• Festival
• This Year
• Visitors/Travel
• How to Festival
• Tickets
• For Filmmakers
• Festival FAQ

HOW TO FESTIVAL

If you are new to the Festival, or have attended in the past (but only watched a film or two), then this insight is for you. Attending a film festival can be overwhelming, we’ve compiled some tips on how to maximize your experience.

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE

Think of the 15-day Festival as a getaway or a mini vacation. Whether you spend a day, a weekend, or the entire two weeks watching films, you’ll get the most by simply planning ahead.

If you REALLY want to treat your festival experience as a vacation or "staycation," consider staying at one of our hotel partners so you don’t have to drive home between film screenings. We have discounted rooms at the Doubletree Hotel and Town & Country Resort here.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Nearly every day of the festival, SOMETHING EXTRA is going on. Whether it’s a reception, art show, live music, food tasting, film discussion, gala awards dinner, group art project, or karaoke, these special events are what make the Festival a Festival.

BE IN THE KNOW – GET CONNECTED

Because we're all so busy, make it easy on yourself to get the latest Festival information by subscribing to our eNewsletter, our Facebook Fanpage, or Twitter.

Get Festival updates on your cell phone. Simply text "SDAFF" to 53137

BECOME A MEMBER, GET THE PASS

As a member, you get special benefits which include the All-Festival Pass, discounted tickets, exclusive member screenings and events during the festival and throughout the year.

Only members are able to purchase an All-Festival Pass, which is the most ideal way to experience our Festival. With front-of-line privilege, there’s no waiting in lines, and the Pass gives you unlimited access to all film programs (as long as you arrive 15 minutes before showtime). To learn more about membership, click here.

FESTIVAL ON A BUDGET

Save money on tickets by purchasing online or in bulk ( 4-pack or 10-packs)

We also offer Free Films at 4PM, thanks to our friends at Target.
Also, the following merchants are offering happy hours or food discounts throughout the festival:

Yogurtland	11am -4PM daily happy hour (must show festival ticket)
Sansai Japanese Grill	3-6PM daily happy hour
Applebee's	20% off order with festival ticket (Hazard Center location)
Doubletree Windows Lounge	$4 drinks & appetizers everyday from 4-6pm

Plus, our friends at ULAN MED SPA are offering Buy one, Get one free Hydrafacial during the festival! Just call them to make an appointment at 619-294-8526

GET LUCKY

One of the true perks of going to a Festival are all the freebies, contests, and giveaways. Here's a look at some of the things we are giving away:

• 7-day cruise for two to Caribbean or Mexico ($10 Star Campaign)
• Two (2) $100 Visa Gift cards (Texting campaign)
• Two R/T Southwest Airlines tickets (Gala Awards/Texting Campaign)
• A luxury weekend for two at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort(Audience Award Ballot)
• Free food coupons from Jack in the Box
• Giftcards and free 3 oz. coupons for Yogurtland
• Popchips
• Tons of Covergirl Makeup

READ & WATCH

With nearly 200 films, five panel discussions, a live hip hop showcase, a live comedy showcase, and a star-studded gala awards dinner, the only way to really know what’s going on is read through our detailed film list, which breaks down films by schedule, country, genre, and areas of interest. Many of the film descriptions include trailers and reviews.

You can also read through our 2009 program booklet online here.

MORE TIPS

• Bring a sweater. Sometimes the theaters get cold
• Show up at least 15 minutes before each show. Come earlier to enjoy vendors and artwork in the lobby, or support one of the area merchants
• Clean up after yourself after each show. This helps us turn around auditoriums faster.
• Be BOLD! Choose a film program that you wouldn’t normally see, you’ll be glad you did.