ATTENDEES AND FILMMAKERS will be immersed over 5 days celebrating the colorful, rich experience of cinematic storytelling! We screen independent films, documentary and shorts alongside major studio and international premieres! Our Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards Gala honors “above and below the line” talent whose contributions have have created the some of the most iconic films ever created! Retrospectives honoring Coronado’s rich Hollywood history and cinema legends, Taste of the Fest Kick-Off BASH, Premieres, networking and mingling with industry luminaries. leaders and filmmakers.
We honor independent filmmaker with coveted JURY CARD AWARDS and recognition and Audience Awards!
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL | The Coronado Island Film Festival's mission is to welcome makers and lovers of film from all over the world to the storied seaside village of Coronado, California to celebrate the magical art of visual storytelling.
Coronado’s enduring love affair with Hollywood began more than a century ago at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, our festival’s Presenting Sponsor. Launched in 2016, CIFF quickly established itself as a unique, walkable, destination film festival. Through year-round events and screenings, Q & A’s, workshops, live performances, informative panels, celebrity tributes, and awards presented by juries of respected industry pros, the festival continues to attract filmmakers at every level of their craft, celebrities, and various industry notables who come to experience the best of independent, studio and student films in an intimate and welcoming environment.
Learn how to take part in the Festival, HERE.
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! | Over the bridge from downtown San Diego, a world-class destination awaits presenting a world-class celebration for cinematic art! We invite filmmakers from across the globe to a festival that is, at once, both cosmopolitan and intimate, a rare combination that allows for an indelible experience that lasts long after the lights go up.
THE PERFECT FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE | CIFF has screened a blend of notable independent films alongside Oscar-nominated features. Past films have included The Finest Hours, 45 Years, Darkest Hour, Green Book, Roma, Widows, The Favourite, Jojo Rabbit, Marriage Story, Clemency, A Hidden Life, One Child Nation, and 2020 Oscar-nominated Live Action Short Nefta Football Club and the Oscar winner, The Neighbors’ Window.
CIFF’s festival-goers applaud the vision of filmmakers who use film as a platform to educate, illuminate, and entertain the world. The four-day pedestrian-friendly festival offers a slate of more than 80 films cultivated from a diverse selection of genres, plus compelling panels, lively workshops and of course, parties! Mingle with industry leaders including our Host and Honorary Jury President, film critic and author, Leonard Maltin, whose Celebrity Tribute has become a festival highlight, honoring emerging talent, composers, cultural icons, humanitarians and legendary actors whose contributions have impacted the film industry in an indelible way. Past honorees include Alex Wolff, Cloris Leachman, Dean Cundey, John Toll, Lois Burwell, Diane Warren, Kris Bowers, Michelle Philips, Stephen Bishop, Andy Garcia, and Jacob Trembly.