GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the Sonoma International Film Festival?

The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world, inspiring passionate film lovers, and introducing the power of cinema to student filmmakers.

Each March, SIFF presents an internationally curated program of narrative features, documentaries, and short films alongside filmmaker conversations, culinary experiences, and special events highlighting Sonoma’s renowned food and wine culture.

“The secret about Sonoma having one of the Bay Area’s finest film festivals has been uncovered. It’s a cinematic treasure, worth the drive from wherever you reside.” 

— San Jose Mercury News

SIFF has been named “One of the 25 Coolest Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine and one of America’s Top Destination Film Festivals by USA Today.

In addition to the annual festival, SIFF presents year-round screenings, education programs, and community events throughout Sonoma Valley.

When and where is the festival taking place?

The 2026 Sonoma International Film Festival takes place March 25–29, 2026, in Sonoma, California.

Screenings and events take place at venues throughout Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza district. Visit the complete venue list here.

What types of festival passes are available?

SIFF offers several pass levels with varying benefits, including priority access, invitations to special events, and VIP experiences.

Visit our passes page for a complete list of pass levels, benefits, and pricing.

How do I buy a festival pass?

Festival passes can be purchased online. 

SIFF Members should log in to their account before purchasing to ensure any applicable member discounts are automatically applied.

How do I access the festival passes I purchased?

Festival passes are managed through Eventive, the festival’s secure ticketing platform.

To access your pass:

1. Visit sonomafilmfest.org
2. Click the Login icon in the upper-right corner
3. Log in with your Eventive username and password
4. Select My Festival Passes from the dropdown menu

Can I buy tickets without a festival pass?

Yes. Individual tickets to film screenings can be purchased online, at the box office, or at the venue (subject to availability).

Members should log in before purchasing to receive discounted ticket pricing where applicable.

How do I access my film tickets?

Tickets are stored in your Eventive account.

To view them:

1. Visit sonomafilmfest.org
2. Click the Login icon in the upper-right corner
3. Log in with your Eventive username and password
4. Select My Tickets

Tickets can be scanned directly from your mobile device at the venue.

Can I attend parties or special events without a festival pass?

Yes. Many festival parties, panels, and culinary events offer individual tickets, available online while supplies last.

What is SIFF’s refund policy?

All sales are final. SIFF does not offer refunds or exchanges unless otherwise stated.

SIFF is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets or passes.

For assistance with purchases, contact the SIFF Box Office.

How do I contact the box office?

Visit our box office page, phone, or email:

(707) 509-0991

boxoffice@sonomafilmfest.org

Box office locations and hours are listed on the festival website during the event.

SCREENING POLICIES

How does passholder priority seating work?

Many SIFF passes include priority seating, allowing passholders to enter the theater before single-ticket holders. Passholders are admitted first, followed by ticket holders. There will be two lines at each venue: one for passholders and one for ticket holders

Priority access is offered in the following order:

PASSHOLDER LINE PRIORITY

Group 1 - Patron and Platinum Passholders

Group 2 - Gold Passholders

Group 3 - Silver and Bronze Passholders

SINGLE TICKETS LINE (admitted after passholders)

Group 1 - Advance Ticket Holders

Group 2 - Standby (Last Minute) Door Sales

Group 3 - Volunteer Vouchers

All seating is subject to capacity. Even with priority access, passholders are encouraged to arrive early, as entry is not guaranteed once the theater reaches capacity.

How early should I arrive for screenings?

Doors typically open 30 minutes before showtime.

For popular screenings, premieres, or films with attending filmmakers, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to ensure seating.

Passholders should arrive early to take advantage of priority access before general admission begins.

What is the standby last-minute door sales policy?

If a screening is sold out, guests may join the rush line (standby line) at the venue.

A limited number of seats may become available shortly before the screening if passholders or ticket holders do not claim their seats.

Last-minute standby tickets are $25 for most shows and released approximately 5–10 minutes before showtime, subject to availability. Admission is not guaranteed.

MEMBERSHIPS

How do I purchase a SIFF membership?

SIFF memberships can be purchased online here. 

Membership supports the festival’s year-round programming and provides exclusive benefits.

What benefits do SIFF members receive?

Member benefits may include:

• Discounted festival passes and tickets
  • Early ticket access
  • Invitations to select screenings and events
  • Year-round screening benefits

Benefits vary by membership level.

Are SIFF memberships tax-deductible?

SIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The tax-deductible portion of your membership will be indicated at the time of purchase.

ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL

How do I attend a film or event?

Attending the Sonoma International Film Festival is as easy as going to a regular movie. Single tickets are available online at sonomafilmfest.org, at the festival box office located at 470 First St. East, and at individual screening venues (subject to availability).

Festival passes are also available and allow guests to experience multiple screenings and events throughout the festival.

How can I access the festival schedule?

Films are listed alphabetically and can also be browsed by genre, country, program section, and more using the Film Guide or Schedule.

Where can I find information on festival films?

Full information about festival films—including descriptions, filmmakers, cast, and screening times—can be found here.

Where can I find information about festival parties and events?

Details about parties and special events are available here.

Details about panels are available here.

What accessibility options are available?

SIFF strives to make the festival accessible to all audiences. Accessibility features may include:

• Accessible seating
  • ADA-compliant venues
  • Closed captioning or subtitles where available

Please contact the box office for specific accessibility requests.

Can children attend the festival?

Many films are intended for adult audiences. Parents should review film descriptions and ratings before purchasing tickets for children.

Is there a dress code?

Festival attire ranges from casual daytime screenings to festive cocktail attire for evening parties and events.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as venues are located around Sonoma’s downtown plaza.

Is parking available?

Public parking is available throughout downtown Sonoma, including street parking and nearby public lots.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find parking, particularly for popular screenings and evening events.

What is the festival Code of Conduct?

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES

What is the SIFF VIP Lounge?

The SIFF VIP Lounge is the festival’s central gathering place for passholders to relax between screenings, connect with filmmakers, and enjoy Sonoma’s renowned food and wine.

Throughout the day, the lounge features:
• Morning coffee and breakfast bites
• Midday drinks and savory offerings
• Afternoon happy hours with featured Sonoma wineries
• Comfortable seating and a lively festival atmosphere

Access to the VIP Lounge is included with Gold, Platinum, and Patron Passes.

What are Culinary Cinema events?

Culinary Cinema is one of the signature experiences of the Sonoma International Film Festival, bringing together film, food, and wine in unforgettable ways.

These events pair films with special culinary experiences, such as:
• Chef-led dinners
• Wine tastings
• Culinary conversations
• Special screenings celebrating food culture

Many events feature celebrated chefs, vintners, and culinary personalities from Sonoma and beyond.

Will filmmakers attend the festival?

Yes. One of the most exciting aspects of SIFF is the opportunity to meet filmmakers in person.

Directors, actors, producers, and writers from around the world attend the festival to introduce their films and interact with audiences.

What are filmmaker Q&As?

Many screenings include live Q&A sessions with filmmakers following the film.

These conversations give audiences the chance to hear directly from the creative team about:
• The inspiration behind the film
• The filmmaking process
• Behind-the-scenes stories
• Audience questions

Q&As are moderated by festival programmers, journalists, or special guests.

Are there filmmaker conversations or special panels?

Yes. In addition to post-screening Q&As, the festival presents special conversations, panels, and masterclasses featuring filmmakers, actors, chefs, and industry professionals.

These sessions explore topics such as storytelling, the creative process, sustainability, culinary culture, and the intersection of film and food.

What makes the Sonoma International Film Festival unique?

The Sonoma International Film Festival is known for its intimate atmosphere and extraordinary setting in the heart of Sonoma wine country.

Festivalgoers can enjoy:
• World-class independent films
• Filmmaker conversations and Q&As
• Celebrated Sonoma wines
• Exceptional culinary experiences
• Walkable venues around Sonoma Plaza

It’s a festival experience where great cinema meets great food, wine, and community.