about us
The San Diego Environmental Film Festival (SDEFF) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit created to inspire and affect social change through the mediums of film, art and storytelling.
our story
2021, Scene: SDEFF President, Cindy J. Lin had been dreaming of starting an environmental film festival for over a decade. Lindsay Bauman and Andrea Sanchez, vigorous young filmmakers, had just graduated from Scripps with their MS/MBC degrees, ready to make an impact through art on the ground. Samantha Murray, a long time public servant and fisheries advocate, handpicked by Cindy for the job, brought her legal and organizational expertise to the earliest days of the festival. Cindy gathered Samantha, Lindsay, and Andrea and soon after, SDEFF was born. As the ground work for the inaugural season continued to fall into place, Caroline - who had been dreaming of an environmental film festival for the region and brought expertise from EFFY and Mountain Film - found and joined the team. Together, these five women, lifted SDEFF off the ground, visioning and creating a film festival for the Mexicali Region that would get people off their couches and into the world - connected, invigorated, and advocating for what they believe in.
The team has grown and changed over the years (please see a list of our contributors here) and welcomes those who are interested in making a difference through art, advocacy, storytelling, and film, to collaborate. Please contact team@sdeff.com to get involved.
Building Art and Impact Together
The purpose of SDEFF is to inspire awe, engagement, and social change between people and our natural environment. Our mission is to curate an artistic, educational experience that uses film to bring people together, facilitate knowledge exchange, and effect social change.
We are thrilled to create a unique, inclusive and representative film festival focused on people, air, water and land, which all contribute to the long-term biodiversity of our planet. We hope to bring together diverse audiences and filmmakers to curate an artistic, educational experience that inspires action and positive impact.
Building Community for the Future of Our Planet
The San Diego Environmental Film Festival offers a platform for filmmakers from around the globe to present creative ideas, talent, and skills in service to the planet. We will amplify unheard stories, highlight emerging talent, enhance access to unique content, provide new opportunities for learning, and build community within and outside San Diego.
The films showcased by SDEFF will spark curiosity and inspire on-the-ground actions by new audiences
SDEFF Official Judges
The San Diego Environmental Film Festival Official Judges are a group of talented individuals who dedicate their time to reviewing films for their creativity, innovation and impact to our community. Our judges have a diverse background from scientists, business owners, and filmmakers. We are laser focused to bring films that tell a moving story that inspires each of us to act.
our people
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Lindsay Bauman, Exec Dir, Board, Founder
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Erika Rodriquez, Committee
Cindy J Lin, President, Board Chair, Founder
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Angel Morris, Judge
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Lauren Martin, Judge
Lauren Martin, Judge
Corey Cleary Stoner, Committee
Lauren Martin, Judge