Film Fest Petaluma is an annual showcase of the best new short films from around the world with filmmakers in conversation. Located in the heart of wine country at the historic Mystic Theatre, just 30 miles north of Golden Gate Bridge, the festival has developed a reputation as a filmmaker-friendly event centered on community engagement and film education. Petaluma also has one of the most well preserved historic city centers in all of California, facilitating a pedestrian-friendly experience for guests. Travel grants are available for filmmakers who are invited to participate.

Awards & Prizes

Film Fest Petaluma presents an Audience Award with a $500 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

The festival showcases a wide variety of animation, live action, documentary, and experimental works under 30 minutes. All international films must be subtitled or dubbed in English. Priority consideration is given to submissions where a primary member of the cast or crew will attend the screening.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • MADAKTO PICTURES

    On behalf of Madakto Pictures, we are honored to be a part of this prestigious film festival. It is truly inspiring to see so much talent and creativity gathered in one place. Thank you to the organizers and everyone involved for providing such a wonderful platform to share our work and connect with fellow filmmakers. We wish all participants the best and look forward to celebrating the art of cinema together.

    May 2025
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  • Lori Eanes

    I love this festival- Run by Michael Traina who teaches film at a local college, the quality and creativity of each short film was amazing. Many of the films were award winning. I heard they had 1000 entries! The festival was packed, and there was insightful Q&A after each screening. I was very honored to be selected and I hope to come again.

    May 2025
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  • Alexander Gustaveson

    Fantastic festival! Excellent curation and a team of passionate people that made the entire experience a blast. The screenings were packed and the q&a's were thoughtfully done. The inclusion of select student films from the area was a great bonus and really made the entire festival feel like a community. They work hard to bring filmmakers into the experience and it felt global on a local scale. Can't recommend Film Fest Petaluma enough.

    May 2025
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  • Sean Pecknold

    Could not recommend this festival more! The hospitality for filmmakers is above and beyond, the programming is some of the best shorts programming out there, and the location is unmatched. Mike and his team have really created something special in Northern California. Hope to be back someday with another film.

    May 2024
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  • Julianne Martin

    This festival was a singular delight. The location was gorgeous, the programming was diverse and inspiring, and the organization was top-notch. Mike and his team put a lot of effort into every aspect of the experience and it really showed. I chose to attend this festival over two others the same weekend because of the organizers' enthusiasm that was palpable just through emails, and I'm so glad I did. I left feeling inspired by the people I met, the films I saw and the fervent desire to make another film. What a special, wonderful festival!

    May 2023
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