Film festival in the spotlight
The directorial debut of British actor Alan Rickman, the period drama “A Little Chaos, with Kate Winslet, will open the 18th annual Sonoma International Film Festival on Wednesday March 25.
Some 100 films later, on March 29, the festival closes with a special event screening of “The Search,” starring Annette Bening as a relief worker who forms a special relationship with a young boy in war-torn Chechnya.
Each day, at least five films will run in the festival’s six screening venues: Sebastiani Theatre; Sonoma Community Center; Burlingame Hall; Vintage House; The Woman’s Club: and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, plus additional weekend screenings at La Luz Center.
At the heart of the Plaza, the Backlot Tent will serve as the festival’s hospitality hub with live music, food and libations during the day and themed parties every evening.
Expected for the long weekend: 3,500 festival attendees, averaging four movies each; films from 23 countries; 120 filmmakers, directors, jurors and talent ; 15 local food vendors and 20 wineries; and, making it all possible, 100+ volunteers.
“We are very proud of this year’s program celebrating the best in film, food and wine,” says Kevin McNeely, the executive director. “Films ranging from thought-provoking documentaries on environmental and social issues, to the best in animation, world cinema, art and music, coupled with panels, parties and our unique hospitality will provide a rich experience for our audiences as well as visiting filmmakers.”
Each night the Backlot hosts a themed party based on film programming. Thursday night is “Whiskey A Go Go,” a bash inspired by the documentary “A Shot of Whiskey,” the story of L.A.’s famous music club. Friday is a salute to the LGBT community with Prom Night. Saturday night brings a live performance by the Freddy Clarke Wobbly World ten-piece band, echoing the Latin beat of several films and documentaries.
Highlights of narrative features include “Dukhtar,” an Oscar submission from Pakistan: “Sold,” directed by Marin local, Oscar nominated Jeffrey Brown, and produced by Emma Thompson and Jane Charles); “The Salvation,” starring Mads Mikkelsen; and Leaves of the Tree, with Sean Young, Eric Roberts and Armand Assante. Among the documentaries: “Love thy Nature,” narrated by Liam Neesom), and “California High,” a history of marijuana in the Golden State.
The festival wraps up on Sunday night will present jury and audience awards to the winning filmmakers.
Individual tickets and event passes, along with complete program information, are available now at sonomafilmfest.org.
