The publication, which is dedicated to covering the art and business of filmmaking, released its 2024 list of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World on Oct. 11.
Due to a couple of ties, the list featured events around the world that captured “hearts and souls” of movie lovers, MovieMaker said.
The publication did not numerically rank festivals, instead profiling individual places that evoke a particular vibe.
“A cool festival is one where you just feel comfortable from the moment you’re welcomed in — but also encouraged to think bigger about your life and what you want to do with it,” MovieMaker said.
Syke McLennan, executive director of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, said she was overjoyed that the festival made MovieMaker’s list once more .
“My reaction was feeling extremely honored to be in the company of festivals we know and love,” she said. “It felt very unique and special.”
Why is SLO film festival among coolest in the world?
Founded in 1993, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival landed on MovieMaker’s list due to its “enviable location,” “impressive screenings” and red-carpet galas featuring celebrities such as Josh Brolin and Heather Graham, the publication said.
“The festival offers carefully curated films, a delightful festival team, engaging industry sessions, and late-night networking, adding a touch of Tinseltown glamor to laid-back life in SLO,” MovieMaker said.
The SLO film festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, typically features screenings of more than a hundred movies at venues across San Luis Obispo County, including the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo and Park Cinemas in Paso Robles.
The King Vidor and Independent Film Awards were held March 18, 2018, at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo as part of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Laura Dickinson/ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
It also offers popular events such as Surf Nite in SLO, which showcases movies about surfing.
When the festival returns in April 2025, attendees should expect more diverse offerings and thought-provoking independent cinema, McLennan said.
Surf- and skateboarding-themed events are already in the works, she said, along with live music and culinary offerings.
Big-wave surfers are the subject of the documentary “The Big Wave Project,” making its North American premiere as part of Surf Nite in SLO at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Tim Bonython Productions
Which other California film fests made the list?
In total, nine California events landed on MovieMaker’s 2024 list of the world’s coolest film festivals.
The publication praised Cinequest in San Jose for its “class, cinema and innovative thinking,” while Framline in San Francisco earned accolades for creating community and playing films at “the voguest venues in town.”
Here were all of the coolest California film festivals, according to MovieMaker:
Actress Pam Grier accepts the King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking on Saturday at the Fremont Theater in downtown San Luis Obispo during the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Named after the Oscar-winning director of “War and Peace,” the King Vidor Award is the festival’s highest honor. Laura Dickinson/ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
How were film festivals selected?
MovieMaker created the lineup by assembling what it called a “panel of cool” composed of filmmakers and experts who recently had successful film festival runs.
It included filmmakers Hadley Austin, Ramone Menon and Michael Taylor Jackson. Participants were tasked with sharing their “on-the-ground experiences” and “fondest festival memories” from around the world, MovieMaker said.
Audience members watch a video reel featuring clips from actress Pam Grier’s movies on March 17, 2018, at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo during the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Laura Dickinson/ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
When is the next SLO International Film Festival?
San Luis Obispo International Film Festival will take place from April 24 to 29, 2025.
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