Hosted at the lovely Museum of Photographic Arts(http://www.mopa.org) in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Theater, the annual Women’s Film Festival was what I would consider a great success Thursday afternoon I was privileged to attend the Shorts By Youth program first, a grouping of films made by and for young people. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater is most likely one of the cleanest theaters I’ve ever been fortunate enough to sit in, and they obviously revere the movie-going experience, right down to the twinkling light-stars on the ceiling. Thursday evening was the Preview Night and Kick Off party at the Whistle Stop Bar (http://www.whistlestopbar.com/), where I was treated to fine drink and dancing and DJ’s, some previews, and even some fine live entertainment put on by Teatro Las Chicanas.

Friday through Sunday meant more movies and Q&A sessions with many directors and filmmakers. Unfortunately I missed the closing night Award Ceremony, but I’m sure it was a fine party.

The San Diego Women’s Film Foundation (http://sdwff.org/home.html) , in their 5^th annual Film Festival,paid homage to the trials and triumphs of women around the world in the best way possible, through  wonderful film celebration, and I cannot wait to go next year! 

Comprised mainly of short film collections, here is the list of movies I saw. (pls link to SDWFF Movies reviewed here)

The List of Awards:

Distinguished Filmmaker Award: Eunhee Cho, “Inner Circle Line”

Special Jury Award: “Happiness” by Sophie BarthesBest Documentary Award:“Women in Struggle” by Buthina Khoury and “Tigerwomen Grow Wings” by Monika TreutBest Narrative Award: “Second Egyptian” by Irina PatkanianBest Experimental Award:“Legacy” by Inge BlackmanHonorable Mention Award:“Love It or Leave It” by Dara GreenwaldBest of San Diego Award: “Well Dressed” by Elyse MontagueBest Youth-made Award:“Dear Diary” by Shantel Artlantico, Tierra Jenkins, Carolann Hensley, Debra Flores, Camery & MerissaAudience Choice Award: “Snowbirds” by Tamara Garfield