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Festival FAQ
Our FAQ and Policies page is where you'll find answers to common questions and important information about attending the festival. Whether you're curious about ticketing, venue details, accessibility, or festival policies, this page is your go-to resource. We want to ensure your festival experience is smooth and enjoyable, so take a moment to review the guidelines and get the answers you need. If you have any additional questions, we're here to help!
GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
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.
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.
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.
Festival passes are managed through Eventive, the festival’s secure ticketing platform.
To access your pass:
- Visit sonomafilmfest.org
- Click the Login icon in the upper-right corner
- Log in with your Eventive username and password
- Select My Festival Passes from the dropdown menu
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.
Tickets are stored in your Eventive account.
To view them:
- Visit sonomafilmfest.org
- Click the Login icon in the upper-right corner
- Log in with your Eventive username and password
- Select My Tickets
Tickets can be scanned directly from your mobile device at the venue.
Yes. Many festival parties, panels, and culinary events offer individual tickets, available online while supplies last.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
SIFF memberships can be purchased online here.
Membership supports the festival’s year-round programming and provides exclusive benefits.
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.
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
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.
Films are listed alphabetically and can also be browsed by genre, country, program section, and more using the Film Guide or Schedule.
Full information about festival films—including descriptions, filmmakers, cast, and screening times—can be found here.
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.
Many films are intended for adult audiences. Parents should review film descriptions and ratings before purchasing tickets for children.
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.
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.
The Sonoma International Film Festival is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all attendees, filmmakers, staff, volunteers, and guests.
All participants are expected to treat others with respect and professionalism. Harassment, discrimination, disruptive behavior, or unsafe conduct will not be tolerated.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses inappropriate behavior should report it to festival staff immediately.
Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in removal from festival events without refund.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.