The 23rd Annual San Diego International Kids' Film Festival (SDIKFF) is about to kick off on the weekend of August 21st through the 23rd 2026. Since 2003, SDIKFF has created a platform geared to supporting family-friendly projects from all over the world.
The film festival is spread across three different venues throughout the city of Carlsbad; those being the Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library, the Carlsbad Senior Center and the MiraCosta Concert Hall.
With over 120 films from 34 different countries, SDIKFF offers a wide variety of viewing experiences. Film categories include feature length, live action shorts, animation shorts, as well as youth and child-made films. There are also multiple non-video sections, such as music, screenplays, and audiobooks.
One of the features in the live action shorts category is "Binky's Revenge" directed by Vickie Rose Sampson. Sampson boasts a 4-decade career as a sound editor, with work on award-winning film including Donnie Darko and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Sampson has directed 8 short films with "Binky's Revenge" being the latest release. This short film is a family friendly story of a vengeful cat and its forgetful owners.
SDIKFF supports young filmmakers with its youth category. Inspired by his own academic struggles, teen director Timothy Lindenfelser's short film "Dyslexia" gives a voice to the millions of students with learning disorders.
The Animation Film Block is one of the most anticipated parts of the festival. The lineup this year includes "Mr. Alex: The Hamster Who Wanted to Be Free" directed by Soudabeh Etessami. This film is an introspective journey that is focused on showing its audience how all creatures can yearn for freedom, shown through the relationship between Etessami, her 5-year-old daughter, and a pet hamster.
SDIKFF features films from all over the world. Huaxin Yang's "Three Teenagers Walking Together" is a coming-of-age film about three young strangers in China brought together by film. Japanese director Shinra Mizumine's debut film "Blue! The Big 'ol Whale Flies in the Sky" depicts a boy shut-in his room who becomes friends with two other misfits. The relatable themes of friendship and the trials of adolescence connect with viewers of all cultures.
Sunday night's Award Ceremony will honor filmmakers with a variety of performances. The VIP School of Music returns once again to share the power of rock, while Ukrainian opera crossover singer Sofia Polansky brings classical techniques to modern music. Naad Studios introduces audiences to the beauty of Indian classical dance. Awards will be presented by representatives of the Miss Oceanside Pageant.
San Diego International Kids' Film Festival would like to thank their sponsor Holiday Inn & Suites.
Tickets are available at Ticketbud and on-site at the festival. For more information, visit https://sdkidsfilms.org.
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