Film Fest binge comes to a close

With its patrons clicking 28,000 streams totaling 6,300 viewing hours, the Sonoma International Film Festival was a virtual success. The five-day binge wrapped Monday with encores of jury and audience award winners.

In all, the festival offered 120 films from 40 countries, with 20 films making their premieres, as well as hosting three live Drive-In movie events.

“In our second year hosting a virtual festival, we continue to expand our audience around the globe,” said SIFF Artistic Director Kevin W. McNeely. “Our three live drive-ins allowed us to gather together safely on a beautiful Sonoma night under a full moon and enjoy the communal power of film.”

McNeely said the event was particularly proud of the community’s collective effort to provide Responders and Frontline healthcare workers with more than 125 donated passes.

Some of the Jury Award winners for 2021:

Best Full Length Feature, English

23 Walks | United Kingdom | Director: Paul Morrison | U.S. Premiere

Best Full Length Feature, Foreign 

Min Pappa Marianne (My Father Marianne) | Sweden | Director: Mårten Klingberg | West Coast Premier

Best Documentary 

La Receta Del Equilibrio (The Recipe Of Balance) | Spain | Director: Óscar Bernàcer | U.S. Premiere

The Stolman Audience Award Best Feature

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit | Germany/Switzerland/Italy | Director: Caroline Link (Oscar winning director)

The A3 Audience Award Best Documentary

In A Different Key | U.S. | Directors: Caren Zucker & John Donvan

Best Animation, Short

Cosmonaut | Estonia | Director: Kaspar Jancis

Best Documentary, Short

California Rising | U.S. | Director: Rob Villanueva

(partial list)

A SIFF Best of Fest live and virtual festival highlighting selected Jury Award winners, along with, new films and events is in the planning stages for early August 2021.

SIFF looks forward to celebrating its 25th edition March 23-27, 2022, with its signature live program of world-class film, food, wine and fun.