Spring Showcase, April 20-27, 2012
How to Festival
Directed by Adam Lee, Roland Lazarte, and Esther Chung
HOW TO FESTIVAL
If you are new to the festival, or have attended in the past (but only watched a film or two), then this insight is for you. Attending a film festival can be overwhelming, we’ve compiled some tips on how to maximize your experience.
CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE
Think of the 9-day festival as a getaway or a mini vacation. Whether you spend a day, a weekend, or the entire two weeks watching films, you’ll get the most by simply planning ahead.
If you REALLY want to treat your festival experience as a vacation or "staycation," consider staying at one of our hotel partners so you don’t have to drive home between film screenings. We have discounted hotel rooms here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Nearly every day of the festival, SOMETHING EXTRA is going on. Whether it’s a reception, art show, live music, film discussion, gala awards dinner, or karaoke, these special events are what make the festival experience.
BE IN THE KNOW - GET CONNECTED
Because we're all so busy, make it easy on yourself to get the latest festival information by subscribing to our eNewsletter, our Facebook fan page, or Twitter.
Get festival updates on your cell phone. Simply text "SDAFF" to 53137.
BECOME A MEMBER, GET THE PASS
As a member, you get special benefits which include the All-Festival Pass, discounted tickets, exclusive member screenings and events during the festival and throughout the year.
Only members are able to purchase an All-Festival Pass, which is the most ideal way to experience our festival. With front-of-line privilege, there’s no waiting in lines, and the Pass gives you unlimited access to all film programs (as long as you arrive 15 minutes before showtime). To learn more about membership, click here.
FESTIVAL ON A BUDGET
Save money on tickets by purchasing online or in bulk .
We also offer Free Films weekdays at 4PM, thanks to the Hom Family Foundation.
Also, the following merchants are offering happy hours or food discounts throughout the festival if you show your festival ticket:
| Randy Jones All American Grill | 20% off non-happy hour drinks and food |
| Sansai Japanese Grill | 3-6 PM daily happy hour |
| Applebee's | 20% off order with festival ticket (Hazard Center location) |
| Smashburger | Free Smashfry with entrée purchase | Joe’s Crabshack | $10 Steampot | Zino's | 20% off makeup service |
READ & WATCH
With more than 160 films, Q&As live music, and a star-studded gala awards dinner, the only way to really know what’s going on is read through our detailed film list, which breaks down films by schedule, country, genre, and areas of interest. Many of the film descriptions include trailers and reviews.
We will post our 2011 program booklet online soon!
MORE TIPS
- Bring a sweater. Sometimes the theaters get cold.
- Show up at least 15 minutes before each show. Come earlier to enjoy vendors and artwork in the lobby, or support one of the area merchants.
- Clean up after yourself after each show. This helps us turn around auditoriums faster.
- Be BOLD! Choose a film program that you wouldn’t normally see, you’ll be glad you did.