News Summary
The Coronado Island Film Festival Board has appointed new leadership ahead of its 10th anniversary. Phil Garn will serve as president, with Carole Arendt as vice president and new members joining the board. The festival is currently accepting film submissions and continues to support screenwriters with competitions and awards. CIFF is set to celebrate independent cinema during its upcoming event in Coronado.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) Board of Directors has announced its leadership team for 2025 as the festival prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Phil Garn will continue his leadership role serving as president for his second term, marking his sixth year on the board. Carole Arendt has been appointed to serve as the new vice president, alongside Jeanmarie Bond as secretary and Alison Lancaster as treasurer. Additionally, the board welcomes new members Dr. Kevin Kenny, Pam Sauter, and Renee Simpson. Former board member Ken Fitzgerald is also making a return.
The board’s composition has shifted slightly with the retirement of long-standing members including Steve Rippe, Janice Lowenberg, and Gail Bardin. The CIFF board mourns the passing of founding member and benefactor Peter Benzian last year, highlighting the festival’s enduring legacy within the community.
2025 not only marks the 11th year since the CIFF board’s establishment but is also a significant milestone as the festival celebrates a decade of showcasing independent films. Phil Garn expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming festival year, emphasizing a focus on celebrating film, community, and cinematic history.
In preparation for this landmark anniversary, CIFF is currently accepting film and script submissions through the platform FilmFreeway. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their works, with the first Early Bird deadline set for March 14, 2025. A 50% discount on submission fees will be available for alumni filmmakers and finalists from the inaugural competition to encourage participation.
The CIFF has recently expanded its engagement with screenwriters, having launched a screenwriting competition last year that features categories for both Features and Limited Series. To support aspiring writers, finalists from this competition will be awarded two complimentary festival badges, further incentivizing participation in the festival. A Grand Prize winner will be selected by a distinguished jury, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to recognizing exceptional talent in cinema.
Accepted films will not only receive complimentary festival badges but will also have access to hotel discounts and the chance to be considered for the Jury Award. CIFF is committed to encouraging and rewarding creativity, with plans to allocate $25,000 in cash prizes across various categories, as well as presenting Audience Awards in multiple segments during the event.
The Coronado Island Film Festival is scheduled to take place from November 5 to November 10, 2025, promising an array of cinematic showcases that reflect the vibrant community and artistic expression that defines Coronado. With this upcoming milestone, CIFF is poised to further enhance its reputation as a significant platform for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
As the festival approaches, Merridee Book, the CEO & Artistic Director, invites all filmmakers and screenwriters to participate in the 10th-anniversary celebration, fostering a collaborative and creative environment in the heart of Coronado.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: CIFF Announces 2025 Board
- Coronado News: CIFF Presents Moonstruck
- Coronado Times: CIFF Opens Submissions
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Coronado Times: 2024 Program Slate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
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.
