After over 30 years of film celebration on the Central Coast, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is ready to commence once again this Thursday, April 24.
Since its founding in 1993, the festival has obtained recognition as an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival for Documentary Short Films alongside receiving a spot on the MovieMaker Magazine’s list of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals worldwide.
SLO Film Fest 2025 will feature over 100 films in local venues such as The Palm Theatre, Fremont Theatre and Downtown Centre Cinema. Films will be screened all day throughout the festival, ranging from narrative and documentary style features and shorts to music videos. This year, the festival will also include four behind-the-scenes panels, introducing topics such as “How to Finance your Indie Film.”
Embedded within this year’s Film Fest are five special events, including the fan favorite Surf Nite in SLO. Since its debut in 2006, this event has nurtured a collective space to celebrate and unite the local surfing community.
Surf Nite will take place on Friday, April 25 and feature three short films, including the World Premiere of “Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story.” Peterson, a Santa Barbara local and World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour competitor, is honored in this film for her impressive surfing milestones and positive mindset towards life.
Other special events of the festival include the second annual Community of Skate screening on April 26. Alongside the screening of three skate-centered films, the night will include live music, a showcase of custom skateboard designs, a conversation with pro skaters and live screen-printing with the SLO High School Advanced Graphic Design class.
Short Cuts will occur on Monday, April 28 and feature six short films created by Cal Poly students. Tickets are $5 for students.
Audience members are eligible to vote for featured films they hope to receive audience awards. Voting will take place after each screening and can be casted outside of exit doors or online.
To attend the 2025 SLO Film Fest, there are a wide variety of ticket and package options to suit every viewer’s needs. From all-access passes to individual screening tickets and everything in between, each option can be carefully considered and purchased on the festival’s website. Special discounts are available to students interested in attending.
