As we gather to "Celebrate the Power of Film," we find ourselves in a time of profound change in the industry. Technological innovation, new distribution models, and a global push for inclusivity are driving us toward a more diverse and immersive form of storytelling.
Independent filmmakers are the heartbeat of cinema, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices. In a world marked by wars, social unrest, and global challenges, these creators play a vital role in reflecting the complexities of our shared human experience. Their resilience inspires us as they confront pressing social issues, using film as a medium for reflection and dialogue.
Film has a unique ability to bring communities together, fostering empathy and understanding by allowing us to see the world from different perspectives. Independent filmmakers illuminate stories that cross boundaries, building connections among diverse audiences and proving that film can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Warm regards,
Over the next five days, we invite you to immerse yourself in some of the best filmmaking the world has to offer. Together, let’s celebrate the remarkable work of these talented artists and the stories they share.
Tonya Mantooth CEO & Artistic Director
San Diego International Film Festival
A special thank you to our PATRON CIRCLE
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Sharon Rose
A-LIST CIRCLE
Silvija Devine
Brian Devine
Jan Hunter
Dick Hunter
Dennis Doucette
Margot Doucette
Arlene Esgate
Molly Fredrickson
Dennis Fredrickson
Cheryl Gould
Patti Judd
Ludvina Nevarez
Sonny Nevarez
Lynne Wheeler
Dr. Stephen Wheeler
PRODUCER CIRCLE
Stephen Kurzyniec
Kevin Leap
Heather O’Shea
David Marchesani
Elsa Mickelsen
Stephen Mickelsen
Barbara Milstein
Dr. Howard Milstein
Cecilia Peck
Valerie Quick
Bob Salt
David Winkler
Sherry Winkler
Sophia Alsadek
Laura Applegate
Cindy Blumkin
John Cashman
Ron Clapman
DIRECTOR CIRCLE
Bill Delorey
Cynthia Delaney
Dan Delorey
Play
Rick Hall
Ann Hill
Margaret Dudas
Vivian Nicols
Angelica Palmerin
Sara Isgur
Mikki Nooney
Heather Salter
Robert Kenyon
Paul Kim
Jennifer Thomas
FESTIVAL TEAM
TONYA MANTOOTH CEO & Artistic Director, Co-Founder
STEPHANIE INSCOE Festival Director
SHEILA FOX Marketing Strategist and Partnerships
INDIGO POST Post Production
GINA MANCINI Director of Marketing
ROBYN SPENCER Strategic Partnerships
HEATHER MCMULLIN Programming and Festival Coordinator
RACHEL CHAPMAN Director of Volunteers
NICOLE NORIAN
Special Thanks
DIMITRY MORGAN Consultant
Events Coordinator
ALEX INSCOE Logistics Coordinator
SUSAN CLAUSEN Public Relations
TIFFANY MELONE Sponsorships
KAREN COUTTS Grants Writer
DAVID MARTIN Technical Assistance MEI-LING DOWNEY Voice Talent
AMBASSADORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SAN DIEGO FILM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NAILA CHOWDHURY Board Chair
KRISTIAN FORSTER Vice President
LUDVINA
STEPHEN WHEELER Board Member
CECILIA PECK Board Member
MEDIA
HOSPITALITY
FOUNDATION
COMMUNITY
LA JOLLA
La Mesa COURIER
Building a community of possible.
U.S. Bank strives to make a positive impact in the community. That’s why we support community events that bring us together for the greater good. When we work together, anything is possible.
U.S. Bank is proud to support the San Diego International Film Festival
Film Critic for KTLA, Journalist, San Diego Film Foundation Board Member Recipient of the ICG Publicists Guild Press Award (honoring outstanding entertainment journalism), and a member of the Producers Guild of America and the Critic’s Choice Association, Scott “Movie” Mantz is a longtime host, correspondent, film critic and Emmy-nominated producer, whose credits include Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, The TODAY Show and CNN. Mantz is an in-demand moderator of panels, press conferences and FYC guild Q&As for many Oscar-winning movies, and he is currently the film critic for KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.
MORNINGS 4:30A TO 9A
Proudly serving the greater good of our community by supporting The San Diego International Film Festival
FOCUS ON IMPACT EDUCATION PROGRAM
Through the power of Arts Education, San Diego County high school and community college teachers are given the tools to explore social impact topics such as environmental sustainability, animal extinction, food scarcity, cultural identity, climate change, ocean pollution, LGBTQAI+ acceptance, immigration, diversity, and inclusion and many more.
FILM LIBRARY
Unlimited Access to Perspectives on Social Impact Topics
In the Fall of 2024, we will launch the NEW FOCUS on Impact Film Library. This will give high school and college teachers unlimited access to social issue short films appropriate for their students so they can schedule them throughout the school year when it is most convenient and timely for them.
STUDENT ART COMPETITION & EXHIBIT The Power of Film Portrayed by Art Students
While film is the art of cinematic storytelling, art students are being challenged to storytelling through artwork.
The FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition & Exhibit will challenge students to create artwork designed to raise awareness of social issues.
San Diego Film Foundation FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition
The power of film is brought to life by middle and high school art students who were challenged to tell stories through their artwork. This program demonstrates the innovative and analytical abilities of students who have pursued visual arts education while raising awareness of social issues aligned with the Film Festival’s Focus on Impact Education program.
Submitted works were evaluated by SDSCPA educators and the SDiFF Leadership Team and ten finalists were chosen based on the following criteria:
1: Level of connection to Exhibit Focus
2: Level of craft demonstrated
3: Level of creativity demonstrated
BARTOLITO-WHAT
SCHEDULE OF
OPENING NIGHT FILM PREMIERE AND RECEPTION / 'CONCLAVE' MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS, BALBOA PARK
WEDNESDAY 10/16 | 5:30PM
NIGHT OF THE STARS TRIBUTE THE CONRAD PREBYS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 | 5:30PM
SCREENINGS & EVENTS
FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
ROOM&BOARD / WESTFIELD UTC
FRIDAY, OCT 18 | 8:30PM
CULINARY CINEMA / 'FORKED'
CAPITAL ONE CAFE & AMC UTC 14 @ WESTFIELD UTC
SUDAY, OCT 22 | 9:30AM & 10:30AM
OPENING NIGHT | OCT. 16
OPENING NIGHT & FILM RECEPTION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 • 5:30 PM
MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS, BALBOA PARK
The 21st Annual San Diego International Film Festival kicks off with film lovers, filmmakers, arts patrons, elected officials, executives and professionals gathering to celebrate film at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Guests will enjoy a Pre-screening Cocktail Party followed by a Studio Film Premiere.
5:30 PRE-RECEPTION
6:30 SCREENING OF THE CONCLAVE
POST RECEPTION AFTER SCREENING
*VIP’s & Patrons only VIP ONLY*
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
GALA PREMIERE | OCT. 16
CONCLAVE
THRILLER/FEATURE | UNITED KINGDOM AND UNITED STATES | 2 HR
CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.
DIRECTOR: Edward Berger
SCREENWRITERS: Peter Straughan, based on the book by Robert Harris
CAST: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Carlos Diehz, Merab Ninidze, Thomas Loibl with Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini
GALA PREMIERE
GALA PREMIERE | OCT. 17
GALA PREMIERE | OCT. 17
GALA PREMIERE
SEPTEMBER 5
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 6:30 PM
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC | Theaters 7, 8, 10
CENTERPIECE SCREENING | HISTORICAL DRAMA | USA | 1HR 31 MIN
SEPTEMBER 5 unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today. Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows an American Sports broadcasting team that quickly adapted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken hostage. Through this lens, SEPTEMBER 5 provides a fresh perspective on the live broadcast seen globally by an estimated one billion people at the time.
At the heart of the story is Geoff, a young and ambitious producer striving to prove himself to his boss, the legendary TV executive Roone Arledge. Together with German interpreter Marianne and his mentor Marvin Bader, Geoff unexpectedly takes the helm of the live coverage. As narratives shift, time ticks away, and conflicting rumors spread, with the hostages' lives hanging in the balance, Geoff grapples with tough decisions while confronting his own moral compass
DIRECTOR: Tim Fehlbaum
PRODUCER(S): Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, Tim Fehlbaum, Sean Penn, John Ira Palmer, John Wildermuth CAST: Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin and Leonie Benesch
GALA PREMIERE | OCT. 19
PREMIERE
NIGHTBITCH
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 • 7:30 PM
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC | Theaters 7, 8, 10
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE | USA | 2HRS
A woman (Amy Adams) pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon her new domesticity takes a surreal turn.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Marielle Heller
PRODUCER(S): Anne Carey, p.g.a., Marielle Heller, p.g.a., Sue Naegle, p.g.a., Christina Oh, Amy Adams, Stacy O’Neil
CAST: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper
GALA
GALA PREMIERE | OCT. 20
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
EMILIA PEREZ
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 7:00 PM
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC | Theaters 7, 8, 10
CLOSING NIGHT FILM | MUSICAL/DRAMA | FRANCE | 2HR 10
From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes Emilia Pérez, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emilia can finally live authentically as her true self. Written and directed by Audiard (Rust and Bone, A Prophet), the double Canneswinning film also stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.
DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER: Jacques Audiard
PRODUCER(S): Pauline Lamy (Executive Producer) Pascal Caucheteux, Jacques Audiard, Valérie Schermann, Anthony Vaccarello
CAST: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gómez, Adriana Paz and Edgar Ramíreze
SCREENING AND FOOD
CULINARY CINEMA
Sponsored by Jamul Casino
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 • 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC
Culinary Cinema is the perfect recipe for Sunday fun and a dream come true for foodies! The ingredients begin with a cuisine-themed movie. Afterwards everyone adjourns to enjoy dishes inspired by renowned San Diego Chefs. Add some nice wines and good conversation and you have a perfect Sunday afternoon!
9:30 AM SCREENING & TASTING #1
9:30 - 10:30 AM - Pre-Reception @ Capital One Cafe
10:30AM - Culinary Cinema Screening
12:00 - 1:00PM - Chef Tastings and Open Bar
10:30 AM SCREENING & TASTING #2
10:30 - 11:30 AM - Pre-Reception @ Capital One Cafe 11:30AM - Culinary Cinema Screening
1:00 - 2:00PM - Chef Tastings and Open Bar
Culinary Cinema Host Shawn Styles
SUSAN FENIGER, FORKED
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC | Theaters 5, 7, 8, 10
DOCUMENTARY | USA | 1HR 19MIN
A culinary disaster film following award-winning celebrity chef Susan Feniger on her first solo restaurant and her passionate struggle to bring global street food under one roof in the form of a new LA restaurant: STREET. Shot by her longtime filmmaker partner in Vietnam, Shanghai and Los Angeles, featuring appearances by Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay and Mary Sue Milliken, it’s a personal story of starting over and about not IF one fails… but HOW.
DIRECTOR/ SCREENWRITER: Liz Lachman
PRODUCER(S): Lisa Donmall-Reeve & Liz Lachman
CAST: Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Kajsa Alger, Barbara Fairchild
SAN DIEGO PREMIERE
OCTOBER
17, 2024
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING OF INSPIRATION AND RECOGNITION!
Step into a night of elegance and celebration as we pay tribute to the imagination, passion, and vision that drive today’s cinematic masterpieces. It is our distinct privilege to honor the outstanding contributions of the most accomplished and influential artists in the industry with prestigious awards.
This year’s celebration will spotlight the extraordinary talents of Penelope Ann Miller, Alessandro Nivola, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Lhapka Sherpa and Amanda Righetti who will be presented with the Humanitarian Award.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | 5:30PM THE CONRAD PREBYS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, LA JOLLA, CA
ENHANCE YOUR FESTIVAL FESTIVAL LOUNGE
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH
Enjoy access to all panels with filmmakers and industry influencers while enjoying complimentary drinks froim the Fest Bar and tasty bites. It’s the perfect place to relax, connect with fellow festival-goers and spark lively conversations between screenings and events. Don’t miss out on the fun and inspiration waiting for you!
Panels
Actors Roundtable: Stories from the Set and Beyond Friday, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
The Future of Film and Entertainment: Industry Insights Friday, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Women in Film: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Industry Saturday, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
The “Reel” Influencer Revolution Saturday, 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour
Friday – Sunday, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
This offers attendees a chance to connect with talented filmmakers in a fthe Fest Lounge. Enjoy complimentary beverages, bites and live music while engaging in lively conversations about their creative processes, upcoming projects, and the art of storytelling.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to mingle with the visionaries behind the films you love!
READY TO
COME FOR THE FILM, STAY FOR THE FUN
NIGHT OF THE STARS TRIBUTE
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
CULINARY CINEMA
Night of the Stars Tribute
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center Downtown La Jolla | Thursday, October 17th, 2024
The Festival honors some of the film industry’s most accomplished actors, directors and filmmakers. Each year we are proud to present the Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema with the support of the Peck family. Rising stars, auteurs, and visionaries are also recognized and celebrated.
—Included with VIP Pass. Individual tickets available for purchase—
The San Diego International Film Festival’s Friday Night Party with a Purpose is a fun-fundraiser for the FOCUS on Impact Education Program designed to provide film, curriculum and conversation on important social impact topics to San Diego High School students. Plan on lots of fun including music, food, beverages, activities and more!
—Included with VIP & FEST Pass. Individual tickets available for purchase—
Culinary Cinema
Capital One Cafe & AMC UTC 14 | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 9:30AM & 10:30AM
Culinary Cinema is the perfect recipe for Sunday fun and a dream come true for foodies! The ingredients begin with a cuisine-themed movie. Afterwards everyone adjourns to enjoy dishes inspired by renowned San Diego Chefs. Add some nice wines and good conversation and you have a perfect Sunday afternoon!
—Included with VIP Pass. Individual tickets available for purchase—
Drama / Social Issue / LGBTQIA+
Saturday, October 19, 5:15 PM
Sunday, October 20, 3:45 PM
WOMEN’S FILM
PRESENTED BY THE WOMEN’S
The San Diego International Film Festival presents the ‘Women’s Film Don’t miss out on the chance to watch these special in the FEST LOUNGE we’ll be hosting the Festival’s Women
Included in Short Tracks 'DocuDrama'
Saturday, October 19, 3:15 PM Sunday October 20, 5:00 PM
Included in Short Tracks 'Heart Strings'
Drama / Social Friday, October Sunday, October
Friday, October 18, 5:45 PM
Sunday October 20, 6:45 PM
Included in Short Tracks 'Heart Strings'
Friday, October 18, 5:45 PM
Sunday October 20, 6:45 PM
Included in Short Tracks
Friday, October Sunday October
— Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director of the Festival
“ The San Diego International Film Festival and the Women’s Museum of California have a cultivating female written/directed and produced films. By partnering together we are able work we are both doing in this area and share female-led films with a broader audience.
FILM SERIES
WOMEN’S MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
Film Series’ in partnership with the Women’s Museum of California. special films featuring female filmmakers plus Women in Film: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Industry .
Social Issue / LGBTQIA+
October 18, 7:30 PM
October 20, 6:30 PM
Documentary / American Indian Saturday, October 19, 10:15 AM Sunday, October 20, 1:00 PM
Drama / Social Issue / LGBTQIA+
Tracks 'Heart Strings'
October 18, 5:45 PM
Thursday, October 17, 1:45 PM Friday, October 18, 12:45 PM
October 20, 6:45pm
PANEL
a shared passion for able to combine the audience. ”
WOMEN IN FILM:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 1:30
Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Industry
Moderated by Sandra Maas
Explore the impact of women in film with a dynamic group of industry trailblazers. This panel will discuss overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field. The evolving role of women in filmmaking and how women are shaping the future of film. Join us for an insightful discussion celebrating women’s contributions and future prospects in the industry.
Sandra Maas
Moderator
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FEATURES
We are proud to premiere and showcase a line-up of narrative features from across the globe. Rich complex storytelling from new and established filmmakers will provide a transformative film experience filled with creativity and new perspectives.
AMALOCK
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
INTERNATIONAL, DRAMA
Japan / 2hrs
THURS. OCT. 17 - 12:30 PM FRI. OCT. 18 - 1:30 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Amalock, Japan’s greatest Lock Gate, protecting the town of Amagasaki from flood damage. Despite being the greatest in Japan, nobody knows about it. It resembles a clumsy father trying to protect his family. This film marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake by relating the story of a family rising out of a difficult situation.
All dates, times and appearances subject to change.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
BANG BANG CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
DRAMA, DARK COMEDY
USA / 1hr 44 minutes
SAT. OCT. 19 - 2:00 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 4:00 PM
Tim Blake Nelson stars as 'Bang Bang' Rozyski, an eccentric retired pugilist obsessed with rectifying the sins of his past.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Director: Vincent Grashaw
Producer(s): Ran Namerode, Angelia Adzic, Cole Payne, Vincent Grashaw, Will Janowitz
Screenwriter: Will Janowitz
Cast: Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry / O' Brother Where Art Thou), Glenn Plummer (Menace II Society), Kevin Corrigan (The Departed), Andrew Liner (Vampire Academy), Nina Arianda (Being the Ricardos), Erica Gimpel (God Friended Me)
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
SAN DIEGO PREMIERE
DRAMA, COMEDY
USA / 1hr 42 minutes
SAT. OCT. 19 - 5:15 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 3:45 PM
Lily Trevino longs for a familial connection, having been abandoned by her mother as a child and then suddenly by her father in her twenties. Bob Trevino works long hours to support his wife Jeanie’s scrapbooking habit. Having survived hardships as a couple, Bob ignores his own feelings and need for friendship, meaning, and connection. That is, until he gets an unexpected Facebook message from a stranger. Inspired by the true friendship that writer/director Tracie Laymon found with a stranger when looking for her father online.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
DRIVE BACK HOME
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
UNITED STATES PREMIERE
DRAMA, COMEDY, LGBTQIA+ Canada / 1hr 40 minutes
FRI. OCT. 18 - 10:45 AM SAT. OCT. 19 - 11:30 AM
In the winter of 1970, a cantankerous, small town plumber from rural New Brunswick, must drive his beat-up work truck 1000 miles to Toronto to get his estranged, gay brother out of jail after being arrested for having sex in a public park. The two men are then forced to drive back home together at the behest of their hard-nosed mother before they kill each other. Inspired by a true story.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Director: Tracie Laymon
Producer(s): Tracie Laymon, Sean Mullin, Edgar Rosa, Felipe Dieppa
Screenwriter: Tracie Laymon
Cast: Barbie Ferreira (EUPHORIA), John Leguizamo (THE GREEN VEIL), French Stewart (3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN), Lauren "Lolo" Spencer (GIVE ME LIBERTY), Rachel Bay Jones (YOUNG SHELDON)
Director: Michael Clowater
Producer(s): Brian Mason, William Woods, Maddy Fallez
Screenwriter: Michael Clowater
Cast: Alan Cumming, Charlie Creed-Miles
EVERGREEN$ (SAPIN$)
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Canada / 1hr 51min
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 3:15 PM
21 year-old Rémi leaves his small town in Quebec for the first time to go sell Christmas trees in New York City in order to pay off a debt that threatens his future. Dumped in the heart of the Bronx, he meets Laura, a deadpan French activist, who will be his colleague for the next month. Together they will meet the vibrant community around their street corner and learn to survive the absurd trials of Christmas tree sales.
Cast: Étienne Galloy (Prank); Diane Rouxel (Marche ou Crève)
In the bliss of a new love, Ali and Katie start to build their life together in New York City, he as an Iraqi immigrant seeking political asylum and she, an ambitious American woman. When a crisis strikes back in Baghdad in the midst of his asylum process, they are forced to navigate its impact on their relationship... and the secrets they have been keeping. Navigating trust and shame; rejection and acceptance; and how best to love one another, Katie and Ali face an existential question: is it worth crossing borders, both national and personal, to save what they have?
Director: Oday Rasheed
Producer(s): Jess Jacobs, Stephanie Roush, Brian Newman, Frank Hall Green, Caitlin Zvoleff, Andre Basso, Joseph Stephans
Cast:Adam Bakri (Omar, Ali and Nino, Official Secrets), Jess Jacobs (Butterfly Caught, Choices, Long Weekend), Nasser Faris (The Looming Tower), Reed Birney (The Menu, Mass, Tony Award-winner for Broadway’s The Humans)
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
In the follow up to her award-winning film THE UNKNOWN COUNTRY, filmmaker Morrisa Maltz captures the joys and heartbreaks of childhood friendship as young Jazzy (Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux) navigates the challenges of growing up with her peers in South Dakota.
Director: Morrisa Maltz
Producer(s): Morrisa Maltz, Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Miranda Bailey, Elliot Whitton, John Way, Natalie Whalen, Vanara Taing, Tommy Heitkamp EPS Lily Gladstone, Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Bill Way, Jason Beck
Screenwriter: Morrisa Maltz, Vanara Taing, Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Andrew Hajek
Cast: Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, (The Unknown Country), Syriah Fool Head Means, Lily Gladstone (Killers of The Flower Moon, The Unknown Country, Fancy Dance, Certain Women) Raymond Lee (Top Gun, The Unknown Country, Quantum Leap) Richard Ray Whitman (Rez Dogs, The Unknown Country, Winter in The Blood)
LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
DRAMA, ADVENTURE
USA / 1hr 38 min
MOTHER VALLEY
SO.CALIFORNIA PREMIERE DRAMA
France, Lebanon / 1hr 23 min
OCT. 19 3:15 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
MR BLAKE AT YOUR SERVICE ! SO.CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
DRAMA, COMEDY USA / 1hr 38 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 69:15 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 1:00 AM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Based on the book by the same name, the film tells the inspiring story of a 12-year-old boy, who, separated from his family by a fast moving storm, must fight to stay alive during his nine-day adventure lost in the backwoods of Maine.
Director: Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger
Producer(s): Braden Aftergood | Dick Boyce | Ryan B Cook | Heather Grehan | Sylvester Stallone
Screenwriter: Luke Paradise
Cast: Caitlin FitzGerald (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Paul Sparks (House of Cards), Ethan Slater (Wicked (II)), Luke David Blumm ( The King of Staten Island) California Premiere
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Lebanon, 1958. While a civil war rages, pitting Christians against Muslims in coastal towns, a young mother and model wife, Layla, spends the summer with her family in a remote village in the Christian mountains. It’s wedding season but her two younger sisters, Eva and Nada, have no desire to follow in Layla’s footsteps by accepting an arranged marriage organized by their father, a broke feudal aristocrat. This summer, an encounter with a French guy and his mother opens Layla’s eyes on her condition as a woman living in a patriarchal society, where female fates are decided by men – fathers, husbands, and even sons. For the first time ever, Layla suddenly stifles.
Director: Carlos Chahine
Producer(s): Hannah Taïeb, Chantal
Fischer, Sabine Sidawi
Screenwriter: Carlos Chahine
Cast: Marilyne Naaman, Nathalie Baye, Antoine Merheb Harb, Pierre Rochefort Southern California Premiere
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Based on Gilles Legardinier’s bestseller ‘Complétement Cramé !’ When Mr. Blake turns up at the Domaine de Beauvillier estate, everyone – the manor itself, along with its owner and staff – are all just as badly off as he is! But unlike Mr. Blake, who has come to this familiar abode merely to collect his thoughts, the other protagonists are in the throes of tackling their respective personal problems. The arrival of this very British guest acts as a trigger, spurring them back to life, “taming” them and prompting them to start working together to restore the manor’s former beauty and revive their individual quests. The result will be a new lease of life for the Beauvillier estate and each and every one of them living on it.
Director: Gilles Legardinier
Producer(s): Christel Henon
Screenwriter: Gilles Legardinier
Cast: John Malkovich, Fanny Ardant, Emilie Dequenne
SEEN
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
WORLD PREMIERE
THRILLER, HORROR, ROMANCE
New Zealand / 1hr 23 min
FRI. OCT. 18 - 2:00PM SAT. OCT. 19 - 4:30 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
A socially awkward outcast becomes obsessed with a girl he meets online. As their connection deepens, he falls into a dangerous spiral of unintended consequences.
Director: Logan Marshall
Producer(s): Huai Hsuan Huang, Logan Marshall
Screenwriter: Logan Marshall
Cast: Richard Crouchley (A Mistake, Evil Dead Rise), Mirabai Pease (Evil Dead Rise), Lydia Peckham (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Nuremberg, Cowboy Bebop), Joel Tobeck (Eagle vs Shark, Sweet Tooth), Miriama Smith (Ka Whawhai Tonu, Harrow)
SUGAR AND STARS
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
SO. CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
INTERNATIONAL, DRAMA, BIOPIC
France / 1hr 50 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 1:00 PM SAT. OCT. 19 - 12:30 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Based on true story of Yazid Ichemrahen and his biographical book ‘Rêve d’un enfant étoilé’, on how patisserie saved his life. Ever since he was a little boy, Yazid has dreamed of becoming a pastry chef. Moved from one foster home to another, nothing predestined him for such a career. Yazid’s indomitable determination and resourcefulness have proven priceless in helping him succeed in the elitist arena of patisserie. Working for the world’s top chefs from Paris to Monaco, he strives to become the best and to fulfill his dream of winning the international pastry championship.
Inspired by Derrick B. Harden’s travels to Bulgaria, The Black Sea is the transformative journey of a man who finds unexpected connections in a small coastal Eastern European town even as he finds himself to be the only black person around.
Director: Crystal Moselle, Derrick B. Harden
Producer(s): Izabella Tzenkova, Crystal Moselle
Cast: Derrick B. Harden, Irmena Chichikova, Samuel Finzi, Stoyo Mirkov
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
THE COLLABORATOR WORLD PREMIERE
DRAMA, SOCIAL ISSUE
USA, India, Republic of Georgia, UK / 2hr 4 min
FRI. OCT. 18 - 7:00PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 4:15 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
As war rages in a border conflict zone, a young man from a nearby village is recruited by an army officer to perform a grim task, to go into the valley where militants have been killed and retrieve their weapons and ID cards.
irector: Travis Hodgkins
Producer(s): Rashaana Shah, Cristy Coors Beasley
Screenwriter: Travis Hodgkins
Cast: Rudi Dharmalingam (Role Play, The Lazarus Project); Nitin Ganatra (3 Body Problem, Eastenders); Nikhil Singh Rai; Meera Ganatra (Blinded By The Light); Anastasia Jairath
THE MARIANA TRENCH WEST COAST PREMIERE
INTERNATIONAL, DARK, COMEDY Luxembourg / 1hr 22 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 1:45 PM FRI. OCT. 18 - 12:45 PM
Since her little brother Tim drowned in Trieste, Paula has lost the will to live. When she encounters old Helmut, a widower who wants to drive the ashes of his late wife to South Tyrol, she sees a way out – to go to Trieste and take her own life on Tim’s birthday. But during the journey, an unexpected friendship develops with Helmut – and her lust for life is reborn.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
THE STRANGERS' CASE
SO. CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
DRAMA
Jordan / 1hr 43 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 4:00 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 1:45 PM
Director: Eileen Byrne
Producer(s): Bernard Michaux
Screenwriter: Eileen Byrne, based on the eponym novel by Jasmin Schreiber
Cast: Luna Wedler, Edgar Selge, William Vonnemann, Martin Maria Abram
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Tragedy strikes a Syrian family in Aleppo, starting a chain reaction of events involving five different families in four different countries.
Director: Brandt Andersen
Producer(s): Ossama Bawardi, Brandt Andersen, Ryan Busse, Charlie Endean
Screenwriter: Brandt Andersen
Cast: Yasmine Al Massri, Yahya Mahayni, Omar Sy, Ziad Bakri, Constantine Markoulakis, Jason Beghe
THE UNINVITED WEST COAST
PREMIERE
DRAMA,COMEDY, FAMILY USA / 97 min
WAY HOME
NORTH AMERICA PREMIERE
INTERNATIONAL, DRAMA Denmark / 1hr 39 min WE WERE DANGEROUS WEST COAST PREMIERE DRAMA, LGBTQIA+ New Zealand / 1hr 22 min
The Uninvited is a story about the passing of time, love, regret and aging. This comedic drama centers on Rose, a former actress now living as a stay-at-home mom, who faces a night of chaos when an elderly woman named Helen arrives at her home, claiming it as her own. This unexpected encounter, along with the presence of other complicated characters from her past and present, forces Rose to confront her insecurities and reflect on her journey as a woman. The film humorously critiques Hollywood's beauty standards while celebrating the complexities of womanhood and explores the themes of motherhood, and selfdiscovery in Los Angeles.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Director: Nadia Conners
Producer(s): Rosie Fellner, Carlos E. Cuscó & Ari Taboada.
Cast: Derrick B. Harden, Irmena Chichikova, Samuel Finzi, Stoyo Mirkov
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
How far are you willing to go to save the people you love? This is the question Christian (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) is forced to answer when he is smuggled into Syria in a desperate search for his son Adam. It's a deadly and soul-searching journey into a brutal, wartorn country. Gradually, Christian realises that he must be willing to sacrifice everything he believes in to be reunited with his son. Way Home is a powerful and gripping drama about powerlessness, forgiveness and the love for our children.
Director: Charlotte Sieling
Producer(s): Signe Leick Jensen, Morten Kaufmann
Screenwriter: Jesper Fink, Nagieb Khaja, Charlotte Sieling
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Nellie, Daisy and Lou attend an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island in 1954 New Zealand. The trio rail against the system, finding strength in their friendship. But this is challenged when the school’s matron divides them.
Director: Josephine Stewart Te-Whiu
Producer(s): Morgan Waru, Polly Fryer
Screenwriter: Maddie Dai
Cast: Erana James, Nathalie Morris, Manaia Hall, Rima Te Wiata
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DOCUMENTARIES
Documentary filmmakers explore the most difficult, unknown and complex issues in the world. These true stories areheartfelt, intelligent, brave and utilizethe power of film at the highest level of cinematic excellence.
All dates, times and appearances subject to change.
Sponsored by: Jamul & Viejas
BRING THEM HOME AISKÓTÁHKAPIYAAYA
SAN DIEGO PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDIAN USA / 85 minutes
SAT. OCT. 19 -10:15 AM
SUN. OCT. 20 - 1:00 PM
Bring Them Home/ Aiskótáhkapiyaaya chronicles a decades-long initiative by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to bring wild buffalo (Blackfeet: iinnii) back to the Blackfeet Reservation. A thriving wild buffalo population would not only reconnect Blackfeet with a central part of their heritage, spirituality and identity, but would provide economic opportunities and healing for the community. Along the way, however, the initiative faces obstacles from ranchers who see the buffalo as a threat to the cattle ranches that dominate the land and are a legacy of colonization.
DIRECTORS: Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald, Daniel Glick
PRODUCERS: Lily Gladstone, Melissa Grumhaus, Sarah Clarke
SCREENWRITER: Ivan Macdonald, Daniel Glick
CAST: Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon and Fancy Dance)
FLYWAYS: THE UNTOLD JOURNEY OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
WILDLIFE
Australia / 1hr 26 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 1:30 PM SAT. OCT. 19 - 12:15 PM
Each year, millions of shorebirds follow ancient flyways moving from the south of the planet to the north and back again. Yet many of us know little about them. With the world’s migratory shorebirds and their epic Flyways under threat, scientists, in search of a smoking gun, race to map their journeys.
DDIRECTOR: Randall Wood
PRODUCER: Aline Jacques, Odilla O’Boyle, Trish Lake, David Elisco, Sean B. Carroll, Christine Le Goff, Manuel Catteau, Wuan-ling Guo
SCREENWRITERS: Alex Barry, Rebecca McElroy, Suzanne Smith
CAST: Mia Wasikowska
INTO THE UNKNOWN WORLD PREMIERE
DRAMA, ACTION
USA /1hr 29 min
LAST CHANCE TO SAVE A LIFE
WORLD PREMIERE
SOCIAL/SCIENCE
Australia / 55 min
USA | 1hr 10 min
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 4:45 PM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Into the Unknown takes viewers on an unflinching journeywith five diverse paramedic teams from across the United States. Embedded with a Gulf War veteran, two Columbine survivors, a pair of best friends on the night shift, dedicated rural volunteers, and a highflying helicopter rescue crew, this documentary offers an unprecedented look into their world. As they confront injury, dangerous work environments, mental health struggles, assaults, diseases, and a global pandemic, you’ll witness the highs of life-saving moments and the devastating lows of loss. Into the Unknown delves deep into their motivations, shedding light on the courage and resilience driving these everyday heroes who bravely face the unknown.
Director: Tom Putnam
Producer(s): Tonya Mantooth, Steve Martin, Baxter Larmon, Tom Putnam
Cast: Dr. Richard Carmona, Nicole Jagers, Niki Johnson, Jenn Vazquez, Heather Edwards, Pat Coyle, Anthony Judkins, Trevor Oakley, John Tinsley, Anne Kellogg
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
In a world threatened by deadly antibiotic-resistant infections, new hope emerges from the unlikeliest of sources: viruses. Patients are being injected with trillions of viruses to survive. We follow the doctors, scientists and patients in nail-biting real time to discover the extraordinary power and challenges of ‘phage therapy’; a strange and elusive 100-year old treatment that promises to not only save patients’ lives but give hope to the world.
Director/ Screenwriter: Emma Watts
Producer(s):Sonya Pemberton and Anna Mantzoros
Cast: EDr. Jeremy Barr, Dr Fernando Gordillo Altamirano, Prof. Anton Peleg, Prof. Jon Iredell, Prof Ruby Lin
Lights, Camera, FriendshipValdosta! is the second season of the docuseries. It examines friendship, connection and common ground through the perspective of 12 young adults on the autism spectrum spending a week together in Valdosta, Georgia. The filmed workshop focuses on creating fun connections with others, making friends and practicing money management through improvisation, relationship coaching, dance classes and friendship gatherings. The community of Valdosta plays a major role as the young adults share their journey exploring the city. 10 of the 16 LCF crew members have developmental differences and were trained by Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films or their partner programs. All of the 12 cast members have developmental differences.
DIRECTOR : Joey Travolta
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS : Robert Varnadoe, Producers Joey Travolta, Susan Clausen, Liz Zastrow
SCREENWRITER : Reality docuseries
CAST:Anise Dhanjal, Zicorey Gainey, Keenan Gillum, Maura O’Toole, Cyn Rojas, Mark Sheridan, Katie Santoro, Derek Spohn, Annie Sullivan, Kevin Thomas, Aalayah Alicia Thompson and Isaac Waite
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
MOSES - 13 STEPS WEST COAST PREMIERE
SOCIAL ISSUE, CIVIL RIGHTS
Germany / 1hr 45 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 5:45PM FRI. OCT. 18 - 11:30 AM
MOSES – 13 STEPS explores the life and legacy of Edwin Moses, a visionary athlete whose triumphs on and off the track inspired generations to hurdle over barriers of all kinds. Growing up as an AfricanAmerican in segregated America, Moses' passions were engineering and physics, leading him to athletics almost by chance. Self-taught and without a coach, he mastered the 400-meter hurdles with a unique 13-step technique, dominating the event for years. His unprecedented winning streak of 9 years, 9 months, and 9 days puzzled rivals, fans, and journalists alike. The documentary intertwines his remarkable story with key historical moments.
DDIRECTOR: Michael Wech
PRODUCER: Leopold Hoesch; Executive Producers: Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, Scott Borden, James Younger, Vera Bertram
SCREENWRITER(S): Markus Brauckmann, Michael Wech
CAST: Wdwin Moses, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Tommie Smith, Anita DeFrantz, Donna de Varona, Lonnie Bunch, Michael Johnson, Karsten Warholm
SONO LINO
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
SAN DIEGO PREMIERE
ART, CRAFTSMANSHIP
USA / 1hr 15 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 3:00PM FRI. OCT. 18 - 6:00 PM
Lino Tagliapietra is widely held as the greatest master glassblower in history, beloved by millions across the globe. He began his journey with glass at the age of 11 as a factory worker in Murano, Italy, and now at 88, he prepares for his final hot shop session while grappling with age, identity and the struggle of watching his protégés continue his legacy as his famed career comes to a close. A master amongst masters and one of one artist in history.
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER : Jacob Patrick
CAST: Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, Dante Marioni, John Kiley, Nancy Callan, Dave Walters, Jen Elek
THE BITTER PILL WEST COAST PREMIERE
SOCIAL ISSUES
USA | 1hr 39 min
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 11:45 AM
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
With his hometown ravaged by the opioid epidemic, plaintiff attorney Paul Farrell Jr. sets out to take on giant pharmaceutical companies to recover enough money to make a lasting impact for the area. When his legal strategy catches the attention of lawyers across the country, all of the cases get rolled into the biggest civil litigation in US history. Will the case become too big for this small-town lawyer, or will he rise to the occasion and effect change not just for his hometown but for the entire nation?
DIRECTOR: Clay Tweel
PRODUCERS: Tim Grant, Shannon E. Riggs, Mary Rohlich
SHORT TRACKS
Experience the complex art of compiling fascinating stories into a short narrative. These new filmmakers condense their genius into comedic, brave, other wordy and dramatic tales.
All dates, times and appearances subject to change.
ANIMATION FILMMAKING
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Immerse yourself within the animated realm through incredible narrative, experimental technique and literal moving art. 75 min
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 1:00 PM
BOTTLE
GEORGE A strange caterpillarlike creature stuck in the bottle of alcohol, meets a girl and her cat. 13 minute stop motion animated short film about darkness of addiction and strength of family.
LE
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
CHARADE A stop-motion psychological comedy set in a run-down 1950s diner. Le Charade follows the final performance of a lonely mime and the psychotic episode that ensues after his imaginary friend breaks up with him and he is forced to re-enter society.
NIX'S SYMPHONY Nix’s mother was exceptionally talented, excelling in science, engineering, and invention. Nix, an aspiring musician and inventor, now carries the responsibility of upholding this legacy.
TENNIS, ORANGES
A robotic vacuum suffering from burnout quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community and a greater purpose on a quiet street where two lonely rabbits are stuck in perpetual loops.
VANGLORIOUS Sebastien Abou-Chakra is a dynamic producer specializing in animated films and video games. As the founder of STL Productionz, Sebastien brings a unique cultural perspective to their work in animation and gaming.
DANDELION In a dystopian world, a coal-burning robot working on a mine one day finds something that he has never seen before - a dandelion.
THE DOGS' HIGHWAY: At the edge of a dusty road, an abandoned dog desperately tries to return to his owner. Injured and unable to survive in the shadow of his melancholic memories, he will find refuge among forgotten pets hidden in the waste of humanity.
BRIDGE my little friends: I'll take you to see Shiro. That's a promise!Jin's grand mission to reach the Rainbow Bridge begins!
DOCUDRAMA
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
These filmmakers take us on an impactful journey inside the hearts and minds of everyday people.
84 min
LUKI AND THE LIGHTS LUKi, a charming and upbeat robot known for living life to the fullest, is diagnosed with the lifealtering disease ALS. He must choose how to face life going forward. SAT. OCT. 19 - 3:15 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 5:00 PM
MOTORCYCLE MARY
In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.
HELLO STRANGER
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Between loads of laundry at the corner laundromat, Cooper shares the story of her gender reassignment journey. Piecing together her memories, from her childhood in a small fishing village through her tumultuous medical process, Cooper attempts to make peace with the last male imprint remaining on her body: that annoying deep voice that sticks to her skin.
THE CALL
An Anywhere Aloha Film: The Call tells the story of Mike Coots, a Kauai-based shark photographer and conservationist, and a shark attack victim. This documentary shares how pivotal moments come in unexpected forms, and how sometimes what hurts us, can also be what empowers us to move forward.
SLUDGE
a PFAS Uprising: Doing the right thing – cost them everything. “Sludge” tells the stories of farmers who are speaking up about “forever chemicals” poisoning their land, water, and livestock, only to lose everything in the process. Who’s to blame? And what’s being done now to ensure our land and water is safe for future generations?
MARKS OF MAJESTY
Examines the stories of 7 breast cancer survivors & previvors. Through portraits and motion, filmed interviews, and organic user-generated footage, our subjects share their varied perspectives and post-operative bodies, dismantling myths and misconceptions about breast cancer, while also giving voice and power to those whose stories have historically been overlooked.
DRAMEDY
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Where drama and comedy collide to create a masterpiece that will keep you guessing. 80 min
4TH DEMENTIA In this multiverse comedy, a woman with Alzheimer's travels through alternate dimensions and encounters strange families she doesn’t remember, all in search of her husband.
CAMPING IN PARADISE A philosopher and his girlfriend involuntarily must spend a night at a nudist campsite, which is far beyond their comfort zone.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
GOOD GRIEF What should be a sober memorial devolves into a chaotic frenzy as a young woman’s attempt at coping with her father’s suicide is derailed by her self-centered family.
MATURE PARTS
An aging actress struggling with her career is offered an unexpected role.
DONOR When faced with the financial strain of IVF, how far will a desperate sister go to get her wife pregnant when she needs her brother's sperm to get the job done?
PATHOS Juan and Gonzalo have been journalists and friends for a long time. Both enjoy a good position within the newspaper, but the “midday demon” (or midlife crisis) lurks. Especially today, coming from a funeral where they had to say goodbye to a former colleague. They stop to have a coffee before going to work and, suddenly, Juan starts a confrontation with his friend for feeding bread to the ducks.
SHORTS TRACKS
FOR SHORTS & GIGGLES
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
From unexpected comedy to laugh out loud situations, these shorts will keep you guessing. 87 min
B.E.C. Three inept would-be gangsters, Ben, Eric, Charlie, have planned the “perfect” heist. The loot: a mysterious yet coveted package. The location: a deli. The mark: Uncle Andy, a big time mob boss. If successful, they’d finally earn the respect they have alway craved. But when the plan starts to unravel, they are faced with a decision. Do they commit and go for the ultimate prize? Or have they bitten off more they can chew?
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
PORTLAND IS THE NEW PORTLAND
A lonely musician in a small town creates a thriving underground music scene by inventing and posing as a multitude of bands. When Rolling Stone Magazine takes notice, his life unravels as he struggles to maintain the facade of his fictional bands.
SUMMONS When two anxious strangers are summoned by the government, they become increasingly worried that their lives will never be the same.
O.C.D A neurotic delivery driver named Owen battles his OCD at a local convenience store while his TikToker girlfriend plans an exposure therapy dinner date at home. But when she helps him resist his compulsion, it subsequently triggers the apocalypse.
H.A.U.N.T. A girl moves in with a ghost roommate as part of an experimental government program in order to save money on rent.
DIRTY TOWEL A teenage girl grapples with feelings of shame and guilt after having sex for the first time, leading to a thoughtful exploration of generational shame, societal expectations, and self-worth.
JOHNNY MALIBU Johnny, a dedicated single father, is struggling to provide for his daughter when he accidentally meets Ron, his former agent, who invites him to come back to the porn industry to live his glorious days again.
HEART STRINGS
LIVE SCREENINGS
Be warned. After viewing these charming shorts, you will feel a loving warmth swell within your chest.
84 min
FRI. OCT. 18 - 5:45 PM SUN.
AN-DÉ-LU
A young Chinese-American baseball player must confront his internalized racism after his overbearing father comes to his rescue.
AND THE OCEAN AGREED Vina is fading away, lost to dementia, but on a rare outing to the ocean, she finds herself and a chance for freedom.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
HEY DAD
“Hey Dad” is a fast-paced, semiautobiographical exploration a young man's thoughts as he processes the loss of his father.
IL TAGLIO DI JONAS
/ JONAS' HAIRCUT
Jonas takes a journey to reach a beauty salon. Patty, the owner, will cut his hair. A haircut that will change both of their lives.
The Last Ranger
When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, they are ambushed by poachers. In the ensuing battle to save the rhinos, Litha discovers a terrible secret.
BUSCANDO ALMA
Cristina is a transgender Honduran-American woman who was separated from her mother Alma when she was a small child, an event that caused deeply rooted trauma for both mother and daughter. Twenty years later Cristina has managed to locate Alma and they will have the opportunity to reunite. Only since their separation, Cristina has affirmed her female gender. If she presents as her true self, will her mother embrace her?
ON PINS AND NEEDLES
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Experience stories fraught with fear and tension, bubble, boil and BURST. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen...unless you’re shielding them in fear.
81 min
OCT. 18 - 8:00 PM
OCT. 19 - 7:45PM
CALLER 102 A Ballad of Cyberspace: When a blackhat hacker gets hit with a coincidentally-timed power surge while attempting to defraud a radio contest, he begins to unravel a web of conspiracy that threatens to bring down his life’s work and send him spiraling into oblivion.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Grieving An aspiring actress is pushed to her limits when she lands an unconventional role helping grieving clients mourn their departed.
MISSING A new mother struggling with postpartum anxiety becomes convinced her new neighbours are harboring a dark secret that she must investigate.
THE DOOR A year after their daughter's disappearance, Kara and Felix struggle to move on in their own ways as their marriage falls apart around them. But when a mysterious door appears in her kitchen, Kara becomes obsessed with uncovering what lies behind it at any cost. Even as it threatens to reopen old wounds.
MEAN ENDS A buried body, a missing sister and an inquisitive neighbour makes for a hell of an evening. And the sun isn’t close to setting on Eric’s sh*tty day.
SAN DIEGO SCENE
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Local artists and filmmakers tell their stories from within the great city of San Diego. 70 min
SHORT & SWEET
LIVE SCREENINGS
Either by choice or by accident, sometimes the least likely person saves the day.
78 min
SAT. OCT. 19 - 5:45 PM SUN. OCT. 20 - 10:15 AM
CANTA SANTIAGO A young mariachi faces his first performance alone but discovers his brother has always been by his side.
ONCE THERE WAS & ONCE THERE WAS NOT
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
A short film adapted from fairy tales and allegories as told in "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes: "Vasalisa The Wise", "Skeleton Woman", "The Crescent Moon Bear", "The Red Shoes".
GHOST TOURS A quirky San Diego tour guide teams up with a former sitcom star to lead comedic city tours that intertwine local history with their own dysfunctional romantic past.
LOCALS ONLY When the body of a missing girl washes ashore, a lifeguard must act fast to hide the truth about what real predators are lurking at the water's edge.
AMBUSH AT ST. MARY'S Two outlaws disguise themselves as priests for a robbery at a desert chapel, but their plan is disrupted when Hannah, a parishioner, comes by looking for help.
MILESTONE Greg Lemon co-founded Milestone Running ten years ago in San Diego, CA. He has built a unique space in North Park, creating a sense of belonging and defying convention.
WEEKLONG: Follows the transformative journey of foster and underserved young adults from the San Diegobased non-profit Foster the Earth as they embark on an ambitious mission to summit one of Southern California's most grueling peaks – San Gorgonio. This story explores inequities in the outdoors, the barriers we push past to achieve our goals, and the common footing we find on the trail.
AYO, CHECK UP! Two men's internalized struggles manifest in an incredibly toxic 1v1 basketball game. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 3:00 PM
IN THE FOLD In a Family-owned restaurant, a cutting-edge algorithm creates extremely accurate personalized fortune cookies, blurring the lines between fate, fortune, and the unpredictability of life.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
The Runt In a coming-of-age story set in 1979, a tween girl must couple skate with a boy to keep from being chosen as the 7th grade “runt" — a fate which would ruin her life forever.
MY WEEK WITH MAISY When uptight retiree Mrs Foster begins chemotherapy she's thrown together in the treatment room with Maisy, a whirlwind inquisitive child aspiring to be a lesbian. As treatment progresses the pair's fortuitous bond offers healing and newfound hope in unexpected places.
ALEJANDRO! A sentient piñata embarks on a journey to discover it's purpose.
GLORIA Gloria, an indigenous woman from the Q'ero community in Perú, unravels her roots, goals, and past, to move towards her future.
BUDDY LOVE Henry, a nerdy widower, has his hands full when a cheeky robot named Buddy arrives ready to force him back into the dating scene, and to learn what love and connection is really all about.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Marvel at the incredible story telling our young generation can produce. 88 min
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
6:00 PM
VROOM VROOM A romantic kid evades his babysitter, takes his parents’ sports car, and goes on a cruise with his crush. Starring Nicolas Calero.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Xander When lonely high school student Luke befriends Xander the Genie, he's forced to consider if making his one wish is worth losing his new genie best friend.
THE ONLY SON Jack, a Polish Immigrant living in Los Angeles, will have to decide if he'll sacrifice his morals to save his son's future.
In-Security Guard When bumbling security guard Tony gets robbed by notorious criminal Nico Diamonte, detectives Harper and Smith coerce him into going undercover to retrieve a stolen necklace.
NOCTURNE Julian, California, is a haven where the Milky Way remains visible, thanks to the efforts of the Julian Dark Sky Network.
MIRAGE “Mirage” is a short dance film about a young dancer named Shiyu who daydreams while preparing for practice. In her dream, she joyfully dances through vibrant city streets, guided by a mysterious, unseen hand. She eventually realizes that the guiding hand is a manifestation of her own inner spirit. The film captures the transformative power of selfdiscovery and imagination through cinematography and dance.
DONUT BOY A determined Cambodian American man strives to advance in amateur boxing despite family obligations and a turbulent lifestyle, making sacrifices to pursue his passion.but not without some sacrifices.
KEVIN: A man struggling to accept reality walks in on situations he's not supposed to see.
TWISTED HUMOR
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
Where funny and irony meet up fully armed and swagger on to the dark side. 96 min
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
LIVE SCREENINGS
This is where unlikely individuals clash; sometimes resulting in friendship, and other times despair.
91 min
THURS. OCT. 17 - 3:30 PM SAT. OCT. 19 - 10:45 AM
OLGA'S EYES: Olga, a music-loving octogenarian, is tired of killing humans. Could it be the vampire blues? For her daughter Simone, she’s just being picky! Olga is placed in a care home where she can deal with those “who have one foot in the grave”...
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE[R] Two Gen Z guys go all-in on a wild, illegal stunt to go viral. The film dives into the crazy gap between our online personas and real lives, challenging what we really value in a world hooked on digital clout.
STILL SCATTERED After losing his wife, a failing gallery artist returns home to his small town, looking for support from the very people he's fought so hard to escape.
CHERRY PIE When a man dies in the bar, Lana, the bar manager, and Marty, a bartender, find themselves in a moral dilemma that quickly turns deadly.
WHAT YOU LEFT IN THE DITCH
WYLITD is a dark comedy about a woman facing a lack of attraction to her husband, after he comes back from a future war without any lips. This causes her to explore an affair with a much-to-young, plump lipped grocery clerk. It's a film about guilt, redemption, culturally unspoken vanity and the selfish struggles with empathy.
One Note: A dark comedy about a neurotic but driven 17-year-old Chinese-American violinist on a mission to get admitted to Harvard at any cost.
GO IN PEACE Evens, a young man as imperfect as he is endearing, accompanies his mother to the Haitian consulate in Paris. Feeling uneasy, he tries as best he can to shorten their visit while his mother is scheming behind his back.
CUERVO THEATER: LIVE SCREENINGS
TRAPPED A highschool janitor runs into a series of dangerous obstacles.
ROOM TAKEN Having just arrived in Ireland, Isaac finds an unexpected answer to his temporary homelessness when he secretly takes refuge in the home of Victoria, an elderly blind woman. As these two strangers coexist, a touching and unexpected bond forms between the unlikely pair.
BLOWING IN THE WIND In a faraway place, where endless miles of sand meet the horizon, a tumbleweed bush surrenders to the wind. It detaches from the soil and begins to roll wherever the wind takes it. Along the way, it will meet people walking against the wind—and sometimes, against each other.
NEITHER DONKEY NOR HORSE
Amidst the outbreak of the 1910 Manchurian Plague, a young Chinese doctor must defy prejudices of both the East and the West to champion his groundbreaking theory about the disease’s deadly evolution.
ROCK Y HORROR SHOW
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