private Patron events
Concierge Experience
✓Priority reservations & reserved seating
✓Advance film selection support
✓Personalized Festival scheduling
✓Dedicated Patron services & on-site check-in
Recognition & Purpose
✓Acknowledgment online, in print, and on screen
✓Direct support of education and outreach programs
✓A meaningful role in reaching thousands of students each year
Join the Patron Circle
Support cinematic storytelling that matters —and the audiences who need them.
Become a Patron today.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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
Complete the form below, and a member of our team will follow up with the next steps.
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 David Marchesani 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 Sara Isgur Robert Kenyon Paul Kim Jessica Kim Sandra Maas Vivien Nichols Mikki Nooney Heather Salter James Stanley Jennifer Thomas Stephanie Tilton Marilyn Tracy |