News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival is set to feature the psychological thriller ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ as its opening film, along with several prestigious films and documentaries. Closing with ‘Sentimental Value,’ the festival will include special events, panels with industry leaders, and awards for independent filmmakers, all celebrating community and bold cinema.
Coronado, California — The Coronado Island Film Festival is set to kick off on November 5, 2025, with the much-anticipated opening film “Dead Man’s Wire”, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant. This psychological thriller heist movie features a star-studded cast including Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, Colman Domingo, and Cary Elwes. The film garnered attention after its premiere at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival in September 2025, and it has since been showcased at the Toronto and Chicago film festivals.
Closing the festival on November 9, 2025, will be Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value”, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning, this film is set to be a significant highlight of the event.
In addition to these major films, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup that includes “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 “Tain Dreams” by Clint Bentley. The festival also features a variety of documentaries and short film programs throughout the week.
Merridee Book, the CEO and Artistic Director of the festival, emphasized that this year’s event will celebrate bold, diverse, and future-facing cinema, highlighting the importance of community connection through film. In addition to the films, several special events are scheduled, including the “Culinary Cinema Series”, which will focus on the intersection of food and film, and “Beatlemania Comes to Coronado”, showcasing the West Coast premiere of Paul McCartney’s documentary “Tug of War”.
The festival will also host a series of panels featuring industry leaders, creators, and innovators, providing insights into the film and entertainment sectors. A notable event, the annual Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala, will take place on the opening night at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, further enhancing the prestige of the festival.
On November 7, 2025, the festival will present an Independent and Emerging Filmmakers’ Jury Awards ceremony, recognizing up-and-coming talent in the industry. This initiative aligns with the festival’s broader goal of supporting new voices in filmmaking.
Those interested in attending can find tickets and the complete festival program on the official festival website, ensuring that cinephiles don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to engage with both established and emerging filmmakers.
The Coronado Island Film Festival promises an enriching experience for attendees, blending entertainment with industry insights and community engagement, making it a leading event in the film festival circuit.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Coronado Island Film Festival Lineup 2025
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Coronado Eagle & Journal: Honor Flight San Diego
- Google Search: Coronado Island Film Festival
- Coronado Times: Coronado 4th of July Parade Line-up 2025
- Google Scholar: Film Festivals
- 10 News: Family Files Claim Against District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival
- Sacramento Bee: California News
- Google News: Coronado California
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.
