News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a lineup of over 130 films, including features, documentaries, and Oscar contenders. Kicking off with ‘Dead Man’s Wire’, directed by Gus Van Sant, the festival promises an array of events including a gala, industry panels, and a showcase of international shorts. This year emphasizes diversity and community while highlighting exemplary filmmaking that adds to Coronado’s charm.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary from November 5-9, 2025, featuring an exciting lineup of more than 130 films, including narrative features, documentaries, short films, and Academy Award contenders. The festival promises to be a highlight for filmmakers and cinephiles alike as it offers a blend of Southern California charm and an awards-season atmosphere.
The festival will kick off on November 5 with the opening film “Dead Man’s Wire,” directed by Gus Van Sant. This film tells the gripping true story of Tony Kiritsis’s 63-hour standoff with authorities in 1977 and includes performances from Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, and Cary Elwes. The event will conclude with the closing film “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier, which explores themes of family, memory, and reconciliation through the perspective of a daughter caring for her estranged father, featuring actors Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning.
Featured Films
Among the centerpiece films at CIFF 2025 are “The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho and “Jay Kelly” by Noah Baumbach. Additional spotlight films include “American Solitaire,” “Arco,” “Blue Moon,” “The Choral,” “The Tale of Silyan,” and “Train Dreams.”
Events and Panels
As part of the festivities, CIFF will host the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala on the opening night at the Hotel del Coronado, during which honorees will be announced. The festival will also feature a Culinary Cinema series, exclusive industry panels, and a special retrospective titled “Beatlemania Comes to Coronado,” which will include the West Coast premiere of Paul McCartney’s documentary, “Tug of War.”
The extensive panel series will cover various industry topics, including the state of the industry, women in film, stunt professionals, and future trends in filmmaking. In addition, the ShortsFest Exhibition will showcase a curated selection of international shorts, highlighting emerging filmmakers.
Community Commitment
Merridee Book, CEO and Artistic Director of CIFF, has emphasized the festival’s dedication to diversity, innovation, and community connection, which are viewed as essential elements of storytelling’s enduring power. The festival has grown significantly over the years, establishing itself as a key destination for filmmakers and film enthusiasts, presenting works in various charming venues around Coronado Island.
Ticket Information
Festival tickets are currently available for purchase at festival.coronadofilmfest.com. As the festival approaches, it continues to draw interest from a strong and dedicated following, celebrating not only the artistry of filmmakers but also the shared experience of cinema within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Coronado Island Film Festival Lineup 2025
- Google Search: Coronado Island Film Festival 2025
- MovieMaker: Coronado Island Film Festival 2025 Lineup
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Coronado News: Classic 1934 Charmer “The Thin Man” Comes to Village Theatre
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cinema
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.
