The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is presented by the Sonoma Film Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, as a welcoming, entertaining and inspiring cinematic experience that supports and promotes independent films, celebrates the cultural diversity in the Sonoma Valley through film, and funds visual arts in education.

5 days, 100+ Films, 1 Unforgettable, Magical Environment ~ Sonoma!

"2017" - 200+ Filmmakers - 26 countries - 120 films

Named one of America's "Top Ten Destination Film Festivals," Sonoma prides itself on giving every filmmaker the royal treatment. Celebrated as one of the friendliest and most uplifting festivals on the circuit.

The Festival takes place March 21 - 25, 2018 in the heart of America's world-renowned wine country, Sonoma Valley, California, just 45 minutes north of San Francisco. At the Sonoma International Film Festival, we value the filmmakers as much as our industry leaders and celebrities. All are treated to our unique accommodations program and have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and audience members in one of the most intimate, relaxed and inspiring settings in the festival circuit. Great networking opportunities with industry professionals have lead to distribution.

High profile actors and celebrities have included Bruce Willis, Michael Keaton, Robert Patrick, Matthew Modine, John Ratzenberger, John Lasseter, Blythe Danner, Saul Zaentz, Alexander Payne, Mark Romanek, Danny Glover, Mare Winningham, Christopher Lloyd, Hal Holbrook, Ray Liotta and, David Arquette.

In the past, 1 in 10 films that were submitted to us through were selected for our Festival, making Sonoma an unusually accessible forum for participating filmmakers. Films are shown at least twice to engaged, film-savvy audiences representing a broad range of ages and tastes. 2018 films are open to Jury competition and winners will be given cash awards. SIFF welcomes a stellar array of panelists, media, and industry guests, all very accessible to our talented filmmakers and rising talents.

The 2018 Film Festival will feature the finest films from all countries and continue to show case films that run the gamut from World Cinema to our local high school student program. SIFF continues to grow its reputation in screening powerful films that also focus on social causes, LGBT issues, design and the environment. Many films have gone from early screenings at SIFF to significant success and distribution. We look forward to screening your films and upon acceptance, welcoming you to a unique film festival located in the wine country known for being a launch pad for independent filmmakers.

Jury Awards: 
Best American Independent Feature 
Best World Feature 
Best Documentary Feature 
Best Narrative Short 
Best Documentary Short

Audience Awards (Cash prize of $1,000 for each): 
A3 Award - Best Documentary 
Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar 
Stolman Award - Feature 
Favorite feature film (either live-action or animated) as voted by the Festival Audience. 
Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar 
SIFF Audience Award: Best World Feature 
Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar