News Summary
More than 60 teams are competing in the annual 24 Hour Film Festival across San Diego County this weekend. The event involves diverse filmmakers creating short films within strict timeframes. The festival coincides with the launch of the San Diego County Film Initiative, which aims to revive the local film industry. Teams will showcase their creativity and filmmaking skills, while local advocates push for increasing infrastructure investment to attract more productions to the area, re-establishing San Diego as a key player in the entertainment sector.
San Diego Hosts Annual 24 Hour Film Festival with Over 60 Competing Teams
More than 60 teams are set to compete in the annual 24 Hour Film Festival occurring across San Diego County this weekend. The event has attracted a diverse group of volunteers, including directors, actors, and crew members, all working together to create their films within a strict timeframe.
Each team is tasked with submitting a completed short film by Sunday evening, showcasing their creativity and filmmaking skills. The excitement kicked off on Friday evening with a launch event where teams spun a wheel to determine their film genres and other essential elements vital to their projects.
This year’s festival holds a special significance, as it coincides with the recent launch of the San Diego County Film Initiative, which aims to bring major film and television productions back to the region. Established in July, this initiative marks an important step for San Diego’s local film industry, which has seen significant decline since the closing of the San Diego Film Commission in 2013 due to funding issues.
Economic Impact of the Film Industry
At its peak, the local film industry generated over $100 million annually for the San Diego economy, but the lack of infrastructure and support has resulted in fewer productions being based in the area. The San Diego Film Initiative proposes targeted support for entertainment projects, with an emphasis on leveraging the existing local talent and infrastructure to boost production opportunities.
Notable figures in the local film industry view this initiative as a critical step forward. With the state of California providing substantial tax incentives for film productions, including a $750 million film and TV tax credit signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, stakeholders are optimistic about revitalizing San Diego’s film sector.
Teams and Projects
Among the participants is a team led by Mike Egbert, who helms a project titled ‘Breakfast for Dinner’. Egbert plays a vital role in encouraging effective communication and maintaining an inspiring atmosphere among his team members as they work against the clock. Another participant, Jordan Jacobo, reflects the collaborative spirit of the festival by utilizing a donated underground photography studio to film his project, ‘Quality Trauma Bonding’, as part of the 48 Hour Film Festival.
As the festival continues to unfold, emphasis remains on the potential economic benefits for the San Diego region if filmmakers can harness local resources effectively. Advocates for the local film industry, such as Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE local 122, argue for increased investment in infrastructure at the county level, positioning it as a key strategy to attract higher returns in the film sector.
Future Outlook
The convergence of the festival and the film initiative presents a hopeful outlook for the San Diego film community. With filmmakers showcasing their creative talents and local advocates pushing for a more robust filmmaking infrastructure, there is anticipation for a renewed influx of production activities that could once again establish San Diego as a significant player in the entertainment industry.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: 48 Hour Film Festival Highlights New SD Movie Initiative
- Dive Photo Guide: 26th Annual San Diego Undersea Film Festival
- CBS 8: 32nd San Diego Latino Film Festival 2025
- San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego Arts Roundup
- Wikipedia: Film Industry
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
