News Summary
The San Diego International Film Festival has introduced the Focus On Impact Education Program to enhance educational engagement with socially impactful films. Running from October 15-19, it connects local students with curated films and valuable resources. Partnering with major educational organizations, the program includes an art competition addressing vital social issues. The initiative aims to expand students’ understanding of relevant topics while allowing teachers to engage students through film-based curricula and discussions.
San Diego – The San Diego International Film Festival (SDIFF) is set to elevate educational engagement within the community through its newly launched Focus On Impact Education Program. Scheduled to run from October 15-19, 2025, this innovative initiative aims to connect local high school and college students with socially impactful films, enhancing their understanding of various critical issues.
The Focus On Impact Education Program offers participants year-round access to a curated selection of films along with valuable educational materials. This includes recorded Q&A sessions with filmmakers that educators can utilize to stimulate discussions and deepen student engagement with the films. To facilitate the program, SDIFF is collaborating with prominent educational organizations, including the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the San Diego Community College District. These partnerships are designed to ensure a comprehensive educational experience for participants.
This year, teachers interested in participating can register for the program online at sdfilmfest.com/education/rsvp. The program is offered free of charge to participating schools and is funded through donations and private contributions, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
A key feature of the program is an art competition that encourages students to create artwork addressing pressing social issues such as inclusion, equality, cultural identity, climate change, and pollution. In 2023, ninth grader Matisse Kinney emerged as the competition winner for her insightful piece exploring her personal experience with depression. Thousands of entries from around the world were submitted, validating the competition’s international reach and impact.
During the festival, attendees can expect a diverse lineup showcasing over 100 independent films alongside notable higher-profile productions. In addition to the film screenings, the winning artwork from the competition will be highlighted in branding and merchandise for the festival and will be featured in an exhibition throughout the event.
The Focus On Impact Education Program was first initiated in 2015 and has since adapted to include an online film library to provide broader access to educational resources. This library is set to expand continually, ensuring that new films are added while existing materials remain available to educators and students alike.
Moreover, the San Diego Unified School District’s Visual and Performing Arts Department has collaborated with SDIFF to develop supplementary curricula that enhance student learning by drawing connections between the films and various subjects, including social sciences, art, history, and ethnic studies. This interdisciplinary approach aims to enrich students’ perspectives and foster critical thinking through the medium of film.
This year’s art competition has focused on topical issues ranging from environmental justice to mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and artificial intelligence, allowing students to engage with relevant contemporary discussions. The educational program ultimately strives to expand its reach and offer its benefits to additional school districts and colleges within San Diego County.
The SDIFF’s commitment to fostering an understanding of impactful storytelling through films continues to resonate with local communities, encouraging students to express their voices and engage with socially relevant themes. Through initiatives like the Focus On Impact Education Program, SDIFF is making significant strides in educational outreach and support for the youth.
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Additional Resources
- Barchart: San Diego International Film Festival Expands
- Google Search: San Diego International Film Festival
- The Coast News: SDIFF Education Program
- Wikipedia: San Diego International Film Festival
- San Diego Union Tribune: Oscars Party at SDIFF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Times of San Diego: Vicki Eddy Joins Film Festival Board
- Google News: San Diego Film Festival 2025
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
