Big Nights

The Sonoma International Film Festival’s three tentpole films promise an unforgettable cinematic journey filled with heart, adventure, and cultural resonance. Together, these films showcase the festival’s commitment to storytelling that inspires, challenges, and delights audiences. Our special presentation and culinary dinner further guarantee a wonderful festival experience. 


Opening Night Film: Poetic License

Wednesday | 6:00 PM | Sebastiani Theatre: Silver, Gold, Platinum, & Patron Pass | Vets#1: Bronze Pass & Ticket Holders

Maude Apatow’s sharp, tender debut follows Liz (the magnetic Leslie Mann), adrift in a new town, who befriends two adoring students (Cooper Hoffman & Andrew Barth Feldman) after auditing a poetry class. Flattery spirals into awkward longing in this smart, laugh-out-loud story of reinvention. (Dir. Maude Apatow/USA/117 min)

Opening Night Party to follow from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery. Open to Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Patron Passholders. 

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The Moon and the Stars Dinner

Thursday | 7:00 PM | Valley Bar + Bottle

RSVP required for Platinum and Patron Passholders. Individual tickets to this party are available for purchase. 

SIFF invites you to a one-night-only dining experience hosted at Valley Bar + Bottle. The evening features wines from Moon Mountain AVA wineries alongside a fresh, vibrant spring menu celebrating the season’s best ingredients.

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An Evening With Julian Schnabel

Friday | 5:00 PM | Vets#1

SIFF is honored to welcome visionary filmmaker and celebrated artist Julian Schnabel for a special in-person presentation of his latest epic, In the Hand of Dante.

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Centerpiece Film: The Christophers

Saturday | 6:30 PM | Sebastiani Theatre

Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh serves up a razor-witted chamber comedy skewering art, money, and long-simmering grudges. Penned by Men in Black’s Ed Solomon and anchored by a wickedly sharp Ian McKellen, The Christophers is pure, sophisticated fun. (Dir. Steven Soderbergh/United Kingdom/100 min)

Centerpiece Party: "Dolce After Dark" to follow from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Buena Vista Winery. Complimentary admission for Gold, Platnium, and Patron Passholders. Individual Party Tickets Available for Purchase. 

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Closing Night Film: Under the Lights

Sunday | 4:30 PM | Vets#1

Shot in Sonoma County, Under the Lights follows a teen with epilepsy who risks everything to attend prom. Written and directed by Miles Levin, this powerful feature debut delivers rare authenticity and stars Pearce Joza, Lake Bell, Randall Park, and Nick Offerman. (Dir. Miles Levin/USA/104 min)

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