San Diego, California ~ Founded 2026
WitnessTree Film Festival
Films That Mean Something
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All four film blocks
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All four film blocks
PLUS
Awards night
Best value to see all showcases
AUGUST 21-27, 2026
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley
Schedule
Friday 8/21
11:00 AM COMEDY/DRAMA (Opening Screening)
2:00 PM ROMANCE/COMEDY
5:00 PM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARY
8:00 PM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLERSaturday 8/22
11:00 AM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
2:00 PM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARY
5:00 PM ROMANCE/COMEDY
8:00 PM COMEDY/DRAMASunday 8/23
11:00 AM ROMANCE/COMEDY
2:00 PM COMEDY/DRAMA
5:00PM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
8:00 PM AWARDS CEREMONYMonday 8/24
11:00 AM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARY
2:00 PM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
5:00 PM COMEDY/DRAMA
8:00 PM ROMANCE/COMEDYTuesday 8/25
11:00 AM ROMANCE/COMEDY
2:00 PM COMEDY/DRAMA
5:00 PM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
8:00 PM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARYWednesday 8/26
11:00 AM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
2:00 PM ROMANCE/COMEDY
5:00 PM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARY
8:00 PM COMEDY/DRAMAThursday 8/27
11:00 AM COMEDY/DRAMA
2:00 PM ROMANCE/COMEDY
5:00 PM ANIMATION/DOCUMENTARY
8:00 PM SCI-FI & FANTASY/THRILLER
What is
WitnessTree Film festival
The WitnessTree Film Festival is a week long 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
7 days of screenings. 4 shows a day every day for a week
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
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.
Proudly Supported by
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.