Search results for

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

Enjoy exclusive seating for the dazzling Big Bay Boom firework show with a Mediterranean Buffet at Garibaldi. Indulge in all-you-can-eat Antipasti Display, featuring a selection of Mediterranean cheeses, artisanal cured meats, and more. Next, dive into a Local Sustainable Seafood Display of peel-and-eat shrimp, harissa cocktail sauce, Mediterranean tuna tartar, preserved Kumaoto oysters and pomegranate mignonette, along with seasonal salad assortments including Yukon Potato salad, strawberry fattoush salad and the heirloom tomato salad. Enjoy twists on classic BBQ dishes including Harissa Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Hot Smoked Salmon, Mac & Cheese “Al Forno”, and more. Finish with Sweets such as Lemon Tarts, S’Mores Bites, and Red Velvet Cake Muffins. Tickets are priced at $130 and include complimentary self-parking for two hours. Reservations can be made via Resy. Garibaldi on Instagram

As the Trump administration begins carrying out its mass deportation policy, Mexico is preparing to take in thousands of deportees, including in Tijuana. Plus, the city of San Diego is raising parking rates to help ease budget cuts. And, a beloved art wall in Southeast San Diego is having a comeback after almost 30 years.

The quintessential California wine tasting experience – sun, sea, food, wine and music – all come together at this sun-splashed wine fest overlooking lush rolling hills with the shimmering Pacific beyond at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort's Heron Lawn. By 1 p.m. the joint is jumping at this Camelot-like white-topped tent village. Wine oenophiles will find hundreds of fine wines, regional craft brews and a dizzying variety of foods to sample. Artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, as well as shellfish, salads, chocolates, cakes, and more! A live band keeps the beat for this all-day feast for the senses where wine and food are king and queen. Visit: https://www.californiawinefestival.com/carlsbad California Wine Festival on Instagram and Facebook

Del Mar Plaza is bringing free live music to the coast all July long during their Seaside Sessions series, held every Thursday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Ocean View Deck. Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of local artists spanning folk, soul, country, rock, and more, all set against panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. New to the lineup this month are The Fooks, The Shams SD, and Wolff, adding fresh energy to this coastal concert series. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to dine, shop, and take in the sunset while enjoying the sounds of summer. July 3 – Michael Tiernan (Folk, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock) July 5 – Tolan Shaw (Pop, Country) July 10 – Salty Papa (Soul, R&B, Jazz, Rock and Roll) July 12 – Sweet Juanita (Americana, Blues, Classic Rock) July 17 – American Mile (Southern Rock, Blues, Americana) July 19 – The Fooks (Irish Rock) July 24 – The Shams SD (Rock Covers from the 80s and 90s) July 26 – Wolff (Danceable 60s through 90s Pop and Rock Classics) July 31 – David Spitzfaden (Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Pop) Seaside Sessions are free and open to the public. For a full lineup and details, visit www.delmarplaza.com or follow @officialdelmarplaza on Instagram.

Bring the entire family to Free Second Sunday for our family series, Play Day! Inspired by California’s Light and Space art movement, join us on March 9 to explore how color and light influence the way we see and depict the world around us. Learn about MCASD’s Light and Space gallery and collection of color field paintings while enjoying a hands-on macramé workshop! We'll create vibrant pieces using knots, beads, yarn, fabric, and light. Art Activity: Macramé workshop using knots, beads, yarn, fabric, and light Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Facebook / Instagram

The Clairemont Drive Station attracts fewer passengers than any other station on the Blue Line trolley. Experts blame the city's restrictive zoning.

San Diego International’s new Terminal 1 will open on Sept. 22, offering more gates, new restaurants and a $3.8 billion modern design.

The red-legged frog is the latest species to see success from binational cooperation along the nearly 2,000-mile border.

Witness floral magic bloom on canvas when Concetta Antico paints a rich bouquet of flowers from her Spring garden! Sure to be a beautiful night to be remembered filled with creative inspiration at her elegant Salon of Art Gallery and the floral scents of the season become a rainbow- colored symphony. See artistic beauty created before your very eyes. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience art in its purest and visceral form as master artist Concetta wield's her brush and paint flies! Gypsy Violin melodies with Mr. Christopher Vitas, delicious hors d'oeuvres, tempting sweets and libations! Heartfelt conversations will abound at this limited Color Queen VIP Springtime Soiree! Visit: https://concettaantico.com/exhibitions/ Concetta Antico on Instagram and Facebook