Imagine this: It’s Friday evening and you walk into JDS Studios to see art, interactive experiences, color, energetic ambiance, the sharing of amazing digital stories, and so much more. You step foot on the blue carpet and are met with a warm welcome from JDS Creative Academy co-founders, Scott and Diane Strand. You breathe in the air and feel the excitement of what the next three days at DigiFest Temecula will bring.
The weeks leading up to Temecula’s biggest Digital Media Festival and Competition is passing by quickly; the highly anticipated three-day digital-arts experience is set to take place at JDS Studios for its sixth annual run on April 22, 23, and 24. DigiFest Temecula started as a way to fill the void that was left when the Temecula Valley Film Festival disbanded in 2011. It is now considered a city staple and a must-attend event.
Submissions for DigiFest’s competition opened in November of 2021. Since then, entries have been pouring in. DigiFest is known for accepting an array of digital mediums. From video, animation and digital art, to podcasts, music, gaming and short films, there’s something for everyone. The submission deadline is fast approaching. Artists’ work can be submitted through DigiFest’s website and FilmFreeway.com through March 25, 2022. All things DigiFest can be found at DigiFestTemecula.org.
The #JDSFamily prides themselves on being innovative, so when it came to the planning for DigiFest 2022 the team went to work to create an exciting line-up of judges, speakers, entertainers, and workshops. The event highlights digital art in all mediums and indulges attendees with exhibits, screenings, entertainment, presenters, networking, awards and more.
The 2022 event opens Friday evening, April 22, with a blue-carpet welcome and networking, leading into keynote speakers: Publicity Coach/Casting Director Jenny Brown and Actress/Spokesperson Kari Michaelsen. Both women are known for their impacts in the entertainment industry and are anticipated to bring an energetic presence to DigiFest 2022. Torin Floyd, performer and community activist, closes the night with his presentation and amazing entertainment. Get ready to bring the house down with Soarin’ Torin!
On Saturday, April 23, DigiFes features Emmy Award-winning Director of Photography Mario Ortiz and award-winning Director/Director of Photography Nazereen Alkhateeb, along with an animation, graphic artists and comic book panel including Andrew Fargo, Shaenon A. Garrity, James Crowly, and Cathy Nolan. Later that evening DigiFest will present the screenings of the competition finalists at the Temecula 10 AMC theaters.
The festival concludes Sunday, April 24, with the awards banquet at the Temecula City Civic Center. Keynote guest, Emmy Award-winning Voice Actress Gina Tuttle, who is also known as the voice of the 81st Annual Academy Awards, will share her journey. The climax of the evening and event will be the announcing of the 2022 DigiFest Temecula Festival Digi Winners.
The #JDSFamily is excited to once again be celebrating DigiFest Temecula in person. There will also be an option to participate virtually in order to make the event accessible to their world-wide audience and festival entries. All who are interested in submerging themselves in this unique digital-arts experience are welcome. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2022 and competition submissions close March 25, 2022. For more information on DigiFest Temecula 2022, visit DigiFestTemecula.org or call JDS Studios at (951) 296-6715.