Creative people know that burning desire to bring what is in your imagination to life, to impact others with some medium of artistic expression. For those who feel this calling, having a place to learn, collaborate and be celebrated, all while making additional connections, is a glorious gift. We sat down with Diane Strand, serial entrepreneur and founder of DigiFest Temecula, to learn more about how this growing festival is changing entertainment by injecting more talent into the industry.
First, let’s take a closer look at what makes Strand such a perfect fit to lead this annual festival. Prior to her entrepreneurship, Strand earned an impressive list of Hollywood A-List credits on shows such as: General Hospital, Friends, and Veronica’s Closet. She built the high-def control room at Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), produced for Barbra Streisand, and worked for Universal Creative and as an in-house producer for Disney Channel, including the launches of Playhouse Disney and Toon Disney.
More Than a Film Festival
Strand emphasizes that DigiFest is more than just a film festival. It is a launchpad for artists, storytellers, and digital media innovators looking to build careers in the entertainment and creative industries. Hosted by Strand’s JDS Creative Academy, at their beautiful venue that boasts sets, studios, classrooms and black box theatre, the weekend-long event is teeming with possibilities. DigiFest is designed to empower individuals with skills, industry connections, and credibility without the need for costly coaching programs or formal industry gatekeeping.
“My tagline is the CreativePreneur,” Strand explains. “At DigiFest, you learn how to be the CreativePreneur, which you don’t need a coaching program for. Come be that person, network with these people, build relationships, and earn credibility.”
This is the 9th year for this impressive film festival that is setting itself apart as a place to get noticed as well as get inspired. For those passionate about film, digital media, design, animation, gaming, podcasting, music, and more, DigiFest Temecula provides a space to gain industry recognition, win awards, and connect with influential professionals who can help launch careers.
What Makes DigiFest Unique
DigiFest Temecula is different from traditional film festivals because it embraces all forms of digital storytelling and multimedia content. While other festivals focus primarily on independent films, DigiFest welcomes a broad range of media submissions, providing an inclusive platform for creatives across multiple disciplines.
The three-day event features panels, keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with award-winning directors, producers, and digital media experts. The goal is to break down industry barriers and give attendees direct access to professional insights, opportunities, and mentorship.
Categories of Media at DigiFest
DigiFest Temecula recognizes the evolving landscape of digital storytelling and provides categories that reflect a diverse range of creative fields. Participants can submit work in the following categories:
- Film, Video, and Animation – This category includes short films, narrative storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and promotional video content. Entries must be 30 minutes or less and can range from traditional film projects to marketing and branding videos. Animation submissions include 2D and 3D projects, motion graphics, and stop-motion productions.
- Photography – Still images and photographic series can be entered to showcase creative composition, visual storytelling, and technical expertise in the field of photography.
- Graphic Design – This category includes digital artwork, branding visuals, posters, advertisements, and other forms of visual media that merge creativity and design principles.
- Game Design – Video game creators and developers can submit game concepts, playable demos, or interactive media that showcase innovation in digital entertainment.
- Website Design – Digital creators specializing in website development and UI/UX design can enter their projects to be recognized for their creativity in online content presentation.
- Scriptwriting and Acting – Writers can submit original scripts for short films, television pilots, and digital media projects. Acting submissions include recorded performances that highlight an artist’s storytelling ability and on-screen presence.
- Music and Sound Production – This category includes original compositions, music videos, and sound design projects. Artists can showcase their work in digital sound engineering, film scoring, and music production.
- Podcasting and Digital Storytelling – With the rise of independent media, this category allows content creators to submit original podcasts, audio storytelling, and digital series.
Each category is open to students, emerging professionals, and seasoned creators, ensuring that participants are judged fairly based on skill level and experience. Entries are evaluated by a panel of award-winning professionals, including industry veterans from film, television, music, and digital media.
The CreativePreneur Mindset at DigiFest
Diane Strand believes in the power of entrepreneurship within the creative space. The term CreativePreneur embodies a person who takes charge of their own creative success, rather than waiting for approval from traditional industry decision-makers.
At DigiFest, attendees aren’t just learning about digital media. They are building relationships, refining their work, and gaining industry credibility in real time. The festival provides an alternative to the traditional paths of Hollywood and mainstream media, giving creatives the tools to take control of their careers.
Opportunities for Networking and VIP Benefits
One of the most valuable aspects of DigiFest Temecula is its intimate networking environment. Unlike large-scale festivals where industry professionals can feel out of reach, DigiFest keeps attendance small and personal, ensuring that participants can engage directly with speakers, judges, and fellow creatives.
Blue Carpet Night on Friday is the opening event, providing a chance to mingle with filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals in a relaxed, social setting. Panels and workshops on Saturday feature experts in digital media, animation, AI tools, and storytelling who share their knowledge through interactive sessions. VIP networking offers special access to additional private discussions with keynote speakers and industry insiders.
The festival’s film screenings on Saturday night showcase cutting-edge short films, animations, and digital media content, followed by discussions with creators. For those looking to break into the industry or advance their careers, DigiFest provides opportunities to build real relationships with industry professionals who are actively working in the field.
The Power of the Digi Award
Winning a Digi Award at DigiFest Temecula is a career-changing achievement. Past winners have used their awards and laurels to gain recognition at major festivals, land new opportunities, and even secure meetings with major studios.
One standout example is a former DigiFest participant who started in acting classes, moved on to scriptwriting and filmmaking, and ultimately used DigiFest networking to pitch a project to a director. She later developed AI-generated characters for her script and is now in talks with Pixar and Disney to bring her animated film to life.
Another past winner, leveraged his DigiFest experience to gain credibility as a filmmaker, win multiple awards, and deliver a TED Talk. These success stories illustrate how DigiFest helps creators move beyond just making content and into professional-level recognition.
Besides the Digi Award, there is also a People’s Choice Award for each category, with votes cast by those in attendance.
Becoming a CreativePreneur at DigiFest
Diane Strand’s vision for DigiFest is clear. She wants to eliminate the notion that success in the creative industry requires expensive training programs or exclusive networks.
At DigiFest, attendees gain real-world experience, industry knowledge, and career connections without unnecessary barriers. By participating, they build confidence, earn credibility, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the entertainment and media industries.
For those ready to embrace the CreativePreneur mindset, DigiFest Temecula is the ultimate place to learn, network, create, and grow.
How to Get Involved
Submission deadlines close on March 9, 2025. The event takes place on April 25-27, 2025, at JDS Studios in Temecula, California. VIP pre-sale tickets will be available in early March.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, animator, designer, musician, podcaster, or aspiring media entrepreneur, DigiFest Temecula is the place to launch your creative career.
Learn more at https://digifesttemecula.org/
Audrey Keller is a freelance writer who contributes articles to cover topics and stories that are relevant locally and or nationally.