A thrilling Cannes-inspired current is sweeping through San Diego September 23 – 27, 2009. Though more petite than larger film festivals across the globe, San Diego Film Festival puts a universal spotlight on our fine city with the arrival of rising stars, anticipated premieres and exclusive after-parties.

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San Diego Film Festival-goers can create their own experience with everything from film premieres, to industry access through educational panels, intimate filmmaker and celebrity gatherings and nightly parties. In years past, the Festival has hosted premieres of Garden State and The Assassination of Richard Nixon, while welcoming such celebrity guests as Joaquin Phoenix and Zach Braff. Check out 2008 SDFF pics.

What will you see this year? Expected celebrity guests are: Richard Dreyfuss, William Shatner, Barry Pepper, James Van Der Beek, Adrienne Barbeau, Kate Levering, Seymour Cassel, Charlene Blaine, Jason Mewes, Ray McKinnon, Walter Goggins, Joey Pantoliano, Ben Gourley, Kate Lowes and Taryn Mannin.

Discover a taste of the 2009 San Diego Film Festival (SDFF).

Get Creative: Co-founded by an award-winning filmmaker, SDFF is dedicated to supporting diverse, independent films. Each year there is an incredible line-up of over 75 films that showcase a wide range from new comers to films that go on to earn commercial success and win multiple Academy Awards. All film screenings are held at Gaslamp Theater on Fifth Avenue, and Q&A sessions with cast and filmmakers follow most screenings. Here is a sample of SDFF film categories.

Fresh Features: From wild comedies to edgy plotlines and heart-felt dramas, this series is comprised of world premieres mixed in with award-winning narratives from around the world, never before seen in San Diego.

Reel Life Docs: Based on true stories, our documentary section provides a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors— taking you places you might never have to chance to see and introducing you to people you will be glad you got to know

Local Love: A collection of films that features filmmakers who currently live in San Diego, were born in San Diego, or films that were primarily shot in San Diego County.

Green Screen: A fun, interactive short documentary series showcasing the simple things people around the world are doing to make our planet “green.”

Get Seen: San Diego Film Festival may focus on the premieres, but the after parties are what excite many of us local star-stuck fans. From Opening Night QG Lounge at Se Hotel to 944 Actors Ball & Awards Ceremony at Hotel Solamar, discover our picks for after parties you can’t miss.

Opening Night GQ Lounge Presented by Patron
Wednesday, September 23, Location: Se Hotel
9 p.m. – Midnight
Walk the red carpet and kick off the 2009 San Diego Film Festival in style at the Opening Night Feature Film Premiere — held at the Gaslamp Theater. Following the Q&A session, join the filmmakers for the Opening Night Premiere Party.

Industry Party Presented by Limelight Public Relations
Friday, September 25, Location: W San Diego
9 p.m. – Midnight
Slip into the industry with music, martinis and mingling! The industry party is a must-attend for anyone already in the business or looking to hang with the hip insiders.

944 Actors Ball & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, September 26, Location: Hotel Solamar
9 p.m. – Midnight
Our signature Actor's Ball features our biggest names and gives attendees the perfect opportunity to get glammed-up and rub shoulders with Hollywood's hottest.

Closing Night Wrap Party
Sunday, September 27 Location: Currant, The Sofia Hotel
9 p.m. – Midnight
Think: unwind, relax, soak it all in. It's been a great escape, and it's not over yet. After a fabulous five days of films, wind down at the official SDFF Wrap Party.

Co-founded by an award-winning filmmaker, San Diego Film Festival offers a fresh take on film premieres from American and international features to thought-proving documentaries, short films and music videos. The best way to experience all that the Film Festival offers is with a SDFF Pass. You can buy individual tickets to screenings, but pass holders have priority and are always admitted first to all screenings, parties, panels and events. For more details on premieres, panels and workshops, after parties and celebrity appearances, visit SDFF.org.

Want to win All Access Passes? Click here! View '08 party pics.

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