News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival will host a screening of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at the Village Theatre, offering film enthusiasts a taste of classic cinema. Tickets are available for $15 and include a complimentary glass of wine. Attendees will also enjoy a film introduction and a vintage cartoon before the main feature. This screening marks a celebration of the festival’s 10th anniversary, alongside a commitment to showcasing outstanding performances in film history.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) will present the classic film “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” on July 30, 2025, at Coronado’s Village Theatre. This screening is part of CIFF’s monthly Classic Film Series, aimed at celebrating cinematic history with film enthusiasts.
Tickets for the event are priced at $15 and are currently available for purchase at coronadofilmfest.com. The doors will open at 5 p.m., allowing attendees to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine before the film begins.
Prior to the main screening, a film introduction and a vintage cartoon will be presented, starting at 5:30 p.m. The main feature, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, marks the directorial debut of Mike Nichols and stars iconic actors Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sandy Dennis, and George Segal.
The film is particularly noteworthy as all four lead actors received Academy Award nominations for their performances. It stands out in cinematic history, being one of only two films to be nominated for each available Academy Award category, securing a total of thirteen nominations. Ultimately, it won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Elizabeth Taylor and Best Supporting Actress for Sandy Dennis.
Adapted from Edward Albee’s play, which had its Broadway run conclude around the same time as the film’s release, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” offers an unvarnished look into the troubled marriage of George and Martha, portrayed by Burton and Taylor, during a night filled with alcohol and intense emotion. Notably, Taylor, then aged 33, took on the role of Martha, a character described as a frumpy, middle-aged woman, which involved Taylor gaining thirty pounds and abandoning her typical glamorous appearance for the portrayal.
Though the film does not fit the traditional mold of a “feel-good” experience, it is revered for its powerful acting and compelling narrative. Following the screening of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, CIFF will host a lighter film, “Shakespeare in Love,” on August 27, 2025, catering to diverse tastes within its audience.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Coronado Island Film Festival, celebrating a decade of cinematic appreciation and community engagement. Phil Garn will continue his role as president of the CIFF Board of Directors for a second consecutive year, providing continuity in leadership as the festival evolves.
The CIFF’s board recently welcomed new members, including Dr. Kevin Kenny, Pam Sauter, and Renee Simpson, reinforcing its commitment to bringing together various perspectives in film and community involvement. As new members come on board, the festival bids farewell to some retiring board members, ensuring a blend of experience and fresh ideas moving forward.
Overall, the screening of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” promises to be a significant event for the Coronado Island Film Festival, encapsulating the spirit of classic cinema and celebration of outstanding performances that have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Classic Oscar-Winning Drama Comes to Village Theatre
- Coronado Times: CIFF Announces 2025 Board of Directors
- MovieMaker: Leonard Maltin on Coronado Island Film Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival
- San Diego Union Tribune: Coronado Film Festival to Honor Star of Sing Sing
