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Narrative Feature Competition
The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) proudly showcases the best in independent cinema, celebrating bold storytelling and innovative filmmaking. The Narrative Feature Competition highlights outstanding films from emerging talent worldwide—works that captivate audiences with compelling characters, unique perspectives, and masterful storytelling.
This competitive category is dedicated to narrative feature films that do not yet have U.S. distribution, offering filmmakers a prestigious platform to premiere their work, connect with industry professionals, and gain exposure in a vibrant festival setting. SIFF’s commitment to championing new voices ensures that these films receive the recognition they deserve, fostering the next generation of cinematic storytellers.
Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s wine country, the Sonoma International Film Festival is a celebration of film, culture, and creativity, drawing audiences who appreciate independent cinema at its finest.
Complete information on our narrative feature competition members of the jury and films.
Jury Members
Angelo Acerbi
He has been involved in the film world for more than 30 years, starting in film festivals (Torino Film Festival and TGLFF), then helping to create the Film Commission Torino Piemonte where he was Production Director for 5 years. After a period in which he was involved in film production, film events, and film publishing, he resumed his collaboration with the Lovers Film Festival (formerly TGLFF), where he is currently Head Programmer and Assistant Artistic Director, expanding his activity also in the United States: he was programmer of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and then moved on to the Seattle international Film Festival, for which he has been programming for Europe and Italy for more than 15 years and being also programmer of Cinema Italian Style Seattle, the Italian Film Festival, for the lat 12 years. He has been working as a reporter and journalist with Fred Film Radio (www.fred.fm) since its beginnings. He teaches Cinematography and Multimedia Languages at the Galli Academy - IED Network in Como.
Maggie Mackay
Maggie Mackay, Vidiots Executive Director, developed her love of film as a child at her local NYC video store, Rare Bird Video, and independent movie theaters including Film Forum and The Quad. For thirteen years she served as Senior Programmer of the Los Angeles Film Festival and Director of Nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards. She has held positions at Sundance Institute, AFI Fest, and Aspen Film, among other arts organizations, advocating for filmmakers and connecting audiences to cinema. Mackay holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware, and a Masters Degree from Claremont Graduate University. She returned to her video store roots when she joined Vidiots in 2016 as its first Executive Director.
Rajendra Roy
The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film
In 2007, Rajendra Roy joined The Museum of Modern Art as The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film, a role in which he leads MoMA’s year-round initiatives to exhibit and preserve works from its collection of over 30,000 titles. In collaboration with colleagues at MoMA and partner institutions, he has organized numerous exhibitions including Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film (2019), ”The Chelsea Girls” Exploded (2018), Teiji Furuhashi: Lovers (2016-17), Nan Goldin: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (2016-17), Pedro Almodovar (2016), Bruce LaBruce (2015), Wim Wenders (2015), The Berlin School: Films from the Berliner Schule (2013), Tim Burton (2010), and Mike Nichols (2009). For the Museum’s imprint, Mr. Roy authored (with Anke Leweke) The Berlin School: Films from the Berliner Schule (2013).
Mr. Roy is a member of the selection committee for New Directors/New Films, presented annually with Film at Lincoln Center. He has also served on juries for organizations such as the Sundance Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. In addition, he serves on the National Film Preservation Board, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences International Film Executive Committee.
Competition Films
Cafe Chairel
A lonely café owner and a wandering young woman forge a soulful connection over coffee.
DJ Ahmet
A shepherding boy in North Macedonia grooves to techno in a small-town dramedy reminiscent of "Footloose."
Gloria
An 18th-century girls’ music school erupts in rebellious song when a mute maid finds a pianoforte
Long Good Thursday
A grumpy Finnish farmer finds unexpected love in this charming road-trip comedy.
Mexico 86
Berenice Bejo starts as a Guatemalan activist who must choose between political duty and protecting her son in this intense thriller.
My Favorite Cake
A 70-year-old Iranian widow’s taxi ride takes an unexpected turn toward romance and rebellion. Banned in Iran.
The Party's Over
A Spanish divorcée’s life is upended when she shelters a Senegalese immigrant in her shed.
Waves
Journalists in 1960s Czechoslovakia navigate the tightrope between truth and propaganda in this gripping, award-winning historical drama. Academy Award Shortlist Finalist.