La Costa Film Festival

The La Costa Film Festival offers an unparalleled experience as a true destination festival. Hosted by the world renowned Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, which combines the glamour of Hollywood with an idyllic coastal village setting. Located in Carlsbad by the Sea, whose motto is, “casual yet intimate, relaxed yet unforgettable," this coveted jewel in North San Diego County is known for gorgeous beaches, ideal year round climate, and unlimited sports options. You'll also enjoy fabulous gourmet restaurants with local farm to table cuisine, international award winning craft beers, and the best in boutique wineries. It is home to such sports industry giants as Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cobra, as well as family focused attractions such as LEGOLAND, ‘The Flower Fields,’ and the Museum of Making Music. Don't forget the nearby world renowned San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, and Disneyland is only an hour away. With so many options at your fingertips, it's easy to see why this is one of the fastest growing festivals in America. The Festival has attracted filmmakers and stars such as Andy Garcia, Ed Harris, Ron Shelton, John C. McGinley, Chris Noth and many more who are happy to share their insights about their craft and bring their vision to life. It's an incredibly intimate setting that allows you to feel fully immersed in the magic of filmmaking. A variety of FREE panels are also offered presented by the most sought after film industry experts. We look for every opportunity to increase your knowledge of the craft, and enhance your network of connections. The Festival invites new aspiring artists to participate in the ‘REEL PITCH’ competition, which has become an exciting platform for launching careers in the film industry. This event which has been described as a "Shark Tank" for filmmakers, offers a live presentation by 10 pre-qualified contestants to a panel of Hollywood Studio executives. They each will have 5 minutes to make their case for their unique idea, and win the support of the judges to help make it come true. At least one winner will be selected, and recognized at the Awards ceremony on Saturday night. It’s educational, tense, thrilling, and not to be missed! Filmmakers will enjoy full access to the Festival including the Opening Night 'Sip & Savor Gala - featuring fabulous cuisine from the finest local restaurants, the best of award winning local craft beers, exquisite boutique wines, and all complemented by fantastic live musical entertainment. Many additional special events will be available to extend your pleasure including the La Costa Stars Saturday Night Awards Gala, and the Filmmakers Sunday Brunch. Filmmakers have called the Festival, "one for your bucket list," and "a new gold standard." We invite you to experience it for yourselves. The Festival offers a wide selection of films each year, ranging from documentaries, features and shorts. We feature a special Sports Film competition with the winners chosen by a celebrity panel of judges selecting the best narrative, documentary and short film for recognition. Student filmmakers from our San Diego County area high schools participate in their own short film competition with cash and prizes up to $1000 in value. College students have their own short film competition with up to $2000 in cash and prize value opportunities. All three venues for screening are in close proximity which adds even more to the Festival's intimacy. Each one offers a unique and dynamic experience. We begin with the 1000 seat Center Court at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, which has been the site of world class professional tennis tournaments. It provides an unforgettable outdoor treat under the stars. The ultimate in pampering is provided by Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, and adjacent to that theater is the spacious, relaxed and state of the art Ruby Schulman Theater at the Dove Library. The film festival is operated through La Costa Dreams, a Carlsbad 501(c)3 public benefit organization.