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Sonoma International Film Festival Gears Up to its 19th
Sonoma, CA (January 6, 2016) – The Sonoma International Film Festival celebrating the best in film, food, wine and spirits is gearing up to its 19th edition. The five day program will take place March 30th to April 3rd
An exciting new hospitality and party venue have been adopted for this upcoming edition of the Festival: the“SIFFVILLAGE.” The Village will add convenient facilities and new levels of fun and engagement to this annual celebration. Located at the eastern lot of Sonoma’s Veterans Hall, just off First Street East, the SIFF Village will consist of a main hospitality tent, known as “The Backlot Tent” and a new, European-style tent called “Le Tigre”, that will serve as a 110- person screening venue during the day, and at night it will be transformed into a magical space for Burlesque and Vaudeville performances.
What distinguishes SIFF from other film festivals is its walkability. All six screening venues are located in and around SIFF Village: the marquee Sebastiani Theatre, the newly renovated SCC Andrews Hall, Vintage House, and three new screening venues: Le Tigre, and two screening venues in the Vet’s Building – one with over 300 seating capacity with a special area set aside for high level passholders, and another with a 150 person capacity.
SIFF Village will have a food court and also welcome multiple food trucks as well as the “Feast It Forward” VIP area with their Airstream lounge. Weather permitting, there will be a variety of seating areas sprinkled around the Village. The Backlot Tent main hospitality area will feature a daily happy hour with music, local premium wines and festive cocktails. SIFF Village will serve as a showcase for the Festival’s food and beverage sponsors, allowing Festival goers to enjoy their premium products and flavors. During the evening hours, the Backlot Tent will host spirited themed parties inspired in centerpiece festival films.
The SIFF Village will be open to all passholders and the public from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. All passholders will have access to both “Le Tigre” and the Backlot Tent, the latter being free to those with Cinema or Cinema Soiree passes.
In a few days film submissions will close and ultimately out of 600 films submitted for consideration, 100 will be chosen for the March festival. Similar to last year, films will come from at least 14 countries, and will be supported by over 200 filmmakers who will descend onto SONOMAWOOD. Categories include: American Indies, World Cinema, Documentaries (environmental, social issues, arts, sports) and the always popular SVHS Media Arts Program Students’ shorts. The program consists mostly of Indie films, but each year the opening and closing night films include a Hollywood studio production.
“Every year we are challenged to bring unique films with new, provocative and inspiring ideas, accompanied by their filmmakers which add a certain pizzazz to our five-day festival”, said Executive Director Kevin
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McNeely. “Fresh films that have not been seen at many of the world’s festivals, unique entertainment and celebrities, all add to the mix of our welcoming, entertaining and inspiring festival”.
The best way to experience the Festival and have access to all films is by getting a SIFF pass. For information about tickets, festival passes prices and benefits visit . Act soon, as pass prices will increase on February 1st.
ABOUT SIFF
The Sonoma International Film Festival is presented by the Sonoma Valley Film Society, a 501(c)3 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 spirited Q&As. This unique five-day event 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 and Danny Glover, DemiánBichir and Mary-Louise Parker have walked the festival red carpet and enjoyed its intimate ambiance.
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19th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival March 30 – April 2, 2016
Mail: P.O. Box 1613 - Sonoma CA, 95476 Office: 103 E. Napa St. - Suite A Sonoma CA, 95476
phone (707) 933-2600 fax (707) 933-2602