News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival is set to mark its 10th anniversary with over 130 films from November 5-9. The festival will feature notable screenings, including ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ and ‘Sentimental Value,’ alongside a tribute gala and industry panels. A Culinary Cinema series and screenings of Paul McCartney’s documentary promise a rich experience for film enthusiasts. Various venues across Coronado will host the events, reinforcing the festival’s community spirit.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a dynamic lineup of over 130 films, including narrative features, documentaries, and short films, from November 5-9, 2025. The festival will commence with the highly anticipated opening screening of “Dead Man’s Wire,” directed by Gus Van Sant and featuring stars Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, and Cary Elwes, on November 6, and culminate with the closing screening of “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier, on November 9.
The festival will host the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala at the iconic Hotel del Coronado on November 5, with film critic Leonard Maltin serving as the host. Film lovers can look forward to centerpiece films such as “The Secret Agent” and “Jay Kelly,” as well as spotlight screenings that will showcase works like “Arco,” “Blue Moon,” “American Solitaire,” “The Choral,” “The Tale of Silyan,” and “Train Dreams.”
This year, CIFF will also introduce a Culinary Cinema series, offering attendees the unique experience of enjoying films paired with culinary delights. Additionally, the festival will feature exclusive industry panels covering relevant topics such as “State of the Industry: Navigating a New Era,” “Women on the Move,” and “No Guts, No Glory: The World of Stunt Professionals.”
A major highlight will be the screening of Paul McCartney’s documentary, “Tug of War: A Retrospective,” which promises to be a key attraction for attendees. The festival is recognized for presenting Oscar® and BAFTA-nominated shorts, and this year will feature 15 diversified short film categories, catering to a wide array of cinematic tastes. Notably, the ShortsFest Exhibition will provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.
Various venues across Coronado will host the festival events, including the Hotel del Coronado, Village Theatre, Sacred Heart Community Center, and John D. Spreckels Center, along with local restaurants and shops offering complimentary experiences. One of the cherished events, “Avenue of the Stars: Scene & Sip,” will allow festival-goers to enjoy a strolling happy hour through Coronado, enhancing the festival’s community spirit.
Merridee Book, CEO & Artistic Director of CIFF, highlighted the significance of reaching the tenth anniversary, marking a period of resilience and celebrating the enduring power of storytelling in film. Tickets for the Coronado Island Film Festival are available through the festival’s official website, providing fans with access to an array of cinematic experiences from both established and emerging filmmakers.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds around the diverse array of films and engaging discussions that will take place, reaffirming CIFF’s status as a premier destination for film enthusiasts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Man Charged with Murder in Shooting Death
Kid-Friendly Fall Events in Southern California
Coronado Island Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Historic Coronado Home Listed for $19.5 Million
Coronado Island Film Festival to Showcase Major Films
Coronado Island Celebrates Film Festival’s 10th Anniversary
Hannah Arkin Appointed as Executive Director of FOL
Coronado Island Film Festival Showcases Diverse Lineup
Coronado Island Film Festival Returns with Diverse Selection
SnowBrains to Premiere ‘300’ at Coronado Island Film Festival
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times
- Wikipedia: Coronado, California
- Variety
- Google Search: Coronado Island Film Festival
- SnowBrains
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Film Festivals
- Google News: Film Festivals
- Film Festivals Blog
- Google Scholar: Coronado Island 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.
