San Diego International Film Festival Opens This Week

Jeri Jacquin

This year's San Diego International Film Festival begins October 15 and ends the 20th managing to pack the schedule with some amazing films, shorts, animation and documentaries. That is what the SDIFF does, bring the filmmakers to show their best with every range of human emotion in every frame.

Opening night begins with the film JOJO RABBIT showing at the beautiful Balboa Theatre downtown. That is followed by a gathering at the to speak with filmmakers, industry and perhaps a celebrity or two. It’s a beautiful way to the start the festival and the weather is usually pretty nice to be able to walk downtown after.

The second day starts with the film SAFE INSIDE which is the story of Ana and Tom traveling across France. Hired to work at an estate in the countryside, secrets are revealed! It is followed by Twisted Humor and Tribes on the Edge. The evening film is Makoto Mioya's film IMMORTAL HERO and the last film of the evening THE TRUTH.

JOJO RABBIT

Day Three brings a story of a small town who is on the verge of panic when a chemical plant has the potential to interfere with the residents love life with LOVE IN KILNERRY. The next film about a look at the last week of school, friendship and PHILOPHOBIA. Next is a look at Animation Filmmaking with a question & answer session to follow the screening. BELLINGCAT - Truth in a Post-Truth World is a look at what is called 'citizen investigative journalists'.

The riveting documentary that looks at women and poaching is BREAKING THEIR SILENCE: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War. Decisive Moments is a look at what is going on in the minds of everyday people.

The film DOING MONEY is a look at sex slaves and trafficking with District Attorney Summer Stephans and City Attorney Maura Elliot will be participating in a question and answer session following the film. 100 DAYS TO LIVE brings a serial killer and the race to stop him.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE is the story about a painter in the 18th century who must pain the portrait of a young woman getting married. INSIDE GAME is the real life story of Tommy Martino who came up with a plan, along with his friends, to make money betting on the NBA.

The Opening Night film at ArcLight Cinemas is the Premiere and Afterparty for THE IRISHMAN. Director Martin Scorsese is back with a blockbuster film starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino (who we are happy to see together again!).

Day Four brings Waiting for Mamu, a documentary about CNN Hero of the Year Pushpa Basnet who helps the children of Nepal.  The PANEL - Streaming Services 2020 discusses what lies ahead for digital plaforms. HAWAII is the story of a family in communist Romania and a family member that had always been thought dead.

THE IRISHMAN

San Diego Scene discuss local filmmakers and its followed by THE GREAT ALASKAN RACE with a story of a champion musher racing to deliver medicine in Alaska that will save lives. BABYSPLITTERS has a couple disagreeing on whether to have a baby and how to solve their stalemate. Global Consciousness brings films that discuss problems and how to handle bringing about solutions.

We Rise Up takes on the continual question of 'What is Success?' followed by a question and answer session. Twisted Humor is always a personal favorite because I can almost guarantee the funny will be twisted and I certainly can't get enough of that!

SHE IS THE OCEAN is a story of two women who share a love for the ocean and it gives them the power to make their dreams comes true. Strangers in a Strange Land always tests the limits of filmmakers imaginations and they never disappoint with their creative visions up on the big screen.

CLEMENCY is the story of a prison warden who has spent years handling death row executions.

Alfre Woodward stars as Warden Williams, a woman who comes face to face with the issues of her job and a connecting with an inmate she is ordered to execute.

THE TRUTH is a mother and daughter dealing with their personal issues while Mom is working on a sci-fi film When World Collide are films that bring out the best out of the most unexpected people or situations. THE KILL TEAM is the story of a soldier in Afghanistan who witnesses the killing of innocents and must navigate his way to telling the truth. BUCK RUN is a film about memories in rural Pennsylvania from director Nick Frangione. 

The evening also includes the NIGHT OF THE STARS TRIBUTE with Laurence Fishburne receiving the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence, Pitbull receiving the Music Icon Award, Lindsay Wagner receiving the Humanitarian Award, Jared Harris receiving the Cinema Vanguard Award, Jillian Bell receiving the Fairbanks Award and Camila Morrone receiving the Rising Star Award. It is a night for celebrating and just knowing that Laurence Fishburne and Jared Harris are in the same room together gives me awesome chills!

THE KILL TEAM

Day Five brings a morning PANEL - Development Hell to learn more about the stages of getting an IP in the marketplace and the 48 Hour Film Project brings their creations. ANGELIQUE'S ISLE is the story of a woman who joins her husband to Lake Superior hunting for copper. MY BODY IS NOT A WEAPON bring several women together to learn from one another. Student Shorts highlights the work of student filmmakers from everywhere.

EVE is the story of a young girl who wants one specific role badly but when it goes to someone else, life begins to spiral for them both. The next panel of Unstoppable Women bring together a discussion of filmmaking and defying stereotypes in the entertainment industry.

(Un)clear Intentions asks the question 'is it real or it fake?'! ORDINARY LOVE is the love story of Joan and Tom and what it means to truly be devoted for better or worse. SAFE SPACES is the story of a professor dealing with events in his life and an ill grandmother added to the pile. The Condor and the Eagle bring four indigenous leaders from Canada to the Amazon jungle to bring meaning to climate justice.

SEA OF SHADOWS follows scientists who risk their lives to bring a crime syndicate to justice. A panel about Social Impact follows the film. INSIDE THE RAIN brings a college student and a stripper together in an effort to deal with a potential school expulsion. LIGHT FROM LIGHT brings Sheila to investigate a haunted farm in Tennessee meeting a man who believes his deceased wife is with him.

The following panel is Technology in Entertainment followed by the award winning Mongolian film THE STEED. Alluring & Enchanting bring pieces that are funny and full of surprises. CAROL OF THE BELLS has a young man looking for his biological mother who turns out to be disabled.

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN has Edward Norton directing and staring in a film about the 1950s New York and Lionel, a P.I. with Tourette's Syndrome. Befriended by Frank Minna played by Bruce Willis,  Lionel is looking into the murder of his friend and won't stop until he finds answers.

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN

EXTRA ORDINARY is the story of Rose, a young girl with gifts that she tries to hide from. That is until she is put in a position where she can't hide much longer. PARASITE is writer/director Joon-ho Bong's film about a family trying to find their way with jobs being scarce. When Ki-woo poses as an English tutor, the mayhem beings!

The evening brings the Filmmaker Awards Show along with an afterparty. It is a celebration with awards for the films voted on by the audience. It's always fun to see if my list matches the winners.

The final day of the San Diego International Film Festival starts with Culinary Cinema at the Arclight as San Diego Chefs bring their enticing delicacies. It is always a fantastic time to mingle with fellow foodies to talk about the films seen so far at the festival.

TEMBLORES is a story of man coming to terms with who he is and the fallout in his family, the community and a society that just isn't ready. The Dead Soldier is the story of Jacob Panton who is mortally wounded in Afghanistan. In the operating room he is brought back and this is his story.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD is the story by Francois Ozon that tells of three men who refuse to remain silent about a priest's abuse. The Best Global Cinema Winner and Feature Winner  will be announced at the Filmmaker Awards and shown on the final day. A HIDDEN LIFE is the story of Franz Jagerstatter who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II and the threat of execution for treason.

Finally, to end the San Diego International Film Festival of 2019 is MARRIAGE STORY. Staring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda and Ray Liotta, the film is written and directed by Noah Baumback. It is the story of a marriage breaking up and still trying to keep a family together.

CLEMENCY

That's about it, that's everything that people can expect from the SDIFF this year and it is a full schedule so wear comfortable shoes! It is always a pleasure to be a part of the film festival as a moderator which I will be doing again this year for look for me while I ask questions and get you to ask even better questions.

For more on the SDIFF and to see the schedule or purchase tickets for films for the fantastic events and parties, please visit https://sdfilmfest.com/passes-and-tickets. Come be part of the scene!

Comic Con 2018 is Back!

Jeri Jacquin

Here is a look at Preview Night and a full schedule on Thursday!

Has it been a year already? Apparently so as San Diego gears up for Comic Con 2018 and if you have been downtown in the last few days you see the commotion as preparations are being made and hotels are filling up quickly. The anticipation is always part of Comic Con as fans prepare to invade the Convention Center with all things fun.

It all beings Wednesday, June 18th with Preview Night and as the name suggests, those lucky enough to hold badges are privy to some of the most amazing sites and sounds that Comic Con has to offer. There are games, toys, shirts, bags, pins, comic books and so much more and preview night is the first chance to walk away with so many goodies.

But that's not all as Comic Con and Warn Bros. Television bring the exclusive screening of the new series MANIFEST and another advanced screening of THE 100. Finishing off the evening is a brand new episode from the second season of FREEDOM FIGHTERS: The Ray. At the Horton Grand Theatre, New Line Cinema "Scarediego" offers badge holders a look at the 2018-2019 slate of horror films along with panels of special filmmaker guests.

Of course the town will be buzzing with parties and gatherings to celebrate the beginning of four more days of meeting up with friends, meeting new friends and experiencing everything from Ballroom 20 to Hall H and everything in between.

On Thursday, June 19, the day for me will begin with a trip to Hall H (no surprise right?) as the morning begins with 20th Century Fox's THE PREDATOR. Director Shane Black brings cast members Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Keegan-Michael Key, Trevante Rhodes, Jake Busey,Yvonne Strahovski, Thomas Jane and Augusto Aguilera to panel. The talk will turn to bringing their story and take to the iconic and recognizable franchise.

BBC America is welcomed to Hall H with their panel of DOCTOR WHO and the 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker and cast Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, Chris Chibail and executive producer Matt Strevens. What makes this so special is that the is the first time DOCTOR WHO has come with a panel before the next season begins so I'm sure the question and answer session is going to be full of questions.

DRAGON BALL SUPER brings Sean Schemmel and Christopher Sabat into the Dragon Ball world to bring special surprises and reveal things not before seen about the new movie.

AMC brings BETTER CALL SAUL and Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando and Giancarlo Esposito along with producers Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould to chat up about the fourth season returning on August 6th. Also, AMC brings a BREAKING BAD 10th Anniversary Celebration as Bryon Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito talk about their time on the series and the legacy of the series.

ASSASSINATION NATION brings the Russo Brothers to Comic Con to talk about how difficult this particular high school becomes when every phone in town is hacked meaning everyone sees everything! Director Sam Levinson and Bill Skarsgard, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef and Abra will be on hand to talk about the film.

Ballroom 20 brings their best as well with BEHIND THE SCENES OF FREEFORM'S SIREN. The cast and producers of the first season hit show are debuting at Comic Con to talk about what fans can expect from the next season at Bristol Cove. CHARMED comes to Comic Con in time to celebrate it's 20th anniversary and to talk about the reboot of the new series staring Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock and Rupert Evans along with producers Jennie Snyder Urman, Jessica O'Toole and Amy Rardin.

TELL ME A STORY comes to Ballroom 20 and is the project of Kevin Williamson who tells his version of such fairy tales as the Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Stars Paul Wesley and James Wolk are there to discuss the new series. Following this panel is another new series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES as Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Alex Kingston, and Owen Teale discuss the story created by author Deborah Harkness.

Bobcat Goldthwait's MISFITS AND MONSTERS brings panelists Jake Hurwitz, Amir Blumenfeld, Tara Lynne Barr and Karan Soni to talk about the series and the inspiration behind the truTV's anthology series. SYFY WIRE brings Aisha Tyler to Host the Great Debate with Felicia Day, Joe Manganiello, Adam Savage, Janet Varney, Orlando Jones and John Barrowman in to debate anything and everything with the fans casting a vote for the best argument - now that's going to be fun!

Netflix brings Marvel's IRON FIST and scoops about Danny Rand and Colleen Wing on season 2. Marvel's head of television Jeph Loeb will be on hand and a few surprises as well.

At the Indigo Ballroom Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the day begins with the 6th ANNUAL MUSICAL ANATOMY OF A SUPERHERO as the panel gives a peek into the music that makes films even more amazing. Composers Tyler Bates, Marco Beltrami, Christophe Beck, Kurt Farquhar and Blake Neely talk about their projects and share more of their work.

SYFY brings the new series from George R.R. Martin set in 2093 with NIGHTFLYERS.

The most expensive ship every built journey's through space and the crew learns the horrors aren't on the outside, but actually on the inside of their ship. Producers Jeff Buhler, Gene Klein and David Bartis join stars Eoin Macken, Gretchen Mol, David Ajala, Jodie Turner-Smith and Angus Sampson are on hand to talk about the new and exciting series.

Z NATION brings cast members DJ Qualis, Kelita Smith, Russell Hodgkinson and Karl Schaefer to the panel to talk zombies and what is coming to the 5th season of the series. The Netflix Original Series BLACK SUMMER is the spin off to Z NATION as fans get a first hand look at what is to come and how shocking the story might be.

The day wouldn't be complete without wandering downtown to see all the exhibits and hands on fun that can be had where ever you look. I have to admit that's probably the best ending to my day is experiencing all that keeps downtown lively! So this is just a little peek inside what is coming on Preview Night and Comic Con's first full on Thursday.

There are so many panels that discuss everything from art work in comics to story ideals and voice work for all things animation. Costumes and cosplay galore will be everywhere and all I can say is make sure your camera battery is charged and you are carrying a spare.

I hope to see you all at the Convention Center and remember, even if you didn't get a badge this year, there is so much to do, see and experience at Comic Con. Come early, dress appropriately, wear comfy shoes and bring water to stay hydrated while going from fun to fun.

I'll have Friday's line up for you next!

Comic Con 2017: Day Four Keeps Everyone on the Go!

Jeri Jacquin

We are on Day Four and the magic keeps happening. This definitely has been a Comic Con filled with surprises, a lot of fun and aching feet that are ignored (hey, a good soak does wonders). Being this is a Saturday; families will be out in full force to enjoy the outdoor experiences but also hitting the convention floor to find more one-of-a-kind toy or comic book.

The amazing day begins with MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: The Return. This show was the highlight of my weekends and I will admit that I have not laughed that much in a long time. A panel will be held at the Horton Grand Theater so be there! Later Joel Hodgson along with Felicia Day, Jonah Ray, Hampton Yount and Rebecca Hanson will talk all things MST3K!

Hall H begins with a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation to include what they have coming and exclusive footage. Chris Hardwick talks Steven Spielberg’s READY PLAYER ONE with Spielberg Tye Cheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn and Zack Penn to talk. Also on hand is BLADE RUNNER 2049 directed by Denis Villeneuve. Don’t think that the superhero universe goes without a blip on the radar as Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher are in it for JUSTICE LEAGUE. Want an early look at Aquaman? Well I’m sure you will be accommodated.

On television, ABC’s ONCE UPON A TIME brings teases for its seventh season and Henry all grown up with a daughter of his own! That’s going to be an interesting story to be told. Cast and crew will be on hand to talk about those moments we are all wondering about.

My guilty pleasure is the CW show THE ORIGINALS! Returning for another season there are so many questions I need answered and only the show’s executive producer Julie Plec can answer them – but she won’t and I know that. I’m still watching! The series RIVERDALE will also bring a presentation along with a Q&A that gives a take on small town life and a new season coming October 11 on the CW.

FOX brings the bad boy back for a Q&A and the series that has everyone talking LUCIFER. This is a show that isn’t exactly what one would think when hearing that name, Lucifer, which is probably why it is a smash hit. It is a world like no other!

STAR TREK: Discovery is the new show on CBS this fall that follows another crew on voyages. A panel with cast and the minds behind the new series will be there to ask all things Star Trekky!

DC’s LEGENDS OF TOMORROW offer up the story of 2017 Los Angeles where dinosaurs seem to be taking up parking spaces and Big Ben is there. Breaking time the superhero’s need to find answers and do what super heroes do!

THE EXPANSE comes to Comic Con as SyFy has once again created a world that is amazing and hundreds of years into the future. Catch up if you will as another season is here and the panel is eager to talk about it all.

What would Comic Con be without THE SIMPSONS. Matt Groening, Al Jean and Matt Selman are ready to share secrets, surprises and what’s coming in the new season.

FOX brings another favorite with FAMILY GUY with Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mike Henry and John Viener preview next season and an exclusive look at their 300^th episode. I mean seriously, 300 episodes means they level of epicness will be amazing. Following up is AMERICAN DAD! As the Smith’s of Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes, Rachael MacFarlane, Dee Baker and executive producer Zack Rosenblatt talk about the July 24^th season premier.

NBC rolls out its new show of the supernatural with MIDNIGHT, TEXAS. Fans will see the premiere episode along with a Q&A session with cast Francois Arnaud, Dylan Bruce, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Arielle Kebbel, Jason Lewis, Peter Mensah and Sarah Ramos as well as the author of Midnight, Texas Charlaine Harris.

HBO brings their mega-hit WESTWORLD with a panel discussion including Ben Barnes, Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Ed Harris (gawd I love that man!), Luke Hemsworth, James Marsden, Simon Quarterman, Rodrigo Santoro (okay I love him too), Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright and Thandie Newton back to talk all things dark and western!

NETFLIX brings the crazy hit STRANGER THINGS to Comic Call with a panel discussion on what is to come for Season 2 and giving fans of the show a look at footage of what is going to happen come this October! Are you kidding me…I have to wait that long??

Marvel Studios is also bringing president and producer Kevin Feige in to talk about the expanding Marvel Universe and I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises for everyone.

Finally, bad-ass Charlize Theron heads up the Entertainment Weekly panel of Women who Kick Ass. Theron has made her popularity in diverse roles in such films as MAD MAX: Fury Road, THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and PROMETHEUS. Her new film ATOMIC BLONDE is on my list of don’t miss…ever!

There is only one more day of Comic Con and basically that means there is still a ton to see and do as well as make time to charge my cell phone – nah, let it go because there is too much fun to be had.

A good nights sleep and it’s off for the final day – stay with me kiddies!