The 2024 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) is pleased to announce that it has been named on MovieMaker Magazine’s annual list of the “coolest” film festivals in the world.

Ian and Katie Bignell of Festival Formula fame, part of the magazine’s “panel of cool” explain, “This festival…has an enviable location in beautiful wine country, with the Nine Sisters peaks as its backdrop. The festival takes place at the historic Fremont Theatre and hosts packed gala screenings. In addition to impressive screenings, the festival immerses attendees in the themes of the films. The annual Surf Nite features VW campers and surf boards outside, Hawaiian shirts inside, and musicians playing the sounds of the California shores. The festival offers carefully curated films, a delightful festival team, engaging industry sessions, and late-night networking, adding a touch of Tinseltown glamour to laidback life in SLO.”

“Having this recognition on a national stage just further confirms that we have something incredibly special and unique in San Luis Obispo,” said SLOIFF Executive Director Skye McLennan. “We can’t wait to continue to showcase amazing cinema and cool once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the 2025 festival!”

The 2025 edition of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival takes place from April 24-29. With a projected slate of over 125 narrative features, short films, documentary shorts and features, and music videos, the festival offers a broad spectrum of fare for serious cinephiles, devoted film buffs and casual movie fans. Its signature Surf Nite returns along with last year’s hit addition, Community of Skate. Updates on next year’s festival can be found at https://www.slofilmfest.org/.

“Set in one of the loveliest places for a film festival, SLO feels far from the hustle of L.A. even though it’s a pleasant drive away. I attended this year and was very impressed by the films, the venues — especially the gorgeous Fremont Theater — and the events,” said MovieMaker Editor-in-Chief Tim Molloy. “The Q&A between Heather Graham and The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner was one of the most thoughtful and candid live Q&As I’ve ever seen. Festival executive director Skye McLennan and her team do an amazing job of making everyone feel welcome, relaxed and entertained. And Surf Nite is a fun, bring-out-the-whole-community kind of event that felt totally unique and special.”

About San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
Celebrating its 31th anniversary in 2025, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is a six-day annual event, showcasing creative, diverse, and impactful works from around the world in a wide variety of venues, from the city’s classic art deco Fremont Theatre, to the vintage Palm Theatre. The 2025 festival will run from April 24-29. Tickets and festival passes can be purchased here.

Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo with laid-back vibe and serene natural beauty is the perfect setting for this highly regarded annual film celebration. Filmmakers rave about the warmth and attentiveness that is so much a part of the SLO Int’l Film Festival experience, as do the industry pros and film critics who are fast discovering the fest’s thoughtful audiences and unique programming sensibility.