The Sundance Film Festival held in the winter and the Cannes Film Festival held every spring may be known for drawing film fans to their annual celebrations, but cinephiles can find something to love in San Diego throughout the year. With more than a dozen specialty festivals screening everything from horror to fashion, and from LGBT- to Hispanic-themed films, San Diego is emerging as a leading destination for film lovers in the world.

The following are a few of the many film festivals that can be found in San Diego throughout the year:

The San Diego Latino Film Festival takes place during March 10–20, 2016. For more than 20 years, the festival has offered screenings of short and feature length films from across Latin America and the U.S. by Latinos and about the Latino experience. 

During May 18–28, 2016, visitors to San Diego can enjoy more than 20 international films, filmmaker presentations, surfboard shaping demos, live music, panels with surf legends and more at the San Diego Surf Film Festival. The festival takes place at Bird's Surf Shed, a unique surf shop and surf-art gallery, located in San Diego's North County.

FILMOUT San Diego LGBT Film Festival returns June 3–5, 2016, to celebrate the year's best films relevant to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In addition to film screenings, the festival features special appearances by filmmakers and actors. Screenings are held at the Observatory North Park, a historic theater in the heart of one of San Diego's trendiest neighborhoods.

For film fans with serious style, the annual La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival will be held on July 29, 2016, in the luxurious coastal community of La Jolla. Hundreds of fashion aficionados will gather at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego to view films highlighting the world's top fashion houses, designers and stylists.

The San Diego International Film Festival takes place Sept. 28–Oct. 2, 2016 in downtown San Diego. The largest of San Diego's film events, this festival showcases the best in American and international full-length films, documentaries and short films, and features Q&A sessions with directors and guest appearances by celebrity actors and film artists.

From Sept. 7–11, 2016, the Horrible Imaginings Film Festival celebrates horror and its various sub-genres by showcasing new and independent artists, as well as reviving classic horror films. Held at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park, the festival features films ranging from psychological thrillers to supernatural horror to slashers and even related genres like noir.

From Aug. 26–28, 2016, the San Diego International Kids' Film Festival educates while entertaining by showcasing more than 60 films from 38 countries. Held at various theaters around San Diego, the festival provides aspiring young filmmakers with an opportunity to communicate to an international community, engaging young viewers with positive media.

Presented Nov. 3–12, 2016, the San Diego Asian Film Festival celebrates motion pictures, shorts and animation from Asian artists from around the world. The 10-day festival takes place at various venues around San Diego.

The annual San Diego Italian Film Festival showcases the best new Italian films ranging from engaging dramas and entertaining comedies to documentaries telling unique stories. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, with dates and locations to be announced.

The San Diego Black Film Festival spotlights African-American and African diaspora cinema. At the annual festival held in January, the San Diego Black Film Festival presents more than 100 films ranging from comedy and drama to documentaries, animation, shorts and more in downtown San Diego. Dates for 2017 are still to be announced.

The San Diego Jewish Film Festival showcases American and international feature films, documentaries and short films that explore the Jewish experience.  The annual festival held every February features nearly 50 films screened at venues around the county. Dates for 2017 are still to be announced.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.