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San Diego French Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Love, Diversity, and Cultural Connections The San Diego French Film Festival (SDFFF), presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, proudly returns for its fifth edition from May 4-7, 2025, at THE LOT La Jolla. This year’s theme, “Love in All Its Forms,” highlights the many facets of human connection—friendship, passion, solidarity, and resilience—through a compelling selection of French and francophone films. Festival Highlights Opening Night Gala – May 4 The festival launches with a glamorous red-carpet event and gala reception, featuring the screening of *En Fanfare* (*The Marching Band*, 2024). Directed by Emmanuel Courcol, this critically acclaimed drama tells the moving story of two estranged brothers brought together by music and an unexpected family discovery. The film, which received seven César Award nominations, stars Benjamin Lavernhe and Pierre Lottin. Following the screening, guests will enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, champagne, live entertainment, and a dance party with DJ GreGTraXx. Gala attendees will also have the chance to win a luxury getaway at Club Med, courtesy of TravelBootik. Night with the Stars – May 5 A special highlight of this year’s festival is the screening of Neuilly-Poissy (2024, France), an engaging and humorous take on religious tolerance, social integration, and diversity. The film follows a wealthy businessman who is forced to rebuild his life in unexpected circumstances, using his wit to navigate a world far removed from his privileged past. Following the screening, attendees will have the unique opportunity to join a panel discussion with renowned French actor Max Boublil and director Gregory Boutboul, offering insights into the film’s themes and creative process. May 6 Screenings – Powerful Stories from Around the World Festivalgoers will have the choice between two compelling films: - Moto Taxi (*Bendskins*, 2021, Cameroon), directed by Narcisse Wandji, provides a raw and immersive look at urban life through the perspectives of three motorcycle taxi drivers in Cameroon. - Quelques Jours Pas Plus (*Just a Couple of Days*, 2024, France), directed by Julie Navarro, is a sharp and touching comedy-drama starring Camille Cottin and Benjamin Biolay. The film explores unexpected connections and personal transformation through the story of a journalist who reluctantly takes in a young Afghan refugee. Closing Night – May 7 The festival concludes with RU (2023, Canada), a poignant adaptation of Kim Thuy’s acclaimed novel. Directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud, the film follows a young Vietnamese girl and her family as they flee war-torn Vietnam and rebuild their lives in Quebec. With multiple award nominations, "RU" is a deeply moving story of exile, adaptation, and resilience. Beyond Film: Art, Community, and Education In addition to film screenings, SDFFF will feature two art exhibitions: - “Coeur D’Afghane, Amour À La Française” by Manaz Raiszadeh, a Franco-Afghan artist exploring themes of migration and love. - A showcase of student artworks from the Alliance Française of San Diego. The festival also includes a special educational screening on March 21, featuring *L’Océan Vu Du Coeur* (2023, Canada), a documentary about ocean conservation, presented to San Diego school students with a Q&A session. Visit: https://www.afsandiego.org/san-diego-french-film-festival-2025 Alliance Francais San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

Break out the rhinestones and cowboy boots for a night of Country- themed fun at the 2025 Taste of EastLake! Guests will enjoy tasty eats and lively beverages from 40+ fine local purveyors, live entertainment, a silent auction, and more! 100% of the event proceeds fund innovation in EastLake K-12 public schools. Must be 21+ to attend. We hope to see you there! Event Contact: Janet Francis, janethfrancis@eefkids.org, (858-703-7621)   Visit: Taste of EastLake 2025 EastLake Educational Foundation on Instagram and Facebook

The Heritage of the Americas Museum is pleased to announce a special presentation on the Panama Canal, led by renowned historian and speaker Dr. Dave Roberts, on Saturday, March 15, at 12 p.m. Dr. Dave Roberts will present two consecutive 45 minute presentations. This engaging event will explore the rich history, engineering marvels, and global impact of one of the world’s greatest waterways. Visit: https://www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/panama-canal-then-and-now Heritage of the Americas Museum on Instagram and Facebook

Join Write Out Loud for a Story Concert featuring stories of immigration and finding a home. Story Concerts are the signature event of Write Out Loud. They were born from the desire to share literature as a communal, participatory experience. Each Story Concert presents a curated selection of short stories, poetry, and sometimes music, revolving around a central theme, all read by professional actors. We produce a six-show season of Story Concerts every year, in addition to special concerts with a variety of cultural organizations. Visit: https://writeoutloud.ticketspice.com/season-18 Write Out Loud on Instagram

Kick off your weekend with a bite-sized happy hour version of our renowned Studio Arts workshops. Using pourable fluid colors to create spontaneous mixing of pigment with the manipulation of the canvas we will create flowing “cosmic” compositions. All levels of experience are encouraged to participate. OMA provides food, drinks, and supplies; all you have to do is get yourself out of work, grab your friends, and have fun! Visit: 'Taste of Art' Workshop | Acrylic Liquid Pours Oceanside Museum of Art on Instagram and Facebook

On this 3 mile, easy-paced book club run, we explore several of the institutions and public places funded by Ellen Browning Scripps’ philanthropy. It wasn’t until 1900, when she was 61 years old, that she moved to La Jolla and would begin her philanthropic endeavors. The New York Times estimates she gave over $44 million in 2023 dollars before she died in 1932. A champion of many causes, Scripps funded institutions to support women’s education, the labor movement, and public access to science, the arts, and education. During the route for this Read & Run on the Road event, created and led by Chelsey Stone, we’ll stop at several different locations Ellen Browning Scripps funded and finish for a post-run discussion with historian Carol Olten at the La Jolla Historical Society. Visit: Read & Run on the Road: Running Tour of Ellen Browning Scripps

Celebrate the artistry of fall with a dining experience curated by one of San Diego’s finest chefs. Each ticket provides entry to an extraordinary evening featuring: -A thoughtfully designed, 5-course dinner by Chef Doug & Abby Settle of Hearth & Harvest, whose inventive approach highlights the best of seasonal and local ingredients. -4 paired, curated cocktails by a master mixologist, perfectly complementing each dish. -A thoughtfully selected, off-the-beaten-path location revealed just before the event. -Exceptional service and gratuity included for our incredible server team. -Stunning event production and design, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in San Diego. -And a portion of your ticket goes directly to Feeding San Diego, our cherished community partner. Join us for a night where culinary passion meets community impact. Visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theblanktable/1582046 The Blank Table on Instagram

Experience a summer evening filled with exceptional dining, creativity, and community. Each ticket provides entry to a unique event featuring: -A tantalizing, 5-course dinner by the culinary masterminds at Two Ducks, renowned for their inventive takes on modern cuisine. -4 paired, curated cocktails by a master mixologist, perfectly complementing each dish. -A thoughtfully selected, off-the-beaten-path location revealed just before the event. -Exceptional service and gratuity included for our incredible server team. -Stunning event production and design, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in San Diego. -And a portion of your ticket goes directly to Feeding San Diego, our cherished community partner. Reserve your place at the table for an unforgettable journey of flavors and connections. Visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theblanktable/1582037 The Blank Table on Instagram

Cinema Under The Stars presents "Sing Sing" Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m. Cinema Under The Stars 4040 Goldfinch Street San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 619-295-4221 Website: www.topspresents.com “SING SING” (2024. 102 min. R) - Colman Domingo’s searing, Oscar-nominated performance highlights this earthy, soul-stirring journey toward redemption. Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, Divine G (Domingo) finds healing, purpose and creative expression by acting in a prison theater troupe. An inspirational true story of the redemptive power of art. Cinema Under the Stars is an intimate outdoor movie theater in Mission Hills with single and double zero-gravity reclining lounge chairs, sky-boxes and love seat cabanas. Heaters, pillows and blankets are provided. A vintage cartoon is shown before most films. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Members may make phone reservations up to one week in advance. Online reservations for Members begin on Mondays at 9 a.m. Online reservations for Non-Members begin on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The box office opens at 6 p.m, Fridays - Sundays. Admission Prices: Members - $17. Non-members (at the box office) - $18. Non-members (with online reservations) - $20. Annual Memberships - $125 (for two people). Pay with Cash, Checks, or Venmo. All concessions are $3.00 each Free popcorn for Members. Reservations must be cancelled by 5 p.m. online, or call the Cinema before 6 p.m. Come early to avoid a line. For more information, call (619) 295-4221, or visit the website (www.topspresents.com)

Cinema Under The Stars presents "To Die For" Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m. Cinema Under The Stars 4040 Goldfinch Street San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 619-295-4221 Website: www.topspresents.com “TO DIE FOR” 30th Anniversary (1995. 106 min. R): Gus Van Sant delivers a deliciously subversive satire of our All-American obsession with celebrity and true crime. Nicole Kidman plays a small-town TV weather reporter whose perky facade hides a dark heart, her ruthless pursuit of fame ensnares three disaffected teens in a tabloid-style scandal. With Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck and Matt Dillon. Cinema Under the Stars is an intimate outdoor movie theater in Mission Hills with single and double zero-gravity reclining lounge chairs, sky-boxes and love seat cabanas. Heaters, pillows and blankets are provided. A vintage cartoon is shown before most films. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Members may make phone reservations up to one week in advance. Online reservations for Members begin on Mondays at 9 a.m. Online reservations for Non-Members begin on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The box office opens at 6 p.m, Fridays - Sundays. Admission Prices: Members - $17. Non-members (at the box office) - $18. Non-members (with online reservations) - $20. Annual Memberships - $125 (for two people). Pay with Cash, Checks, or Venmo. All concessions are $3.00 each Free popcorn for Members. Reservations must be cancelled by 5 p.m. online, or call the Cinema before 6 p.m. Come early to avoid a line. For more information, call (619) 295-4221, or visit the website (www.topspresents.com)