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Narrative Feature Competition
Showcasing exceptional storytelling from visionary filmmakers around the world, the films in this competition offer audiences a first look at breakout talent and unforgettable stories destined to leave a lasting impression. From intimate character studies to sweeping dramas and inventive genre pieces, these films represent the very best in contemporary cinema.
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.
Jury Members
Gregory Ellwood is a critic and journalist who has covered the world of film and television for two decades. Currently an Editor-at-Large at The Playlist, Ellwood is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times and has written for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Vox, The Telegraph of London, among others. In 2009, he co-founded the entertainment news outlet HitFix, which was acquired by Woven Digital in 2016.
Kirsten Schaffer is the Chief Executive Officer of WIF, the preeminent organization that advocates for women in the screen industries—to achieve parity and transform culture. She has been instrumental in launching ReFrame, an industry-wide initiative to advance inclusivity and gender equity, as well as starting a variety of programs at WIF to increase the skill set and opportunity for film and TV makers.
Previously, she was the Director of Programming and then Executive Director of Outfest. She is widely credited as having grown Outfest into the leading LGBT media arts organization that it is. During Schaffer’s tenure at Outfest, she shepherded three new programs for the organization: the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, the Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival, and OutSet, the Young Filmmakers Project.
Kirsten has extensive experience in film programming, small business management, and arts administration. She is a graduate of the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, AIM (Arts Innovation and Management), and the Wells Fargo New Executive Director Institute.
Kirsten was named one of POWER UP’s “Top 10 Women in Show Business,” and was the recipient of a “Women in Business” Award from Senator Liu. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Max Geschwind works in the Media Finance department, which focuses on packaging, sourcing financing for, and/or selling the distribution rights to independently financed films, at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Geschwind, who joined the agency in 2021, is a member of CAA Elevate, a state-of-the-art program for agents and executives in training.
He graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in Cinema and Media Studies and Political Science.
Geschwind is based in Los Angeles.
