
Coming Soon!
San Diego's only free outdoor short film and culinary showcase.
An event like no other.

San Diego's only free outdoor short film and culinary showcase.
An event like no other.
SYDNEY, 2001
It started with a lucky accident. Two friends, a few too many beers the night before, and a walk through the streets of Sydney. We followed a crowd of thousands carrying lawn chairs and coolers into a giant park. That day, we discovered Tropfest—the world’s largest short film festival. We sat in the grass for hours, mesmerized by 8-minute stories that were raw, funny, and profoundly human. No red carpets, no pretension—just cinema for the people. That afternoon never left us.
SAN DIEGO, 2020
Twenty years later, the timing finally felt right to bring that Australian energy to the California coast. We called it [krē’āt] cinema. The vision was set: a fusion of short films and San Diego’s culinary scene. We had the team, the branding, and a flagship launching pad at Stone Brewing in Escondido. Then, the world stopped. The pandemic forced us to hit "pause," but the reel never stopped spinning in the back of our minds.
TODAY, 2026
Some things are worth the wait. Six years after that near-launch and twenty-five years after that first spark in Sydney, [krē’āt] is back. This time, the community is hungrier, the storytellers are bolder, and the platform is stronger. Partnering with industry veteran Brian Michael Crowe, we are reclaiming the dream.
[krē’āt] isn't just an event; it’s a cultural landmark. It’s a celebration of the makers, the chefs, and the stories that define us.

[kre’at] culinary celebrates the endlessly inspiring relationship between food and film by showcasing the culinary scene of each [kre’at] market: everything from food trucks to gourmet restaurants.
Exclusive ‘red carpet’ Happy Hours around town.
The top casual eateries & food trucks that make San Diego’s food scene what it is coupled with your favorite breweries in the [kre’at] beer garden.
The finale of [kre’at] is the exclusive awards event of [kre’at] cinema where we reveal the top films of each season. Mix & mingle with film makers, stars, restauranteurs, & chefs, all while enjoying the best appetizers from the best gourmet restaurants in town. This is an exclusive ticketed event.

We're looking for the next wave of visionary filmmakers to showcase their passion under the San Diego stars. Submissions for our Fall 2026 showcase will open soon. All entries must be 8 minutes or less and feature the 2026 Signature Item. Join our list below to be the first to receive the official filmmaker kit, submission dates, and technical requirements.
Have questions or comments about the event? Need special accommodations?
Send us a message.
San Diego, CA
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