It all began one day in 2005, when our Executive Director Victor Laruccia was with friends at the House of Italy in Balboa Park. A gentleman walked in and asked if they showed Italian films there. A cinephile since childhood, this got Victor’s gears turning. Why didn’t San Diego have an Italian film festival? After all, there’s such a rich history of Italians here.

That spark set fire to the Italian American Arts and Culture Association of San Diego, or as we’re known on the street, the San Diego Italian Film Festival (SDIFF). What started with a few screenings at the House of Italy has grown to year round programs in both San Diego and North County. With an average of 30 screenings per year, SDIFF is one of the most active arts and culture non-profit organizations in town. Italian and local professionals lead the organization curating, structuring and producing several projects throughout the year.