Calling all cinephiles, filmmakers and film festival enthusiasts!

The Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts together with Alumni Relations at UC San Diego invites you to an interactive discussion exploring film festivals, featuring a panel of award-winning industry experts and UC San Diego alumni.

Hear from panelists as they share their experience working as film festival founders and CEOs, independent filmmakers, producers, distributors, programmers and screeners for events like Slamdance and Sundance. Gain insight on selecting the right film festival opportunities, creating meaningful industry connections and more. Ask questions, network and learn how to navigate a film festival like a pro!

This unique event will be held within the 2025 UC San Diego Film Festival, offering an exciting opportunity for attendees to also experience the talent of emerging filmmakers.

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PANELISTS:

• Rachel Makana'aloha O Kauikeolani Nakawatase, Co-founder, San Diego Underground Film Festival

• Ryan Betschart, Co-founder, San Diego Underground Film Festival

• Duy Nguyen, Senior Producer, Picturehead (formerly Technicolor)
• Ei Toshinari, Co-founder, Arbelos Films
• Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director, San Diego International Film Festival

MODERATOR:

• Michael Trigilio, Director, Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts, Professor of Teaching, Department of Visual Arts, Multimedia Artist (film/video, sound, music)

EVENT IS FREE. PLEASE RSVP!

*Registration lists from the Film Festival Eventbrite and this page will be combined and cross-referenced prior to check-in on the event day.