SIFF Film Lineup – Sweet Story Premieres Opening Night

California premiere of Andrew Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet” to close the SIFF Film Lineup

Sonoma, CA (March 4, 2025). The 28th annual Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF), renowned for its unparalleled blend of world-class cinema, culinary excellence, and wine country charm, returns March 19-23, 2025. This year’s festival features a spectacular lineup of 39 narrative features, 16 documentaries and 38 short films from over 21 countries alongside an impressive array of renowned filmmakers, celebrated actors, and culinary icons.

SIFF Film Lineup – Special Guests & Panels

---

• A live recording of “The Film That Blew My Mind” podcast, featuring Sundance Director Emeritus John Cooper, Tabitha Jackson, and special guest Christine Vachon.
• Film Veterans Tell All: Come hear film academy members give the ins and outs of the film business. Get insider stories from industry veterans about the film world! A must-attend panel for aspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike. 
• SIFF’s SVHS Media Arts Student Showcase: A platform for the next generation of filmmakers from Sonoma Valley High School’s acclaimed media arts program.

SIFF Film Lineup – Celebrating Cinematic Excellence

---

• Programming Team: The five-day festival is curated by Artistic Director Carl Spence, along with senior programmers Amanda Salazar and Ken Jacobson and shorts programmer Oscar Arce Naranjo.
• Festival Jurors: This year’s jury includes esteemed international industry professionals including Rajendra Roy (Chief Curator, MoMA), Greg Ellwood (The Playlist), Rachel Rosen (New York Film Festival), Brian Brooks (Cinetic Media), Jaie Laplante (DOC NYC), Daniela Michela (Morelia International Film Festival), Maggie Mackay (Vidiots), and Angelo Acerbi (Fred Film Radio). Their expertise ensures that SIFF remains a platform for groundbreaking storytelling and artistic innovation.
• Feature Competition Films: Café Chairel (Director: Fernando Guillermo Barreda Luna/Mexico), DJ Ahmet (Director: Georgi M. Unkovski/North Macedonia), Gloria (Director: Margherita Vicario/Italy), Long Good Thursday (Director: Mika Kaurismäki/Finland), Mexico 86 (Director: César Diaz/France), My Favorite Cake (Director: Maryam Moghaddam, Behtash Sanaeeha/Iran), The Party’s Over (Director: Elena Manrique/Spain), Waves (Director: Jiří Mádl/Czech Republic)
• Documentary Competition Films: Ali Eats America (USA) Directed by: Roush Niaghi, Greg Morris, Apollo 1 (United Kingdom) Directed by: Mark Craig, Fatal Watch (USA) Directed by: Mark Benjamin, Katie Carpenter, Free Leonard Peltier (USA) Directed by: Jesse Short Bull, David France, Mistress Dispeller (China) Directed by: Elizabeth Lo, Suburban Fury (USA)  Directed by: Robinson Devor, Sweet Störy (United Kingdom) Directed by: Sarah Justine Kerruish, Matt Maude, Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick (Japan)  Directed by: Aki Mizutani. 
• Sweet Störy (USA) In this real-life fairy tale, Meg Ray, owner of the beloved Bay Area patisserie Miette, embarks on a five-year odyssey to help save a magical café on the remote Swedish island of Rödlöga. An irresistibly delicious story of community, self-discovery, renewal, and the power of baked goods. World Premiere. (USA/75min).
• On Swift Horses (USA) stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi. Set in the 1950s, this gorgeous adaptation of Shannon Pufahi’s 2019 novel follows a seemingly sensible newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law as they undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery. (USA/117min)The Wedding Banquet (USA) This fresh, modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic by Andrew Ahn follows a group of friends who need to get married for convenience—until family arrives, and the plan spirals into extravagant, chaotic mayhem. It stars Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung. California Premiere. (USA/103min)
• The Ballad of Wallis Island (United Kingdom) Eccentric lottery winner Charles reunites his favorite folk duo for a private island gig, but old tensions threaten his dream concert. With sharp wit and stellar chemistry, this charming British comedy stars Carey Mulligan, Sian Clifford, Tom Basden, and Tim Key. (99min)
• DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia) A shepherding boy´s love of techno music sets him on a path of small-town love and rebellion in this modern-day “Footloose.” A wonderfully touching and humor-filled debut from director Georgi M. Unkovski. Audience Award Winner, Sundance Film Festival. (99min)
• Dreams [Love Sex] (Norway) In this installment of Dag Johan Haugerud´s trilogy “Love-Sex-Dreams,” a young woman explores her first love through writing, causing her mother and grandmother to examine their views on love, sexuality, and self-discovery as they grapple with the literary potential of the work. Winner, Golden Bear, Berlin Film Festival. North American Premiere. (110min)
• Marcella (USA) Marcella Hazan is the secret ingredient that made Italian cuisine irresistible. Through her cookbooks, teaching, and passion for tradition, she stirred up a culinary revolution, turning simple ingredients into masterpieces. This mouthwatering journey is Marcella’s unforgettable story, served up with flavor and flair. (98min)
• Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick (Japan) Maverick chef Yoshinori Ishii, an internationally renowned two-star Michelin chef, returns to Japan to transform a historic restaurant in Tokyo into an innovative auberge. But when a personal crisis arises, Ishii’s journey takes an unexpected turn. (84min)

---

About SIFF Film Lineup – Sonoma International Film Festival
The Sonoma International Film Festival is a 501(c)3 organization. The festival is dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world. It is inspiring savvy film lovers, and introducing the power of film to student filmmakers. SIFF blends a program of international film, food, wine, and fun. It hosts its annual festival each March, as well as year-round events and special screenings. Carl Spence is the Artistic Director, Ginny Krieger is the Executive Director,  and Dr. Kevin W. McNeely is the Director Emeritus

SIFF’s signature initiative — the Media Arts Program started at Sonoma Valley High School in 2002. It introduces students to film by providing ongoing support so they may explore their creative pursuits. SIFF has given more than $800,000 in resources to the program since its inception. With hundreds of students to date graduating through the program. In addition to providing college scholarships annually to deserving students.

The Sonoma International Film Festival is supported year-round by Sustaining Sponsor KHR McNeely Family Foundation. And Official Airline Delta Air Lines.

SIFF2025 Festival Premiere Sponsors include Chihuly Studio, Gloria Ferrer Winery, and Hong Kong Economic. And, Trade Office, San Francisco, and Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery.

For festival passes, tickets, and more information, visit sonomafilmfest.org.

---

You can comment here. You can also meet us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.