San Diego, California ~ Founded 2026

WitnessTree Film Festival

Films That Mean Something

What is
WitnessTree Film festival

The WitnessTree Film Festival is a multi-day movie event showcasing independent films that inspire, entertain, and leave audiences better than they found them.
From heartfelt dramas, to hilarious comedies, thrilling sci-fi adventures, documentaries, and even animations!
Every film is selected for exceptional storytelling and meaningful themes with no anti-christian messaging, foul language, sexuality or sensuality, or gratuitous violence.

Why Attend
WitnessTree Film Festival

  • Clean independent films from around the world

  • Meet Filmmakers

  • Raffles and Giveaways

  • Filmmaker Q&A

  • Games and Prizes

  • Film Panel Discussions

  • Awards night and Red carpet

  • Family friendly atmosphere

  • Affordable tickets

Awards & Honors

  • Best Short Film

  • Best Director

  • Best Screenplay

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Editing

  • Best Performance

  • Best Art Direction/Costumes

  • Best Documentary

  • Best Animation

  • Best Comedy

  • Best Sci-fi & Fantasy

  • Best Drama

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for films with imagination, heart, and something to say.

WitnessTree welcomes filmmakers from every genre, but we’re especially excited to discover films that bring audiences together, spark imagination, and leave them with something meaningful to take home.🎬 Films Kids Will LoveWe want films that children can genuinely enjoy—stories that make them laugh, wonder, cheer, or see the world a little differently. Animation, adventure, comedy, fantasy, and family-friendly stories are all welcome.✨ Sci-Fi & FantasyBring us your worlds of wonder. We’re looking for *clean, imaginative sci-fi and fantasy films with whimsy, personality, and a distinctive voice. Give us something we haven’t seen before.🎥 Every GenreComedy, Animation, Documentary, Drama, Thriller, Even horror!If you can tell a compelling story while staying within our festival guidelines, we want to see it!

About the Founders

Preston Barney

Co-FounderPreston Scott Barney is a filmmaker based in San Diego California and the Founder of WitnessTree. He created the festival with the conviction that cinema should move audiences while changing our culture for the better.
His work centers on bold, story-driven films that aim to entertain, inspire, and uphold biblical morality without sacrificing artistic quality. Through WitnessTree Film Festival, he seeks to build a serious theatrical platform for filmmakers committed to excellence, goodness, and hope.

David "Reesie" Ruiz

Co-FounderDavid Emil Ruiz, known warmly as "Reesie", is an independent filmmaker with experience bringing feature-length projects to theatrical screens. With multiple self-produced films exhibited in theaters, he brings practical knowledge of 4-wall distribution, event coordination, and independent production to the foundation of the WitnessTree Festival. Aside from Producing, David is also an avid writer who truly cares about this craft; writing over 80 feature length and short film scripts throughout his 20 year career.
David's steady leadership and commitment to execution help ensure the festival is not only visionary, but operationally sound. His passion for storytelling and belief in morally grounded cinema play a central role in shaping the festivals direction.

Partner with WitnessTreeSupport independent filmmaking while introducing your business to thousands of movie lovers.Gold • Silver • Bronze Sponsorships Available

Hosted at UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley -
Hazard Center, San Diego, California

Contact: [email protected]

© 2026 WitnessTree Film Festival. All rights reserved.