Experience the Finest in Independent Global Cinema at the
2018 San Diego International Film Festival

One of the country’s highest-profile and highest-caliber film festivals is about to kick off
for the 17th time here in San Diego, and you’ll enjoy the ideal home base for it at the
Sofia Hotel right on the doorstep of the Gaslamp Quarter.

The San Diego International Film Festival begins Wednesday, October 10th and runs through
Sunday, October 14th: a five-day exposition for some of the greatest global talent in
independent filmmaking, and a definite highlight of the arts-and-culture calendar here in
America’s Finest City. Secure yourself the most sophisticated, well-appointed, and
across-the-board friendliest Downtown San Diego accommodations for the festival with a
guest room at the Sofia Hotel, nice and close to the festival venues as well as many of the
city’s best-known attractions.

The 2018 San Diego International Film Festival

More than 200 film screenings make up the heart of the San Diego International Film
Festival, the bulk of them shown at Horton Plaza Park and ArchLight Cinemas at the
Westfield UTC Mall. Dramas, thrillers, comedies, shorts, documentaries—the variety on
tap amid the festival’s many regional, national, and international premieres is (as always)
outstanding.

This year’s panels—deep dives into the process and the context of independent
filmmaking in the 21st century—include the Social Impact, Unstoppable Women, Critics,
and Business Side of Business sessions.

Another reliable highlight of the festival is the Night of the Stars Tribute, which takes
place the evening of October 11th. This year’s honorees include Kathryn Hahn, John
Cho, Topher Grace, Alex Wolff, and Kenny Loggins (receiving the Music Icon Award); a
to-be-announced recipient will be honored with the 2018 Gregory Peck Award for
Cinematic Excellence, named after a La Jolla native son who remains one of
Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

And if you count yourself both a cinephile and a foodie, you’ll definitely want to attend
the festival’s Culinary Cinema event on Sunday the 14th, which kicks off the right way
with a champagne cocktail, screens an appropriately gastronomically themed film
(Constructing Albert, a documentary on famed Catalan chef Albert Adria, brother of
Ferran), and then eases into a chef Q&A and food-and-wine tastings.

You can purchase individual tickets for specific screenings, panels, parties, and other
events, or opt for a Day Pass, a five-day Fest Pass, or an ultimate-experience-style VIP
Pass.

Opening Night at the San Diego International Film Festival

This year’s Opening Night Premiere, which screens at the Balboa Theatre at 6:30 PM on
Wednesday the 10th, is Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which stars Melissa McCarthy as the
biographer of the stars Lee Israel. The film will come followed up by a Q&A and then an
official Opening Night after party at Omnia Night Club.

Choose the Sofia Hotel for Your San Diego International Film Festival Headquarters This October

Here at the Sofia, we’ll lavish the best in Downtown San Diego hospitality upon you
while you enjoy the globe- and theme-spanning screenings, the fascinating panels, the
red-carpet glitz, and the bumping after parties at the 2018 San Diego International Film
Festival. Take advantage of our historic, boutique hotel’s close proximity to the festival
locations as well as our beautiful accommodations, amenities, and on-site dining!