Opening Night SD Film Festival

The San Diego International Film Festival burst onto the scene with an unforgettable opening night on October 15, 2026, at The LOT in La Jolla. The highly anticipated, sold-out affair drew film lovers, industry insiders, and glittering guests from across the region to celebrate the magic of cinema in grand style. The evening unfolded in a swirl of excitement and elegance, as guests mingled amidst the hum of conversation and camera flashes, savoring an array of artisanal cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres curated to complement the moment. The energy was electric—anticipation building to a crescendo as the lights dimmed and the audience settled in for the premiere screening of the festival’s featured film, After The Hunt, starring Julia Roberts, and marking the beginning of a weekend filled with cinematic brilliance, creativity, and the unmistakable glamour that defines San Diego’s most prestigious film event.

Photography by Robert O'Neill