The 13th Annual April 14 - 18, 2010 Sonoma, California

History of the Sonoma
International Film Festival

The best in film, food, wine, art and music

The Sonoma International Film Festival, April 14-18, 2010, will build on the tradition of fusing artistic innovation with sumptuous epicurean delights in and around Sonoma’s historic town Plaza.

Evolving from a grassroots foundation, the Sonoma International Film Festival has grown to become one of the best film festival destination in America.  Attendees enjoy the trademark "cinema epicuria" experience with celebrities, filmmakers, legendary winemakers and culinary chefs.

The Beginning - Sonoma Valley Film Festival

Two visionary arts organizers -- Jerry Seltzer and Carolyn Stolman -- had the brilliant idea of bringing world-class independent films to the people of Sonoma.  Starting with a modest budget and humble program, Carolyn founded the Sonoma Valley Film Festival in 1997, and presided over four annual installments.

The Present - Sonoma International Film Festival
The Sonoma Valley Film Festival was "christened" with a new name in 2008 and a new vision for the future, and was launched as "The Sonoma International Film Festival."    With the beginning of a new 2009/2010 festival year, we will be showcasing outdoor film screenings during the summer with special "sneak" screenings leading up to the festival in April.  The 13th Annual Film Festival will be held April 14 - 18, 2010.

Now renamed in recognition of its status as the premier wine country film festival and its broad appeal, the Sonoma International Film Festival offers good reasons to celebrate the senses, while still maintaining the homegrown attributes that make Sonoma Valley such a special and unique area for visitors and locals alike.
 
The Talent
Sonoma is famous as a "No-Handlers Zone" - a place where one can casually meet and mingle with trailblazing filmmakers, celebrity chefs, legendary winemakers, fellow enthusiasts, and talented and charming special guests.
 
Past attendees have included Bruce Willis, Michael Keaton, Danny Glover, Blythe Danner, Alexander Payne, Maura Tierney, Radha Mitchell, Jon Favreau, Ernie Hudson, Brooke Adams, Patricia Heaton, Joe Pantoliano, Peter Coyote, Tate Donovan, Jena Malone, Tony Shalhoub, Cheri Oteri, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, John Lasseter, Robin Williams and many more!

Latest News

The Board of Directors

The non-profit, Sonoma International Film Society, is governed by a board of directors. 

Current board members are:

• Kevin McNeely, President & Chair
• Barbara Walkowski, Secretary
• Rob Chimsky, Treasurer
• LeeJay Olness
• Erin Riley
• Leslie Carlson
• Kimberly Hughes
• Michael Wilde
• Bill Zabit
• Rosemary McNeely
• Aled Archbold

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