The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival has given SLO Review the opportunity to preview some of the narrative and documentary films on the festival’s April 24-29, 2025 program schedule. Follow the links to purchase tickets to see these notable films for yourself.
The Legacy Lives On
If you’re a history fan and have a soft spot for San Luis Obispo, The Monday Club and the Women Who Built It is a must-watch.
This compelling 30-minute documentary, written and directed by Robin Smith, dives deep into the fascinating history of San Luis Obispo’s Monday Club—not just the building itself, but the powerful, pioneering women who founded and shaped it to be what it is today.
At the heart of the story is the iconic Julia Morgan, the renowned architect behind Hearst Castle, who designed the Monday Club’s beautiful clubhouse. The film offers a closer look at both her professional achievements and personal journey, giving viewers a richer understanding of her legacy.
But this isn’t just a story about the architecture of the clubhouse. This film captures the spirit of the early 1920s with stunning vintage photographs and home videos that transport you into a time when women were making bold moves in civic life. It’s a time capsule that places you right alongside the trailblazing members of the club.
Originally founded as The Woman’s Civic Club, the organization underwent significant changes—facing financial hurdles and evolving its identity. The documentary highlights key figures like Queenie Warden and Julia Morgan, who were instrumental in shaping the club’s mission and lasting influence on the community.
As the San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram wrote in 1909, “The Woman’s Civic Club has become an active influence for civic betterment, and is rapidly forging ahead to a harvest of results.”
That legacy lives on, and this documentary beautifully honors the women who made it possible.
Editor’s Note: The screening of The Monday Club and the Women Who Built It (US, run time 30 minutes, rated PG, in English), part of the SLO International Film Festival’s Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase, is sponsored by Victoria Grostick.