The El Cajon Optimist Club of the Performing Arts, a nonprofit 501 c4 organization, was started in 1996 by Tom Black. The club main goal was to give the youth a chance to show off their various talents such as singing, dancing, music, writing, etc.. The Independent film industry started to take off and video equipment became available to all. Tom loved movies and being an inspiration to all, he created the El Cajon Video and Film Festival in 2006 so film makers could have a chance to showcase their material, learn and network.

At every film festival we have a panel of industry professionals that will answer questions about producing, directing, script writing, and casting to help those filmmakers who wish to go one step further and possibly beyond.

In 2008, Tom Black passed away but the film festival will live on. The film festival name has changed but the basic goal has not. We strive to encourage all ages to never give up on there dream and that its never too late to start. Hope to see you at this years film festival.

Sincerely,
Director
Michael Black