Sonoma, Calif. – The Sonoma International Film Festival, an annual celebration uniting film, food, and wine enthusiasts from around the globe, concluded its vibrant five-day run on March 23. Spread across various venues in California’s picturesque wine country, the festival, now in its 28th year, showcased 93 films from 21 countries.
The festival kicked off on March 19 with the world premiere of “Sweet Störy,” a documentary about a captivating café in Sweden, directed by Sarah Justine Kerruish and Matt Maude. The centerpiece of the festival was the drama “On Swift Horses,” presented by Sony Pictures Classics and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, and Will Poulter. The event concluded with “The Wedding Banquet” by Andrew Ahn, featuring actors Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Joan Chen, the latter of whom received the SIFF Career Achievement Award on closing night.
Among the premieres were significant first-time showings in North America and California. Highlights included Strand Releasing’s “Dreams (Sex Love),” and local premieres like “Apollo 1” and “The Surfer.”
The gastronomic offerings were equally notable, featuring a tribute dinner to Marcella Hazan, a masterclass in Japanese food by Michelin-starred chef Yoshinori Ishii, and the SIFF Pop-Ins—a fresh initiative allowing pass holders to enjoy exclusive culinary and wine experiences at top local venues, such as The Bar at MacArthur Place and Sonoma Cheese Factory.
Carl Spence, SIFF’s artistic director, emphasized the festival as a “feast for the senses,” blending cinematic excellence with unique food and wine experiences.
This year also saw celebratory nods to film history with the 20th anniversary of Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin,” and spotlights on Italian and Scandinavian cinema. Additionally, the “Film Veterans Tell All” panel featured industry stalwarts like Sundance’s Eugene Hernandez and Oscar-nominated producer Christine Vachon, sharing their insights.
The festival’s competitive spirit shone through its grand jury film awards, with the Best Narrative Feature going to “DJ Ahmet” from North Macedonia. The documentary “Mistress Dispeller” received accolades for its empathetic nonfiction storytelling. The animated short “Como si la Tierra se las Hubiera Tragado” was lauded for its emotional and artistic depth.
Audience awards were a testament to the festival’s diverse offerings. “Meet The Barbarians” clinched the Stolman Audience Award for Best Feature, while “The Last Journey” took home the A3 Audience Award for Best Documentary.
The festival not only showcased global filmmaking talent but also provided a platform for films to resonate with international audiences, further cementing Sonoma’s status as a significant hub for cinema and culture. As the curtains closed on another successful year, the convergence of films, creators, and culinary arts left an indelible mark on all attendees, promising even richer experiences in forthcoming editions.
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