Save the dates, March 29 – April 2, 2017
SONOMA, CA (January 30, 2017) – The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is celebrating an extraordinary 20 years of film, food, wine and spirits Wednesday, March 29 to Sunday, April 2, 2017. The festive five-day event takes place in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country and will feature more than 100 hand-selected films including independent features, documentaries, world cinema and short films. All films are shown at intimate venues within walking distance of Sonoma’s historic plaza. The Festival is dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers from around the world and inspiring film lovers.
“We are so excited to be celebrating and showcasing the best cinema for Sonoma festival attendees,” enthused executive director Kevin McNeely. “20 years is no small anniversary and we look forward to best showcase ever!”
Sonoma Brands will be sampling their brands ZÜPA NOMA and SmashMallow in the Backlot Tent during the day and at evening parties.
SIFF is pleased to announce that Celebrity Cruises will be sponsoring our 7th Screening Venue called the Cine-Transformer, which will be parked in the SIFF Village. This 53-foot pop-out mobile theater features a high definition 3D projector and sound system. They will show a 15-minute 3D short with wine and truffled popcorn and many prizes. Local food truck, the Fig Rig, will be providing food for attendees and potentially the Celebrity Cine-Transformer.
Local food raconteur Kathleen Hill and a handful of local chefs and premium wine brands will put together 1 or 2 food, wine and film pairing events. The Wednesday Opening Night Reception will feature around 15 local restaurants, 10 wineries, Stella Artois and many more sampling their libations before our opening night film. Both Suja juices and Essentia Water (with its 9.5 ph or higher ionized water) will be hydrating the festival at every screening and hospitality venue and
Sonoma Market will be sponsoring a food table in the VIP tent and the Saturday morning Family Film screening at the Sebastiani Theater.
Sonoma web heavy weight Buywine.com will be sponsoring the new Wine Lounge in the Backlot Tent, which will feature over 30 wineries pouring their latest releases during our Happy Hours. Benziger Family Winery will be the featured wine during the entire festival.
Tito’s will be the exclusive SIFF Vodka again for the 4th year in a row, and also celebrating their 20th anniversary. Tito himself will be joining the SIFF party with a WORLD PREMIERE of a film adapted from the play Tito wrote, THIS SIDE OF THE DIRT. Fever-Tree and Sonoma Syrup Co. have signed on again to complete our Official SIFF Tito’s cocktails at the SIFF bars in the Backlot Tent. Stella Artois returns with their beautiful bar and beer-tenders in the Backlot Tent as the official beer of the festival.
Pass Information:
The best way to experience the Festival and have access to all films is by getting a SIFF pass. SIFF can be enjoyed at different levels. Currently Cinema Passes are $275 for and $675 for Soiree. All pass holders will have access to the Backlot Tent in SIFF Village. For information about tickets, festival passes, prices, and benefits visit www.sonomafilmfest.org.
About the Sonoma International Film Festival:
The Sonoma International Film Festival is a 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers around the world, and inspiring film lovers. Most films screened at the Festival have attending filmmakers and actors making for informative Q&A’s. This unique five-day event features screening venues in and around Sonoma Plaza and offers world-class cuisine from local artisans and exceptional wine from Sonoma vintners. Renowned filmmakers, industry leaders and celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, John Lasseter, Danny Glover, Demián Bichir, Mary-Louise Parker, Michael Keaton and Meg Ryan have walked the festival red carpet and enjoyed its intimate ambiance.
