Oceanside, CA - Get ready for the 8th Annual Oceanside International Film Festival that runs from August 1 - August 5. Presented by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation, this year's line-up includes an impressive array of film industries stars and filmmakers.

The festival line-up includes a different sponsoring theme each night, leading up to the OIFF 2018 Awards Ceremony on Sunday. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Oceanside hometown comedian, Vicki Barbolak, who is also a current contestant on "America's Got Talent".

Sterling Anno, Director of Programming for the Oceanside International Film Festival said, "The Oceanside International Film Festival is one of the only film festivals in North County and is hugely popular among locals for showcasing innovative cinema in the film and television industry, including a diverse slate of local artists." continued Anno, "The 2018 OIFF is shaping up to be the biggest ever with excitement growing over the special premiere screening of TNT's crime drama, Animal Kingdom, which is filmed in Oceanside."

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala on Wednesday are SOLD OUT, but the public is encouraged to come out and watch the Red Carpet arrival of the stars, filmmakers and local celebrities starting at 6pm. Festival passes are still available for admission on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

6:00 pm – Red Carpet arrival of film industries stars and reception of filmmakers at Brooks Theatre, 217 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054. This is a perfect photo opportunity in front of the OIFF Backdrop with complimentary refreshments & generous appetizers (food and first drink included with passes, world-famous San Diego County's craft beer is served)

7:30 pm – Opening Night Program Begins with a Special Screening of TNT's Hit Series, "Animal Kingdom" episode directed by series star, Shawn Hatosy. (Q&A to Follow Featuring Hatosy, series co-star Carolina Guerra & Co-producer/writer Daniele Nathanson)

9:00 pm – Filmmaker Cocktail Hour in the Brooks Lobby. Enjoy the rest of Opening Night by Getting to Know your Fellow Alums!

The Opening Night episode features the directorial debut of star Shawn Hatosy, known by fans for playing the complicated eldest son "Pope" on the show. After the screening, Hatosy will appear in person for a Q & A session with audience attendees. Joining Hatosy on the Q&A panel will be Animal Kingdom co-star Carolina Guerra & co–executive producer and acclaimed writer Daniele Nathanson. Guerra is a Colombian actress, who starred in David S. Goyer's Da Vinci's Demons.

Attendees will preview episode 11 ("Jackpot") of the popular TNT series from Warner Horizon Scripted Television one week before its televised premiere. Animal Kingdom airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on TNT.

Episode 311: Jackpot – Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) – Smurf (Ellen Barkin) enlists the boys in a surprise job that results in devastating consequences. Meanwhile, Pope (Shawn Hatosy) is forced to confront the truth about Baz's murder as J (Finn Cole) steps up for the family in an unexpected way."

AUGUST 2, THURSDAY

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm – screening of films sponsored by Oceanside Theatre Company at Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054.

ANATOMY OF A CRIMINAL – Crime Drama Shorts:

Jump back into the underbelly of a dubious world with this devilish selection of shorts that mimics the many stages of a crime, from premeditation to forensics.

All In The Family – Emotional Dramas Block

From denial to eventual acceptance, the long road to emotional recovery can be a hard one to traverse. But with power in numbers, moving on is all but impossible. OIFF presents this look into the cinematic lives of many, as reality could only display.

AUGUST 3, FRIDAY

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm – screening of films sponsored by KOCT, at Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

KOCT's AgriTourism documentary was funded by the County of San Diego's Board of Supervisors 2017 – 2018 Community Enhancement Grant. The documentary produced and directed by Jacob Rush features interviews with Eric Larson from the San Diego County Farm Bureau, Local Farmers, City Staff, Restaurateurs, Chefs and Jason Mraz – Musician and Local Farm Owner. The program itself was edited by KOCT's Lead Editor, Miguel Blanco. There are beautiful aerial and landscape clips of South Morrow Hills highlighting unique AgriTourism destinations such as Merle Creek and The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. The documentary focuses on the importance of having sustainable farmland in the local community.

ONE OCEAN – Environmentalist Documentary Block:

A community favorite each & every festival edition; OIFF's annual block for environment friendly & conservationist minded documentaries is a section attendees look forward to seeing. Focusing a bit extra this year on the O in Oside, please enjoy these great selections on protecting both our ocean fauna & critical water supply.

AN ARTIST COLLECTIVE – Art Documentary Block

If the ocean is one of our city's primary highlights, then the community who lives along its coastline would be the other. Because artists and their great talents are what make this community so unique, this block of short documentaries will further celebrate creatives of differing backgrounds, mediums & philosophies.

AUGUST 4, SATURDAY

11:00 am to 10:00pm – Screening of films sponsored by Line39 & Branfman Law Group, at Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Women of the Industry – Panel Presentation

We start off our Saturday program strong with an in-depth panel discussion with the women whose contribution to the entertainment industry has aided in giving voice, rise & change to male dominated media.

Cirina Catania, Founder/Lead Creative at The Catania Group.

Teri Gamble is an international performing artist and drama coach.

Gloria Muriel is known for her urban art installations and public murals.

Aida Soria is a Segment Producer at Fox 5 San Diego.

Nina Garin produces and edits the KPBS/Arts Calendar.

(Admission to this Event is Included with a Single Day or Festival Pass)

The Surf Lineup – Annual Surfing Documentary Block

Every year, the Oceanside International Film Festival presents a carefully assembled session of surf themed documentaries. Experience a whole world united under a single ocean-lover's pastime.

Feature Documentary:

2:22 pm – Rodents of Unusual Size (San Diego Premiere)

The residents of Louisiana never know what will attack them next: floods, hurricanes, even monstrous swamp rats. Meet fisherman turned bounty hunter Thomas Gonzales and a pack of colorful diehards as they defend their land, culture, and way of life against the unforgiving forces of nature. It is man vs. rodent. May the best mammal win.

The Duality of Romance // Yin – Romantic Drama Block:

The powers of love & heartache should never be underestimated. This short block of films teaches us just that, focusing on romance as a force of nature to take seriously. These are not love stories, but rather stories about love.

The Duality of Romance // Yang – Romantic Comedy Block:

The powers of love & heartache should be celebrated whenever possible! This short block of films teaches us just that, focusing on romance as one of life's many sources of humor. These are not love stories, but rather satires about love.

Dark Side of the Ocean – Horror Shorts Block:

In anticipation for our undead finale, brace yourself for a harrowing handful of horrific shorts stories that'll certainly make you wish you hadn't dropped your keys at the car door.

8:15 pm – Night of the Living Dead – w/Live Original Re-Score from Morricone Youth

AUGUST 5, SUNDAY

11:00 am to 6:00 pm – screening of films sponsored by Alpha Graphics & Branfman Law Group, at Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

10:30 AM – Doors Open at Brooks Theatre.

Life Lessons – Youth Drama & Comedy Shorts Block:

Bring the whole family out to see this line up endearing tales of adventure, romance & the wise words of your elders. It all leads up to a screening of our equally child safe feature film, "It's Just a Game".

12:45 pm – It's Just a Game (San Diego Premiere)

A group of children begin playing a game of Nerf at Ryan's Birthday party when their imaginations get away from them, we see how each kid truly sees themselves.

2:15 pm – Mad Max w/Live Original Re-Score by Morricone Youth

4:45 pm – OIFF 2018 Awards Ceremony(Presented by Line 39)

Note: Our annual awards ceremony presents 2 sets of awards for each category of film at the festival: Jury Awards & Audience Choice.

6:00 pm – CONCLUSION OF OIFF 2018

To view the Full Schedule for the Official Lineup of the 8th Annual Oceanside Intl. Film Festival, visit: http://osidefilm.org/schedule/