San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival has come to a successful conclusion. It was an incredible three days filled with an international slate of films.

The festival began with the animation block. Jeong-Byeon-Ji Kim, winner of the Best Directing in a Short Film Award for Hana Meets Hana, flew out all the way from South Korea to attend. The writer and director of Amazing Petunia’s Adventures, the Best Animated Short winner, also attended. It was great to hear their experiences working on animation.

Saturday’s highlight was the children’s film block. This was our most attended block of the festival. It was wonderful to have so many people supporting young filmmakers. Director and star of The Magic Stone Lux Elizabeth Wolett made an appearance. She won the award for Best Kids-Made Film. The celebration of young filmmakers continued on Sunday with the youth film block. Best Youth Director Mila Brener was present to discuss her film Not My Circus.

At the various panels, filmmakers had the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals, including award winning playwright Charles Carr, Script reader CHUCK SCOTT; casting director Samuel Warren, Sandra K. Horner ( Coach for actors);filmmaker Gary Nguyen, and producer James Manalisay; Investment banker Yuan Michael Fang, etc. The panels were an incredible success, with several actors and writers achieving opportunities to work on prospective film projects.

Interspersed throughout the festival were performances celebrating diversity. At Saturday’s Screenplay Showcase, Jennifer Gutierre directed a live adaptation of Cynthia Kern O’Brien’s children’s book Marky the Magnificent Fairy. This sweet story teaches children the importance of being kind to those with disabilities.

The award ceremony was filled with fantastic performances. Elena Castaneda gave a rousing mariachi performance, backed up by beautiful flamenco dancers. San Diego’s own Origin Hip Hop Performing Arts Academy and the Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance added an exciting energy to the night. Songwriter Regina Graham performed her award-winning song T.E.A.M. to the delight of the audience.