The 22nd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is set to open on October 18, with a screening of the highly anticipated film 'The Holdovers,' directed by Academy Award winner Alexander Payne. Already creating Oscar buzz, this emotional drama reunites Payne with actor Paul Giamatti, their last collaboration being the critically acclaimed 2004 film 'Sideways.' The festival, which will run until October 22, boasts an impressive selection of 91 films, whittled down from over 3,200 submissions from 85 countries, according to Times of San Diego.
'The Holdovers' tells the poignant story of an antisocial teacher (Giamatti), a trouble-making student, and a bereaved cook, who find themselves stuck together over Christmas at a boarding school in snowy New England. As the plot unfolds, the three protagonists come to understand that they are not beholden to their past and have the power to choose their own futures. The film's emotionally charged narrative paired with Payne's history of Academy Award nominations and wins is fueling the speculation around its Oscar potential.
The opening night of the festival will be held at Balboa Park's Museum of Photographic Arts, followed by additional screenings hosted at the Westfield UTC AMC the remainder of the festival. Passes for the full fest start at $240, with individual screenings set at $18. This year's theme for the festival is "Celebrating the Power of Film," which will cover a wide variety of tracks such as social impact, fighting political oppression, Native American rights, LGBTQ rights, and the opioid crisis. The festival will also feature several world premieres, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts as per the SD International Film Festival.
Among the notable entries in the festival line-up are films such as 'Brothers After War,' which follows three brothers in the military both during their service and after returning home. 'The Portrait,' a haunting tale of a woman tormented by a painting that resembles her grievously injured husband, and 'Límite,' a gripping story set in Tijuana, where a young man finds himself in danger after his romance with a drug dealer leaves him in debt. Another standout film is 'Junction,' which depicts three interconnected stories reflecting the opioid crisis, showcasing the perspectives of a pharmaceutical CEO, doctor, and addict.
The San Diego International Film Festival serves as a platform for independent films, documentaries, and shorts from around the world to be showcased and celebrated. The event helps foster connections between filmmakers, industry professionals, and the public, allowing for greater exposure of talents and creative visions. Beyond film presentations, the festival also offers a variety of related events, such as Culinary Cinema, which has separate ticketing and includes a mix of culinary delights and compelling films that illuminate the culinary world.
