Where the Art & Science of Cinema Converge.

Don’t just watch movies. Experience the festival.

Over the bridge and a world away, the Coronado Island Film Festival brings together filmmakers from around the globe, industry leaders, emerging artists, and passionate audiences for five extraordinary days on Coronado Island, San Diego's "Crown" City. 

Whether attending as a film lover, filmmaker, screenwriter, industry professional, or creative looking for the next collaborator, CIFF offers an experience designed around discovery, connection, and the art and business of cinema. The Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala opens the celebration Wednesday evening, (Nov. 4) in the Crown Room at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, honoring extraordinary cinematic achievement and cultural impact.

Thursday Nov. 5th opens the ShortsFest, the festival’s award-winning short film exhibition, operating as a festival within the festival, spotlighting the short-form storytelling and runs thru Sunday, Nov. 8th. Industry panels led by the most respected names in entertainment journalism — Variety, Deadline, MovieMaker, and Gold Derby — set the pace for awards season, offering audiences a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the year in film. CIFF’s independent film slate gives the stage to emerging voices and visionaries.

Throughout the week, studio premieres, compelling stories of discovery, independent features, special engagements including women in film, historic Hollywood retrospectives, receptions, networking events built for real connection, create an environment where relationships form, ideas take shape, and inspiration take hold.

As a mission-driven nonprofit, CIFF supports filmmakers and screenwriters, strengthens the cinema arts, and creates opportunities for the next generation of creative storytellers.

Join Champions for Health for an extraordinary Day at the Races at the iconic Del Mar Racetrack!

Experience the excitement and elegance of thoroughbred racing while enjoying an unforgettable afternoon of delicious cuisine, refreshing cocktails, delightful company, and spectacular views from the exclusive Bob Hope Celebrity Suite. Against the backdrop of one of Southern California's most celebrated sporting venues, guests will enjoy an afternoon where entertainment, camaraderie, and philanthropy come together in grand style.

Beyond the thrill of the races, this special gathering celebrates a cause that truly makes a difference. Proceeds support Champions for Health and its enduring commitment to improving community health and wellness, expanding access to essential healthcare services for uninsured and underserved San Diegans who might otherwise go without the care they need.

Gather your friends, embrace the excitement of a memorable day at Del Mar, and join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. A wonderful afternoon awaits, where every moment of enjoyment helps champion a healthier San Diego!

We invite you to join us on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 6PM to celebrate our 20th Anniversary Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego. The evening will include many exciting components including the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals, a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories of resilience and healing. 

Sponsorship opportunities start at $4,000 and include a wide range of benefits including strategic logo placement and social media exposure. Individual tickets and tables are also available beginning at $350 for a single ticket and $3,000 for a table of ten.

Whether you choose to sponsor or donate, any participation is meaningful to our mission. Your generosity will help us continue providing life-changing services to those who need them most for the next 20 years and beyond. 

Gingerbread City Gala: Forward Together

After nearly a decade, Gingerbread City is returning to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Join the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County for the 33rd Annual Gingerbread City Gala on Thursday, November 19, 2026, as we bring this beloved San Diego tradition back to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar for the first time since 2018.

This exciting return represents more than a change of venue—it marks an important step forward for the Foundation. By bringing Gingerbread City to North County, we are expanding our reach, strengthening connections across the region, and creating new opportunities to engage more of the San Diego community in our mission.

Forward Together celebrates that momentum while honoring the tradition that has made Gingerbread City so special for more than three decades. Guests will experience an unforgettable evening featuring extraordinary gingerbread creations by San Diego’s culinary artists, elegant holiday décor, gourmet dining, live entertainment, and inspiring moments celebrating resilience, community, and hope.

As the Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, Gingerbread City provides critical support for programs and services offered at no cost to individuals and families affected by epilepsy—including support groups, education, advocacy, youth programs, scholarships, and more.

We are thrilled to return to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and begin this exciting next chapter—Forward Together.