Party on

One thing the San Diego Film Festival has always been known for is its kick-ass parties. This year should be no exception. It’s a five-night festival, and there are six swanky parties on the schedule. You do the math. Film festival parties, of course, serve as more than just a chance to rub elbows with some of the celebrities in town to pimp films. You also have the opportunity to chat up the filmmakers whose work you’ve liked and who just aren’t famous yet. And if you’re one of those almost-famous filmmakers, there’s no better way to network at a festival than over a few cocktails.

Of course, CityBeat loves a good party—so much so that CityBeat film editor Anders Wright will take on hosting duties during the Thursday-night bash, the Filmmaker Meet & Greet, which starts at 9 p.m. at Lucky D’s, Downtown, right after the 6 p.m. “Local Love” collection of locally made movies, which includes Andrew Rubin’s Costco-sized love story, Love in Bulk. Most of the parties are available only to festival pass holders, but buying a pass for a day will get you into that night’s soirée. And, of course, buying a full festival pass gets you six parties for the price of five, as well as the panels on Saturday and, oh yeah, the movies.  Here’s a rundown of the party scene:

Opening Night Premiere Party @ Sé Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Filmmaker Meet & Greet @ Lucky D’s, 9 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, Sept. 24

Industry Party @ W Hotel, 9 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Sept. 25

Sunkissed Pool Party @ W Hotel, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Actors Ball & Award Ceremony @ Hotel Solamar, 9 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Sept. 26

Closing Night Wrap Party @ Currant Brasserie, 9 p.m. to midnight, Sunday, Sept. 27