Sonoma International Film Festival

Signage on the Sonoma Plaza during the 2015 Sonoma International Film Festival

Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world, inspiring savvy film lovers and introducing the power of film to student filmmakers.

Founded in 1997, the cinematic arts organization is headquartered in the heart of Sonoma Valley Wine Country in Sonoma, California. In addition to its annual, entirely walkable film festival, year-round events such as SIFF Summerfest; SIFF Saturdays.^[1], monthly virtual screenings on the last Saturday of every month; SIFF Drive-Ins and other special screenings; and its ongoing commitment to the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program, round out the Sonoma non-profit’s roster of cultural and educational achievements.

SIFF celebrates 25 years of the best in film, food, wine and fun March 23-27, 2022.

Mission statement[]

The Sonoma International Film Festival provides a welcoming, entertaining, and inspiring cinematic experience that supports and promotes independent films and celebrates the cultural diversity in the Sonoma Valley through the art of film. The Sonoma International Film Festival is a non-profit 501 (c)(3). Tax ID 68-0428999.

About SIFF[]

Named “One of the 25 Coolest Festivals” by Movie Maker Magazine and one of “America’s Top Ten Destination Film Festivals” by USA Today, the five-day film festival takes place every March screening an estimated 120 films from 200 filmmakers representing 40 countries. An estimated 7,500 live attendees and 30,000 virtual viewers, makes SIFF one of the largest attended arts non-profit events in Sonoma Valley.

SIFF is noted for its participation of film and media industry jurists and panelists and continues to grow its reputation in finding and cultivating new talent from around the world, creating a significant platform for networking and distribution opportunities. SIFF programs full-length features, documentaries, as well as shorts programming in Animation, Comedy, Culinary, Documentary, Dramatic and Foreign categories. Cash and production completion grants are awarded annually to Jury and Audience Award winners.

Sonoma International Film Festival is committed to 50/50 gender parity within the industry, as well as programming films that cover the gamut of human experience from environmental, LGBTQI+, social justice and other diverse viewpoints.

History[]

Founded in 1997 by friends Carolyn Stolman and Jerry Seltzer, the Sonoma International Film Festival was created to promote Sonoma, California, and its Sister Cities, as a destination festival to showcase the cinematic arts.

Early festivals focused on the breadth of Bay Area filmmakers with work from industry veterans such as Francis Ford Coppola, John Lasseter and Danny Glover showcased. Continued focus on not only new film programming, but on what Sonoma Valley is known for—exceptional food and wine—were early components to the expanded festival experience.

Since 2002, SIFF’s key initiative, the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program, has provided leadership and financial resources to create a state-of-the-art studio in order for students to explore creative pursuits and diverse storytelling viewpoints through the power of film. To date, Sonoma International Film Festival has given more than $650,000, with hundreds of students graduating through the program.

Prominent festival attendees include: Brooke Adams, Karen Allen, David Arquette, Demián Bichir, Willie Brown, Francis Ford Coppola, Dominique Crenn, James Cromwell, Blythe Danner, David Duchonvy, Jon Favreau, Fionnula Flanagan, Tyler Florence, Robert Forster, Danny Glover, Melissa Joan Hart, Patricia Heaton, Agnieszka Holland, Ernie Hudson, Lauren Hutton, Robert Kamen, Michael Keaton, John Lasseter, Jude Law, Melissa Leo, Ray Liotta, Christopher Lloyd, William Macy, Jena Malone, , Angelina Mondavi, Matthew Modine, Gavin Newsom, Julia Ormond, Joe Pantoliano, Mary-Louise Parker, Alexander Payne, Eric Roberts, Mark Romanek, Emmy Rossum, Meg Ryan, Susan Sarandon, Tony Shaloub, Rachael Taylor, Casey Thompson, Deborah Unger, John Waters, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Robin Williams, Bruce Willis and Saul Zaentz.

Noted festival jurists and panelists include: Karen Allen, John Bailey, Ed Begley Jr., Steve Chagolian, James Cromwell, Nigel Daly, Tom Davia, Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, Joe Della Rosa, David Dinerstein, Scott Feinberg, Gudrun Giddings, Pamela Guest, Grant Gullickson, JD Heyman, Michael Howell, Robert Kamen, Gabrielle Kelly, Hunt Lowry, Michèle Maheux, Leonard Maltin, Mike Repesch, Arianne Rocchi, Ingrid Rudefors, Anna Serner, Bart Walker, Lucy Walker and April Wright.

Honors and tributes[]

Leadership[]

Staff

Kevin W. McNeely, assumed the role of Executive Director in 2010. A catalyst for inspiring and supporting creative development and pursuits in Sonoma, he served as the SIFF Board of Directors Chairman prior to becoming Executive Director. He currently serves as Artistic Director.

Since taking the helm at SIFF, McNeely expanded the programming to include international film, including supporting new filmmakers with awards and travel stipends; hosting illustrious film industry executives and actors for educational talks and panels, and introducing a culinary and wine component to the festival to engage businesses, sponsors, donors and patrons.

Ginny Krieger, Co-Director, also began her career with SIFF as a Board of Directors member in 2001. Krieger held C-level positions with health, wellness, fitness and luxury services companies prior to relocating to Sonoma from Boston. She has held management roles within the organization including Administrative Director and Assistant Director prior to serving in her current role. Krieger’s management, finance, strategy and organizational acumen provide the needed guidance and leadership necessary to produce world-class festival experiences year after year.

Board of Directors

Jon Curry (President), Ken Wornick (Vice President), Keith Casale (Treasurer), Cynthia Wornick (Secretary), Armar A. Archbold, Bob Berg, Chris Cahill, Greg Hanss, Kimberly Hughes and Ted Judson.

References[]

^ #SIFF2021 Virtual Screening Room

External links[]

Coordinates: 38°17′30″N 122°27′23″W / 38.2916°N 122.4565°W / 38.2916; -122.4565

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[1] #SIFF2021 Virtual Screening Room

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