SONOMA, California – The 27th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) achieved a new record in attendance this year. Over the course of five days, from March 20 to 24, the festival showcased a total of 107 films, including both shorts and features. As the festival came to a close on Sunday, SIFF announced the winners of the 2024 Grand Jury and Audience Awards.
Mohamed Kordofani’s “Goodbye Julia” was awarded the Grand Jury prize for Best Narrative Feature. Meanwhile, the Stolman Audience Award for Best Feature went to Patricia Font’s “The Teacher Who Promised The Sea.”
In the documentary category, Vanessa Hope’s “Invisible Nation” received the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature. The A3 Audience Award for Best Documentary was given to Leslie Shampaine and Pip Gilmour’s “Call Me Dancer.”
Various short films were also recognized at the festival. Taylor James’ “ILY, Bye” won the Grand Jury Award for Best Live Action Short Film, while Destyn Fuller-Hope and Andrew Wonder’s “A Part of You / Made Me Whole Again” took home the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short Film. Phoebe Jane Hart’s “Bug Diner” was honored with the Grand Jury Award for Best Animated Short Film, and Jordan Matthew Horowitz’s “Save the Cat” received the McNeely Audience Award for Best Short Film.
In addition to the awards, the festival celebrated actor Beau Bridges with a Lifetime Achievement award and chef Susan Feniger with the SIFF Culinary Excellence Award. Special events were held at various locations, including Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, HopMonk Tavern Sonoma, The Lodge at Sonoma, and Buena Vista Winery.
The lineup of films at SIFF encompassed world, U.S., and Bay Area premieres, offering audiences a diverse selection of award-winning and critically acclaimed works. A total of 25 countries were represented across the 43 narrative features, 16 documentary features, and 49 short films.
One standout film, “Save the Cat,” told the true story of a Ukrainian family who had to flee their country and start anew in Sonoma County. The film highlighted the community’s heroic efforts to reunite the family’s daughter with her beloved cat.
The festival also welcomed Christine Weiss Lurie, the producer of the opening night film “Widow Clicquot,” and Tilar Mazzeo, the author of the book that inspired the film. Weiss expressed her excitement to be part of the festival’s 27th year and acknowledged the honor of premiering their film in a wine-loving and grape-growing community.
The Sonoma International Film Festival showcased an array of compelling films and recognized talented filmmakers and industry professionals. With its successful attendance and impressive lineup, the festival continues to be a significant cultural event in Sonoma, California.
(For more information, contact Staff Writer Emma Molloy at [email protected].)