News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival will take place from November 5 to 9, featuring over 130 films, including the opening psychological thriller ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ by Gus Van Sant. This year’s festival highlights a blend of emerging filmmakers and established names, with notable cast members like Al Pacino and Bill Skarsgård. The festival also includes special events, retrospectives, and a jury awards ceremony, providing a platform for independent voices in cinema.
Coronado, California will host the Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) from November 5 to November 9, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 130 films. Among the prominent features of this year’s festival, the opening film will be Gus Van Sant’s psychological thriller heist movie, “Dead Man’s Wire.” This film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2023, and was also part of the screenings at the Toronto and Chicago film festivals.
“Dead Man’s Wire” stars a notable cast including Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, Colman Domingo, and Cary Elwes. Closing out the festival on November 9 will be “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier. This familial drama, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, features talents such as Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning.
The festival will also feature several spotlight and centerpiece films including “American Solitaire” by Aaron Davidman, “Arco” by Ugo Bienvenu, ”Jay Kelly” by Noah Baumbach, ”The Choral” by Nicholas Hytner, ”The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho, and ”Train Dreams” by Clint Bentley. Alongside narrative features, a variety of documentaries and short films will also be showcased throughout the festival.
The CEO and Artistic Director of CIFF, Merridee Book, described the festival lineup as “bold, diverse, and future-facing,” stating that it aims to honor the golden age of cinema while embracing independent voices and innovation. Special events during the festival will include the “Culinary Cinema Series,” which will highlight the intersections of food and film.
A special retrospective titled “Beatlemania Comes to Coronado” will feature the West Coast premiere of Paul McCartney’s documentary “Tug of War.” The festival will also include panels featuring industry leaders and innovators that will focus on contemporary issues in cinema. CIFF will also host its annual Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala on opening night at the historic Hotel del Coronado.
The Jury Awards ceremony, which celebrates independent and emerging filmmakers, is scheduled for November 7. CIFF has gained recognition as one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” offering a platform for independent artists since its inception in 2016. It has also hosted numerous films that received Oscar and BAFTA nominations.
Festival screenings will take place at several venues, including the iconic Hotel del Coronado and the Village Theater in downtown Coronado. Ticket sales and complete festival programs are available on the official CIFF website, providing easy access for attendees to plan their festival experience.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Coronado Island Film Festival Lineup 2025
- Wikipedia: Coronado Island Film Festival
- MovieMaker: Coronado Island Film Festival 2025 Lineup
- Google Search: Coronado Island Film Festival
- SnowBrains: Trailer SnowBrains Film 300
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival
- Coronado News: Film Festival Welcomes Doreen Genmark-Heath
- Google News: 2025 Film Festivals
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.
