Review of San Diego Short Film Festival

After a year of film festival experience, I can say, hands down, this is one of the most special and beautifully curated festivals in the world. James Kirby and his team have an innate eye for amazing films and have created a space to celebrate film and filmmakers.

The unique space Kirby creates is unlike any other found in other festivals. Not only do you get to see an amazing collection of films, he creates a space for filmmakers to gather, share and celebrate their accomplishments in a supportive environment. It was fun to have everyone celebrate each other when the wins were announced!

Any filmmaker lucky enough to be part of this film festival will share the same sentiments. I thank James and his team for providing such a beautiful environment for all filmmakers!!! Thank you and good luck to all new filmmakers!!!

The San Diego Short Film Festival exceeded all expectations from the initial contact on Film Freeway to the unforgettable awards night, every detail was impeccably organized. Participating with our very own short film was an inspiring experience that motivated us to learn and create even more. This festival truly raised the bar for film festivals, the red carpet and engaging Q&A sessions and captivating screenings. Meeting fellow filmmakers was a highlight, and the professionalism displayed by James Kirby was unparalleled. Our team that consisted greatly of kids as actors and production were included as Well as treated with the upmost professionalism. We felt rewarded for our hard work and can’t wait to return next time for more cinematic magic!

As a beginning filmmaker straight out of university and my first real festival experience for my short film, this festival was absolutely incredible! This is the first film festival where my partner and I won an award for our short film as well! I am very appreciative of the opportunities the festival provided me especially with the networking events where I met new and experienced creators. The staff is very accommodating and incredibly friendly. They really made this festival one to remember! I hope to continue submitting works and working with this local festival and the wonderful people who put it on and contribute!

This short film festival was my first and will definitely not be my last. Everyone was so kind and supportive and treated everybody’s films with respect. Even though this was a new festival that just started I can see it having a very promising future. The award ceremony is very amazing and helps with a lot of networking, nothing but amazing things to say about this festival. I’m local to San Diego and will continue to upload my films to this festival. Very special thank you to James Kirby.

Stepping into the San Diego Short Film Festival was an exhilarating experience. The welcoming and friendly organizers made us feel right at home. We were impressed by the festival’s diverse lineup, featuring everything from thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming comedies. The intimate Q&A sessions with filmmakers were a highlight, offering rare insights into their creative processes. This festival truly celebrates life, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

This is a great festival that shows genuine enthusiasm and interest in the entries. James Kirby went out of his way by sending beautiful photos when I was not able to attend in person. I highly recommend this festival and am honored that The Girl Who Faded Away was screened there.

I cannot say enough good things about this festival. From opening to closing, everything was well planned and our entire team had an amazing experience. James Kirby’s ability to put together an event of this magnitude is unmatched.

San Diego Short film festival was really well organized and I was really impressed with the other short films !

Thanks James and team !

This was my first film festival, and I did not know what to expect. I rate it a 5 out of 5! The films that were there were quite good, and in a variety of genres. The variety kept me interested, because there was always something new. The venue was fantastic. It is a small theatre with very comfortable seats. It even had a concession stand with all the goodies. The festival had a film-maker meet and greet, and the award ceremony was at a lovely restaurant. I will definitely go again!

We were so excited to be a part of SDSFF and screen our film for the first time, “Ephemeral.” It was so great meeting all the other filmmakers, and James Kirby created a welcoming and friendly space. The other films were very good and a diverse collection of films! Can’t wait to attend another SDSFF in the future.

I had the best experience with SDSFF! Even though I couldn’t be there in person, James Kirby made sure I still felt included. I received great feedback on my film, “The Flower Bike Man”, and was so happy my film could be a part of this festival! Great organization and great people!

The San Diego Short Film Festival is one of the best festival experiences I’ve had as an Actor. They genuinely support creators at all levels of the filmmaking process. It was an absolute honor to have our World Premiere with the SDSFF. Thanks for everything!

My animated short films, “Ant Hotel,” and “Vestige,” had the honor to both be awarded in the festival thanks to James’ invitation. Although I couldn’t attend the events in person, I still had a great experience. I hope the best for the festival and its teams!

Had a great time this weekend at the SDSFF! Came all the way from Kansas City to support “Meal Ticket” And all of the other great films and filmmakers. Very well run and the staff was super friendly!! jj

I was very impressed by Mr. Kirby and his staff promoting and executing the event. I couldn't attend the awards ceremony because I had a migraine, but Mr. Kirby delivered my trophy personally! Thank you!

I had a wonderful time at the exceptionally run San Diego Short Film Festival. From start to finish it was perfectly organised, from a pre-networking event to the awards ceremony at the after party.

The selection of films was diverse and thought-provoking and the team did a brilliant job at making everyone feel special and involved.

Will definitely apply to the festival in the future, and I will treasure the memories and connections made thanks to SDSFF!

From the submission, to the feedback and communication along the way, to ironing out attendance concerns, to making me feel welcome, wanted, and valued: This was as positive experience that a new filmmaker could possibly have. Exemplary professionalism and passion. I want to be like James when I grow up.

Festival Director James Kirby organized a fantastic Festival. His team is friendly and supportive.