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.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Diego Fandos

    The Petaluma festival is great because of Mike (the director), the venue, the film selection, the attendees, the city, and the surrounding county. It’s a great opportunity to watch good films, network, and enjoy the area. Highly recommended!

    And, coming from Europe, Petaluma itself feels like a film set — which makes sense, since many movies have actually been shot in this beautiful town.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Eric Adams

    Shorts filmmakers rarely get the spotlight, but at Film Fest Petaluma, they get the spotlight and far more. The team here hosts filmmakers from around the world for a full weekend of activities, educational events and extraordinary wine and epicurean experiences in Sonoma County Wine Country. Highly-curated films and filmmaker panels make this top-notch festival absolutely one of my favorites. Not to be missed!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful