Sonoma Film Fest adds culinary flavor
The Sonoma International Film Festival is back live, celebrating its 25th anniversary with 120 films at multiple downtown venues March 23-25.
“This landmark festival is designed to showcase the best in new films from around the world, international film talent, unbelievable culinary events, local favorite free public events, and a whole lot of fun in between,” says Kevin W. McNeely, SIFF Artistic Director.
Some 50 filmmakers will be in attendance, along with stars of the screen (Jaqueline Bisset, Karen Allen) and cuisine (Jaques Pepin, Joanne Weir).
The spree includes two one-of-a-kind culinary events, special parties, panels, a Virtual Reality experience, live music, and free public events including the ever-popular Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Showcase, the UFO Program, Chaplin Silent Film, and a free family screening event.
All information about the 25th Anniversary festival films, special events, passes, and tickets can be found at sonomafilmfest.org/festival.
Internationally acclaimed Chef Jacques Pépin will receive the inaugural SIFF Culinary Excellence Award at lavish dinner March 24 prepared by notable chefs Ken Frank (La Toque), Michael Howell (Devour!), Roland Passot (Left Bank, La Folie), Seadon Shouse (Timber Cove Resort), Ari Weiswasser (Glen Ellen Star) and Ensan Wong (Cogir). For the SIFF | Devour! Chefs & Shorts Dinner, each course will be served with a short food film and different wine.
Joanne Weir, the James Beard Award winning chef, will host a Plates & Places lunch on Friday, March 25. Weir will select segments from her award-winning television series, paired with a three-course meal she has curated representing those places. “Filmmakers open our eyes to worlds beyond any borders,” she says. “Their films can inspire curiosity and conversation– not unlike a delicious meal, and it’s an honor to be part of this incredible festival.”
Opening night, March 23: the pre-release screening of The Lost City, an action-adventure with Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt. Directors Aaron Nee and Adam Nee will be in attendance for post-screening Q&As.
Closing night: The festival wraps with the North American premiere of The Butcher’s Daughter, starring Arnaud Ducret and Geraldine Pailhas. March 27.
All information about the 25th Anniversary festival films, special events, passes, and tickets can be found at sonomafilmfest.org/festival.
