The San Diego Italian Film Festival Welcomes Valentina Cartareggia as New Executive Director
As it works to expand its programming and reach, the San Diego Italian Film Festival (SDIFF) has hired Valentina Cartareggia as its new Executive Director.
Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Cartareggia relocated to San Diego with her family in 2023. Prior to her employment at the San Diego Italian Film Festival, she worked as a field marketing specialist for an international company, managing marketing & communication activities. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communications, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management, both from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy.
When not working at SDIFF, you can find her taking care of her family, cooking and baking Italian recipes, or organizing events for the Italian Women USA, San Diego chapter, where she volunteers as a committee member.
“It is a privilege to help guide this thriving organization as it works to share Italian culture and cinema with the San Diego community,” Cartareggia said. “The San Diego Italian Film Festival is known for its innovative programming, and my goal is to grow our offerings and increase partnerships and connections with local organizations here and in Italy.”
Jennifer Davies, the SDIFF’s board chair, said the hiring of Cartareggia represents a new chapter in the organization’s evolution after the death of its founder Victor Laruccia in March 2022.
“Valentina has the skills and passion to ensure the San Diego Italian Film Festival will continue to deliver on Victor’s vision now and for years to come, creating a sustainable and vibrant arts organization that will challenge and inspire audiences.”
To that end, the San Diego Italian Film Festival recently announced the return of its monthly movie series both at the Digital Gym in Downtown San Diego and at La Paloma in Encinitas. Find the upcoming screenings here.
We invite you to come to our monthly screenings and meet Valentina and the rest of the SDIFF team in person.