By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA — The San Diego Italian Film Festival (SDIFF) is set to return this October, featuring a mix of in-person and online screenings of acclaimed contemporary Italian films, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and shorts.
Now in its 19th year, the feStivale will run from Oct. 1–11, with screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park and the Digital Gym at UC San Diego’s Park & Market.
This year’s theme, “Courage,” highlights the importance of breaking barriers, building bridges, and imagining new futures. Many of the featured films will be making their San Diego debut.
The festival will conclude with the feSta, a lively closing-night celebration on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Museum of Photographic Arts. The evening will include award-winning Italian food, wine, and live music, along with the announcement of winners from the 7th Annual Ristretto Awards, SDIFF’s international short film competition. This year, the awards will also honor Victor Laruccia, the festival’s founder, who passed away in 2022.
“Victor’s goal was always to build a piazza of sorts where the community could enjoy Italian films while also sharing their perspective and insights,” said Antonio Iannotta, SDIFF’s artistic director. “The theme of ‘Courage’ is at the heart of what he envisioned — creating a space where people could connect with both storytelling and community.”
The feSta, SDIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, will feature food by Cucina Migrante, wines from Impero Wine San Diego, desserts from Gelato Love, and music from S.T. Cats, a local Italian and international cover band.
Executive Director Valentina Cartareggia stated that this year’s festival is crucial for the organization’s future.
“We hope people will come to celebrate while helping us expand our audience and strengthen our connection to the community. This festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Italian culture and cinema while supporting SDIFF,” Cartareggia said.
A full schedule and ticket information are available at sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/festival-2025.
