San Diego Film Festival Unleashes Sizzling Lineup: "Rental Family," "Hamnet" and More Headed to Awards Circuit

San Diego Film Festival Unleashes a Cinematic Storm: Exclusive Lineup Revealed As the sun sets over San Diego's picturesque coastline, the city is about to become the epicenter of cinematic magic. The 2025 San Diego International Film Festival is just around the corner, and with it comes an electrifying lineup that promises to leave audiences breathless. From awards hopefuls to shorts, animation, and documentaries, this year's festival has something for everyone. The excitement begins on October 15th with Luca Guadagnino's highly anticipated "After the Hunt," starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield. This psychological thriller is just one of the many world premieres that will be showcased during the six-day event, which features films from a staggering 29 countries. But what makes this year's festival so special? According to Carole Horst, a seasoned film journalist who has been following the industry for years, "The San Diego Film Festival is strategically positioned in mid-October, right when awards season starts heating up. It's the perfect platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and get noticed by industry insiders." One of the most highly anticipated films in the Gala and Narrative Competition is Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet," starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. This historical drama tells the story of William Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, who died at a young age, leaving his father heartbroken. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, "Hamnet" is sure to move audiences to tears. Another standout film in the lineup is Hikari's "Rental Family," which boasts an all-star cast, including Brendan Fraser, Cole Webley, and John Magaro. This poignant drama explores the complexities of family dynamics through a unique lens – that of a rental property. With its thought-provoking themes and outstanding performances, "Rental Family" is sure to spark important conversations. But it's not just about the big-name stars and awards hopefuls; this year's festival also features an impressive lineup of shorts, animation, and documentaries. From the quirky humor of "Rebuilding," directed by Max Walker-Silverman, to the visually stunning "Outerland," directed by Elena Oxman, there's something for every taste and preference. We spoke with several filmmakers who will be showcasing their work at the festival, and they all shared a common sentiment: this year's lineup is one of the most diverse and exciting in recent memory. "The San Diego Film Festival has always been a haven for emerging talent," said Jessie Buckley, star of "Hamnet." "I'm thrilled to be a part of it this year." As the festival gets underway on October 15th, audiences can expect an unforgettable experience that will leave them eager for more. With its unique blend of awards hopefuls, shorts, animation, and documentaries, the San Diego International Film Festival is poised to become one of the most talked-about events in the industry. So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and get ready to immerse yourself in a cinematic storm that will leave you breathless. The San Diego Film Festival is coming, and it's not to be missed! *Based on reporting by Variety.*