News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) is set to showcase over 130 films, including opening feature ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ and closing film ‘Sentimental Value’. The festival will also host special events, panel discussions, and highlight a range of documentaries, ensuring a captivating experience for attendees.
Coronado, California is set to host the annual Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) from November 5 to 9, showcasing over 130 films that range from independent features to award contenders. This year’s festival promises a diverse selection of cinematic offerings, including the much-anticipated opening film “Dead Man’s Wire” directed by Gus Van Sant and the closing feature “Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier.
“Dead Man’s Wire,” a psychological thriller heist movie, will kick off the festival on November 5. The film has already garnered attention, having premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2023 before screening at both the Toronto and Chicago film festivals. It features notable stars such as Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, Colman Domingo, and Cary Elwes.
Closing the festival on November 9 will be the familial drama “Sentimental Value,” which won the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes. The film stars actresses and actors like Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning.
Spotlight Films and Special Events
In addition to the opening and closing films, CIFF will feature several spotlight and centerpiece films, including titles such as “American Solitaire” by Aaron Davidman, “Arco” by Ugo Bienvenu, and “Jay Kelly” by Noah Baumbach, along with “The Choral” by Nicholas Hytner, “The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho, and “Train Dreams” by Clint Bentley. The festival will also host various documentaries and short film programs.
The festival aims to engage audiences beyond screenings through special events such as the “Culinary Cinema Series,” which will explore the intersections of food and film. Furthermore, “Beatlemania Comes to Coronado” is another highlight, featuring the West Coast premiere of Paul McCartney’s documentary “Tug of War.”
Panel discussions involving industry leaders and innovators are also scheduled, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with experts from the film world. The opening night will include the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala held at the Hotel del Coronado. Additionally, the Jury Awards ceremony to honor independent filmmakers will take place on November 7.
Accessibility and Celebrations
CIFF is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all attendees, with screenings scheduled at various venues across Coronado, including the Village Theater. The festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year, a milestone that will emphasize its resilience and the power of storytelling in cinema.
Phil Garn will return as president of the CIFF Board of Directors for a sixth consecutive year, guiding the festival alongside new board members Dr. Kevin Kenny, Pam Sauter, and Renee Simpson. Since its inaugural year in 2016, CIFF has screened Oscar and BAFTA nominated short films annually, further establishing its reputation in the film community.
This year’s festival is described as “bold, diverse, and future-facing,” reflecting a commitment to showcasing a wide range of cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences. With its charming Southern California setting and a line-up that caters to awards-season programming, CIFF continues to be a relevant platform for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Coronado Island Film Festival 2025 Lineup
- MovieMaker: Coronado Island Film Festival 2025 Lineup
- SnowBrains: West Coast Premiere at Coronado Island Film Festival
- Coronado News: Film Festival Welcomes Doreen Genmark-Heath
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival
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.
