Sonoma International Film Festival Festival (SIFF) Highlights

Sonoma, CA (March 4, 2025). The 28th annual Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) returns March 19-23, 2025. It is renowned for its unparalleled blend of world-class cinema, culinary excellence, and wine country charm. This year’s festival features a spectacular lineup. They are 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.

“After last year’s record-breaking festival. We’re thrilled to elevate the experience with a lineup of extraordinary films. And, visionary talent, and an exclusive culinary program,” said Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director. “The Sonoma International Film Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a destination where world-class cinema, fine wine, and gourmet food create an unforgettable cultural experience.”

A wine country film festival like no other

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SIFF is more than a film festival. It’s a full sensory experience that brings together award-winning cinema. Star-studded tributes, and gourmet indulgence. Festival-goers can enjoy exclusive SIFF Pop-Ins featuring curated food and wine experiences at top Sonoma restaurants. Lively parties at celebrated establishments, and intimate conversations with film industry veterans.

Festival highlights

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Notable stars with films at the festival include:

Bérénice Béjo, Gael García Bernal, and Nicolas Cage. Joan Chen, Glenn Close, Brady Corbet, and Julie Delpy. Also Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Lily Gladstone, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Nicole Kidman, Vicky Krieps, John Leguizamo, and Matthew Macfadyen. Dacre Montgomery, Bill Murray, Carey Mulligan, and Jonathan Pryce.

Renate Reinsve, Kyra Sedgwick, David Strathairn and Steve Coogan. Kelly Marie Tran, Naomi Watts, Bowen Yang and Youn Yuh-Jung.

• Opening Night Film: Sweet Störy (World Premiere). A captivating documentary following Meg Ray of San Francisco’s Miette. On a heartfelt journey to save a charming café on the remote Swedish island of Rödlöga.
• Centerpiece Film: On Swift Horses (California Premiere). Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi. This is an evocative adaptation of Shannon Pufahi’s novel. It follows intertwined journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery.
• Closing Night Film: The Wedding Banquet (West Coast Premiere). A fresh re-imagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic by acclaimed director Andrew Ahn. It is featuring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Joan Chen.
• Special Presentation Films: The Ballad of Wallis Island (United Kingdom). One to One: John & Yoko (United Kingdom), The Penguin Lessons (United Kingdom), Dag Johan Haugerud´s Love Sex Dreams Trilogy (Norway).
• Tribute to Joan Chen: The acclaimed actress will be honored with the SIFF Career Achievement Award. At the Closing Night presentation of The Wedding Banquet.
• 20th Anniversary Screening: Gregg Araki’s groundbreaking Mysterious Skin.
• Culinary Films & Events: 15 food-focused films. An intimate Italian wine dinner honoring culinary legend Marcella Hazan. And, a Master Class in Japanese Cuisine & Culture by Michelin-star chef Yoshinori Ishii.
• World premieres of Roush Niaghi and Greg Morris’s Ali Eats America. Fernando Guillermo Barreda Luna’s Cafe Chairel, Mark Benjamin and Katie Carpenter’s Fatal Watch.
• North American Premiere: Dreams (Love, Sex) – Berlinale Golden Bear winner by Dag Johan Haugerud, alongside his full trilogy.
• California premieres of Mark Craig’s Apollo 1. Kevin Macdonald’s One to One: John and Yoko. Mimi Cave´s Holland, and Lorcan Finnegan´s The Surfer. And, Emilie Blicheld´s The Ugly Stepsister, amongst others. 
• Audience Favorites and Award Winners: Bad Shabbos (USA) Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award Winner. Ballad of Wallace Island (United Kingdom) Sundance Film Festival Crowd Pleaser. Bob Trevino Likes It (USA) SXSW Jury and Audience Award Winner. DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia) Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner. The Last Journey (Sweden) Official Oscar Submission. Best International Feature, Long Good Thursday (Finland) – Chicago Film Festival Audience Award Winner. Waves (Czech Republic) – Official Oscar Submission Shortlist, Best International Feature.
• Other highlights include a Spotlight on Italian Cinema and a mini-focus on Films from Scandinavia.

About 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.

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