Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
The Center for World Music presents Oghlan Bakshi in concert. Step into the ancient musical world of Turkmenistan with Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad, known by the honorific Oghlan Bakhshi, roughly translated as “prodigious child bard.” In this rare solo performance, he brings to life a centuries-old tradition of dutar (two-string lute) playing and bardic singing passed down through generations of nomadic storytellers. His strumming evokes the galloping rhythms of horses across the steppes, while his guttural vocal ornamentation conveys the full range of nomadic emotions—from love and longing to sorrow and heroic struggle.
FANGAEA 2026 is coming Saturday, March 21, 2026! Where fan worlds collide and there is something awesome for everyone! You are invited you to be a part of the Awesomest Pop Culture and Fandom Convention - the SEVENTH Annual Fangaea (fan-JEE-uh)! Meet up with your posse and make new friends at the Fangaea family friendly fandom festivities! Sci fi, steampunk, comics, cosplay, art, video games, escape room, vendors, martial arts, virtual reality, and much more! We have something for everyone - Fangaea is where Fandoms join forces for fun!
Local archaeologist and historian Richard L Carrico will be joining us to talk about his latest book, El Presidio de San Diego; Excavating Southern California’s Lost City, where he uncovers San Diego’s first European settlement. Founded in 1769, the ruins of upper California’s first mission and fort lie buried beneath the landscaped hills in Presidio Park. Carrico’s extensive research on the presidio and its people include materials from Spanish archives housed in Mexico City and Berkeley, Kumeyaay oral tradition, and nearly a decade of archaeological excavation at the site - two seasons of which Professor Carrico himself directed. In this talk, he will delve into the men, women, and children who lived and died at the presidio. About the Lecturer: Richard Carrico is an Army veteran and award-winning author of non-fiction and historical fiction. He focuses on eclectic topics that vary from Indigenous people, Spanish colonial history, archaeology, and, most recently, true crime. Carrico grew up in San Diego, California and has travelled extensively in Mexico and France in search of archaeological sites. He taught history, anthropology, and Native American studies at San Diego State University for thirty years before retiring in 2024.
The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
The epic Baroque opera about the love story which shaped empires! George Frideric Handel’s opera “Giulio Cesare” (Italian for Julius Caesar) set London afire with its passionate music in 1723. In 2026, the drama and musical genius are coming to San Diego in Cinballera Entertainment’s dynamic production. Many consider this to be Handel’s greatest opera, if not the best opera of the Baroque period. An intrinsic component of its enduring popularity is its evocative subject matter, torn from one of ancient history’s most dramatic pages. When Roman general Julius Caesar conquers Egypt, he quickly finds himself conquered by the beautiful maiden Lydia. Little does he know that she is really Cleopatra, the brilliant Egyptian queen. Can romance and royal ambition survive the passion and devastation of war? This unique production honors tradition while creatively incorporating classical ballet to convey the intricate story more dramatically
Our annual fundraiser, reimagined to deepen your encounter with the people, cultures, food, song, and dance of those whom we serve! We're so excited to share that we've reimagined our annual fundraiser in order to deepen your encounter with the people, cultures, food, song, and dance of those whom we serve. We will be centering the stories of the families we've helped to resettle over the past year, inviting them to share what the first twelve months of life in San Diego has been like. It will be an unforgettable night! We hope you'll join us in celebrating the resilience of the human spirit together.
Enjambre is a Mexican indie rock band. It is composed of brothers Luis Humberto, Rafael, and Julián Navejas, their cousin Isaac Navejas, and Ángel Sánchez.
The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
The House of Iran lawn program begins with the usual speeches and National anthem, followed by a musical program. Professional dancers from Los Angeles and dancers from the local Persian Dance Academy will perform some of their traditional ethnic and folk dances in their authentic costumes. In addition, there will be reading of poems plus singing and playing of instruments.
The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
The epic Baroque opera about the love story which shaped empires! George Frideric Handel’s opera “Giulio Cesare” (Italian for Julius Caesar) set London afire with its passionate music in 1723. In 2026, the drama and musical genius are coming to San Diego in Cinballera Entertainment’s dynamic production. Many consider this to be Handel’s greatest opera, if not the best opera of the Baroque period. An intrinsic component of its enduring popularity is its evocative subject matter, torn from one of ancient history’s most dramatic pages. When Roman general Julius Caesar conquers Egypt, he quickly finds himself conquered by the beautiful maiden Lydia. Little does he know that she is really Cleopatra, the brilliant Egyptian queen. Can romance and royal ambition survive the passion and devastation of war? This unique production honors tradition while creatively incorporating classical ballet to convey the intricate story more dramatically
A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world? From BRUSH Theatre in South Korea, this touching and playful non-verbal show uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination.
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
The class begins with my teaching about Bronze Age history, the beginning of metallurgy, and the story of several swords. Next, everyone chooses their sword and I’ll demonstrate how to make sand casts. Afterwards, everyone gets to work making their molds and I circulate around helping. If you’d like to prep for class a bit, you can hear much of my information about Bronze Age history on my first appearance of How To Make Everything.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Enjoy a free concert of classical Persian music at Del Mar Library featuring master musician Kourosh Taghavi.Through the delicate tones of the setar and the poetry that inspires his work, Kourosh weaves a captivating performance of improvisation, storytelling, and musical dialogue—inviting audiences into a meditative and emotionally rich journey through one of the world’s great musical traditions.
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Indulge in an elegant evening celebrating our 5th Soirée Francophone, highlighting Egypt this year, set against a stunning view of San Diego Bay.
Savor a night of culture, flavors, and sophistication at our Soirée en Égypte. Guests will enjoy a traditional dinner (menu below), accompanied by live music and a singing performance by guest star Yasmina El-Abd.
Secure your place with our early-bird tickets—availability is limited for this exclusive event.
Dress code: Cocktail attire
An Egyptian and award-winning actress and singer whose career spans music, television, and cinema, Yasmina El-Abd gained international recognition through her role in the Netflix series Finding Ola. As a singer, she performed at the prestigious Grand Egyptian Museum Opening in Cairo. She represents a new generation of artists sharing modern Egyptian storytelling and creativity with the world and appeared on the Forbes Middle East 30 under 30 list.
Yasmina embodies a unique fusion of cultures and serves as an excellent ambassador for the Francophonie as she is Egyptian and Swiss.
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
Indulge in an elegant evening celebrating our 5th Soirée Francophone, highlighting Egypt this year, set against the stunning backdrop of San Diego Bay. Join us for a night of culture, flavors, and sophistication at our Soirée en Égypte, with distinguished guests Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, and Samy Shoker, Egyptian chess Grandmaster. Guests will be delighted by a singing performance from guest star Yasmina El-Abd, live music, and a traditional Egyptian dinner (menu below). Guests will receive a custom made Egyptian cookie, made by chef Noura from The Hidden Gazebo Eatery . This event is supported by Villa Albertine, Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, Organisation Internationale de la francophonie and Hatem Elshimy, Financial Planner with Principal®. Hatem helps individuals, families, and business owners with retirement planning, investment guidance, insurance needs, and long-term financial strategies. His goal is to help people gain clarity, make informed decisions, and build a more confident financial future.
In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, the Pope’s soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. By order of the cardinal, they have come to take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son. The child had been secretly baptized by his nurse as a baby and the papal law is unquestionable: he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo’s parents, distraught, will do anything to get their son back. Supported by public opinion and the international Jewish community, the Mortaras’ struggle quickly takes a political dimension. But the Church and the Pope will not agree to return the child, to consolidate an increasingly wavering power...
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
The most fearless and indomitable heroine in all opera is back! When Carmen tosses a flower to the soldier Don José, he becomes obsessed, leaving his post to join her band of smugglers. But when she loses interest and sets her sights on a bullfighter, Don José may not be able to handle the rejection. With a score packed with opera classics, including the "Habanera," the "Toreador Song," and one of the greatest overtures ever written, you'll be joining Don José as you fall under the spell of Carmen.
A historic gathering in Old Town honoring the legacy of Native American patriot Antonio Garra. This family-friendly event, hosted by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the First San Diego Courthouse Museum, features traditional bird singing, inspirational speeches, and cultural exhibits showcasing the rich heritage of Southern California's Native American communities.
Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is the Persian New Year celebrated for two weeks starting around the spring equinox. With over 3,000 years of history, it symbolizes renewal, hope and harmony with nature. Join this free event with music, dance and cultural crafts to welcome new beginnings.
With over 20 years of professional acting experience, Ben Cole has been seen on stage locally at The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Repertory Theatre, and many others. In addition to his work at NCRT, he is an adjunct professor of Theatre at Grossmont College. Cole earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Western Illinois University and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting/Directing from Central Michigan University, and studied acting through New York University in Ireland. He has experience acting, teaching, directing, and fight choreographing across the country, including work with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
Get ready for a one-night comedy takeover as Persians of Interest storms The Yellow Door for a high-octane stand-up showcase celebrating Nowruz with nonstop laughs. This special event brings together a killer lineup of sharp, fearless, and wildly funny comics serving up bold perspectives, big personalities, and crowd-rocking sets. Whether you’re Persian, Persian-adjacent, or just a fan of great stand-up, this show is built to hit hard and leave you smiling. ? Featuring: Persian Karen Awon Ray Cameron Noel Rod Dezzy Aaron Yankosky From clever cultural takes to universal chaos, Persians of Interest blends smart comedy, party energy, and late-night club vibes into one unforgettable night.
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
The most fearless and indomitable heroine in all opera is back! When Carmen tosses a flower to the soldier Don José, he becomes obsessed, leaving his post to join her band of smugglers. But when she loses interest and sets her sights on a bullfighter, Don José may not be able to handle the rejection. With a score packed with opera classics, including the "Habanera," the "Toreador Song," and one of the greatest overtures ever written, you'll be joining Don José as you fall under the spell of Carmen.
Founded in 1993, Drum Tao has redefined the art of Japanese taiko drumming by integrating it with modern performance elements. The ensemble’s rigorous training regimen, which includes daily physical conditioning and musical practice, ensures a level of precision and energy that is evident in every performance. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the rich traditions of Japan to audiences around the globe.
Back by popular demand, Drum Tao combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with acrobatics and stunning visuals, creating a dynamic performance that captivates audiences and transcends cultural boundaries.
Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
Founded in 1993, Drum Tao has redefined the art of Japanese taiko drumming by integrating it with modern performance elements. The ensemble’s rigorous training regimen, which includes daily physical conditioning and musical practice, ensures a level of precision and energy that is evident in every performance. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the rich traditions of Japan to audiences around the globe.
Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician Ravi Shankar. In its debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from the Ravi Shankar archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar’s soul-stirring music.
Back by popular demand, Drum Tao combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with acrobatics and stunning visuals, creating a dynamic performance that captivates audiences and transcends cultural boundaries.
Warwick's presents Jenelle Kim as she discusses and signs her new book, The Korean Art of Living Well: The Eight Keys of Living Meditation for Balance and Transformation. Dr. Jenelle Kim, DACM, L.Ac., is a Taoist longevity expert and ninth-generation doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, practitioner of qigong (moving meditation), and teacher of the eight keys of living meditation. She is the founder of JBK Wellness Labs, which develops innovative products in clean beauty and nutraceuticals. Dr. Kim's unique approach to meditation combines lessons on movement and natural medicine learned from a lifetime of studying Eastern philosophy, Eastern medicine, and martial arts. As a wellness expert, she has been featured in Forbes, Allure, Meditation Magazine, Time, and Good Morning America.
San Diego's first and only all-female salsa band, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) organization born out of a shared love for Latin music. The group brings together a talented roster of female musicians dedicated to moving and inspiring audiences throughout San Diego County through live salsa music.
Otaku Smash Matsuri is an in-person gathering for anime, manga, and gaming fans, featuring cosplay contests, competitions, and a full day of fandom celebration.
Tartan Day is usually observed by the House of Scotland on the first Saturday in April, honoring the achievements of people of Scottish descent throughout the world. Music and dancing are highlighted on stage, featuring the House of Scotland Pipe Band and other area performers. The lawn is filled with clan tents, vendors, traditional foods, children's activities, and a resale shop.
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Hanabie is a Japanese metalcore band that fuses elements of J-pop, electronic music, and heavy breakdowns. Their unique sound combines high-energy instrumentals with catchy, melodic vocals, creating an exciting contrast. With a rising global fan base, they are gaining recognition as one of Japan’s most innovative metal acts. The band consists of singer Yukina, guitarist/singer Matsuri, bassist Hettsu, and drummer Chika.
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Due to its 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, Paris is often credited as the birthplace of Art Deco. Known as the City of Lights, its sophisticated urban lifestyle and historical association with cutting-edge art and architecture made Paris an international magnet. In the aftermath of World War I, creative designers and intellectuals flocked to the city. Receptive to new and imported materials and exotic designs, they incorporated motifs from Africa, Asia, Mesoamerica — and especially Egypt — into meticulously crafted luxury items. This first lecture in the series explores Art Deco's popularity during the waning days of colonialism and the rise of modernism.
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- Saturday, March 25
