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From Workshops to the Big Screen: Inland Film Festival 2025 Recap
The weekend of September 14th marked the culmination of a year of workforce development in the creative sector through filmmaking workshops, mentorship, and collaboration across the Inland Empire — all leading to the Inland Film Festival 2025.
Over the past year, we partnered with more than 20 organizations, artists, and collectives to host workshops covering every stage of the filmmaking process — from pre-production to post-production — equipping local filmmakers with the tools to bring their stories to the screen.
This work came to life with two days of screenings at Regal Cinema in San Bernardino, followed by an awards ceremony on Sunday, where we honored films that moved, challenged, and inspired our community.
None of this would have been possible without the support of Thrive Inland SoCal, IEGO, the Inland Empire Labor Institute, Inland Empire Community News, and the many partners, volunteers, and filmmakers who made this year unforgettable.
Looking ahead to the Inland Film Festival 2026, we are committed to expanding opportunities for filmmakers and strengthening a creative ecosystem where stories, talent, and careers can thrive.
Check out our media sponsors IECN article: https://iecn.com/triumphant-inland-film-fest-empowers-filmmakers/
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Arts in the Park Program Culminates in Vibrant Festival
The Arts in the Park Festival took place at Ayala Park in Bloomington, CA, on Tuesday, September 9th from 5–8 PM, marking the culminating event of the 2025 Arts in the Park Program, led by Arts Connection in partnership with Supervisor Joe Baca, his office, and the Bloomington Recreation & Park District, who generously provided space and support throughout the program. The festival celebrated the incredible work of Arts in the Park instructors, who led monthly, free workshops from March through August, inviting community members to explore culturally relevant and diverse arts activities. A central goal of the program was to make arts accessible to the community at their local park. Workshops included ceramics, mask making, charrería, screen-printing, capoeira, music tree, Oaxacan chocolate making, painting, and linocut.
Attendees enjoyed DJ sets, art vendors, hands-on activities, and community resources, while instructors were honored with certificates recognizing their outstanding contributions to celebrating creativity, culture, and community in Bloomington, which were presented by special guest Senator Eloise Reyes.
Arts Connection extends a heartfelt thank you to California State Parks for funding this program as part of their Arts in the Park Initiative. Their support helps make cultural experiences and the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all Californians, aligning with initiatives such as Outdoor Access for All, Outdoors for All, and Reexamining Our Past. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in bringing arts and community together in Bloomington. We also thank Supervisor Joe Baca, his office, and the Bloomington Recreation & Park District for their ongoing support in making arts and culture accessible and engaging for the Bloomington community.
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Introducing Estudio Aire's October/November 2025 Artist-in-Residence, Nicole Dumaguindin!
Introducing Estudio Aire’s October/November 2025 Artist-in-Residence: Nicole Dumaguindin We’re excited to welcome Nicole Dumaguindin as Estudio Aire’s current Artist-in-Residence. Nicole is a Community Theatre Artist of Tagalog, Kapampangan, and Ibanag ancestry, with experience in dramaturgy, directing, playwriting, and workshop facilitation. Her work often explores social justice, sustainability, race, trauma-informed storytelling, and folklore. She is the co-founder of Solstice Theatre IE, a QBIPOC community shadow puppet theatre, and draws inspiration from Augusto Boal, Bertolt Brecht, Joseph Campbell, TeAda Productions, and her ancestors. Since 2010, Nicole has centered community voices, creating theatre outside formal institutions to increase accessibility. During her residency, Nicole will develop a new play, Danum, alongside her son and facilitate the Illuminating Families workshop series as part of Estudio Aire Happenings. This series is for families who identify as “non-nuclear” in structure and home dynamics, aiming to normalize the diversity and fluidity of thriving families. Single parents, foster, kinship, LGBTQIA, blended intergenerational, and extended are welcomed! Workshop offerings include Shadow Puppet Designs from Ancestral Folklore, Children’s Theatre Playdates, and Kamayan Dinner & Storytelling.
Click the button to learn more and register for the Illuminating Families Series.
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Nicole Dumaguindin Estudio Aire Happenings are artist-led programs shaped by each artist’s practice, with the aim of fostering communities of belonging.
Visit our website to learn more about Estudio Aire.
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Our Community Speaks: Open Mic with poet Brandon Allen
Saturday, Oct. 4 I 6:00 PM– 8:00 PM I Open Mic sign-ups + DJ until 6:30 PM
The Garcia Center for the Arts – Auditorium | 536 W 11th St suite 1, San Bernardino, CA 92410
Got something to say—poetry, song, or story? This is your chance to share your voice and be part of our community mic! Led by artist and poet Brandon Allen, Our Community Speaks: Open Mic is Brandon’s culminating Estudio Aire Happening.
A huge thank you to our community partner, The Garcia Center for the Arts, for sponsoring the auditorium!
Estudio Aire Happenings are artist-led and shaped by each resident artist’s artistic practices with the intention to foster communities of belonging. Estudio Aire is an artist-in-residence program presented by Arts Connection.
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Our Community Speaks: A Community Anthology
Ongoing
Our Community Speaks: A Community Anthology is a work-in-progress by previous Estudio Aire artist-in-residence Brandon Allen. This project invites the diverse community members of the City of San Bernardino to contribute their voices and share their stories, weaving together a collective narrative of the city. The goal of this project is to expand beyond the city and eventually reach other communities across San Bernardino County, creating a broader anthology that uplifts many voices. Be part of this ongoing process that will culminate in a published anthology!
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Día de los Muertos Festival With SB County Museum
Saturday, Nov. 8 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
San Bernardino County Museum | 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374
Arts Connection is excited to partner with the San Bernardino County Museum to launch the very first Day of the Dead Arts Fest—a lively, family-friendly evening filled with music, live art, food, and local vendors. This new event celebrates creativity from across the region and invites the community to come together in honor of Día de los Muertos. Admission is $10 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, military, and kids. Children five and under and Museum Association members get in free. Parking is free, and the space is fully accessible.
Artists—stay tuned in the upcoming days for open calls and info on how to be part of the event!
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Poetry Out Loud (POL) Is Back! Register Now - (2025 - 2026)
Arts Connection and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are honored to invite you to be part of our POETRY OUT LOUD (POL) competition this year 2025 - 2026, sponsored by the California Arts Council (CAC).
Last year our County Competition winner, Toochi H. Samsylvanus, took 2nd place at the State Competition, bringing attention to the talent that San Bernardino County has to offer. This year, together we will be able to continue to represent our county and bring back home the GOLD!!!
This program is open to all High Schools within San Bernardino County, and is possible thanks to the support of our partners SBCSS.
We will be holding an information session to help answer all questions in the next upcoming month to help you organize your POL competition at your school.
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@ 2024 Arts Connection - The Arts Council of San Bernardino County. All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) - Tax ID # 46-3088038
Office: 468 W. 5th St.. Unit 218, San Bernardino, CA 92401
Mailing: P.O. Box 1181, San Bernardino, CA 92402
P: 909.381.1900
E: info@artsconnectionnetwork.org
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