Poway resident joins San Diego Film Foundation board

Poway resident Kristian Forster has turned his love of film into giving back to the community by joining the San Diego Film Foundation.

The foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, is the organization behind the San Diego International Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world. The 2016 film festival will be from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego and includes screenings of new independent films as well as panels and parties.

In addition to the film festival, the foundation supports student film programs in schools, has an internship program and supports independent film in general.

“(SDFF) is really doing great stuff on the education front and in bringing world-class films to San Diego,” said Forster. “It’s bringing arts to the forefront in San Diego.”

Originally from New York, Forster, his wife and three young children moved to Rancho Bernardo four years ago. Several months ago, they relocated to Poway.

“We love Poway,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll ever leave.”

Forster said he initially became involved in the SDFF two years ago after being invited to a film screening put on by the foundation. Screenings are done monthly between February and August, Forster said.

“I went as a guest and saw the film,” he said. “Tonya Mantooth, the director, did a Q and A afterward. I’d never attended one before and it made a lasting impression. It gave another level to the film, it was really a cool experience.”

Forster said he started attending more screenings as well as several other events put on by the SDFF, including the film festival.

“Everyone really became friendly,” he said. “It’s like a family situation because you see the same people every month.”

Forster said that he fell in love with the foundation and its work and was recently asked to join the foundation’s board.

Forster’s responsibilities, he said, include being present at foundation events, shedding light on what the foundation does in San Diego and doing what he can to bring new attendees to SDFF events and screenings.

When he’s not busy immersing himself in the independent film scene of San Diego, Forster is a regional private banker for Wells Fargo in Rancho Santa Fe and heavily involved with his church, San Rafael Catholic Church in Rancho Bernardo.