The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) celebrates the BEST in film, food, wine and fun.

SIFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world, inspiring savvy film lovers, and introducing the power of film to student filmmakers.

Named “One of the 25 Coolest Festivals” by MovieMaker Magazine in 2016 and 2018, and one of America’s Top Ten Destination Film Festivals by USA Today in 2019, SIFF takes place March 20-24, 2024 in the United States’ renowned Wine Country, just 45 minutes north of San Francisco.

SIFF is noted for its participation of film and media industry jurists and panelists. We continue to grow our reputation in finding and cultivating new talent from around the world, creating a significant platform for networking and distribution opportunities.

SIFF programs full-length features and documentaries, as well as short films in the Live Action, Documentary and Animated categories. SIFF also showcases Culinary, Food and Wine films across all categories and presents comedies from around the world in addition to dramas and other genres.

SIFF is committed to the 50/50 gender parity industry initiative, as well as films that cover the gamut of human experience from environmental, LGBTQI+, social justice and other diverse viewpoints.

SIFF supports filmmakers with generous cash award prizes and an accommodation program providing the opportunity to interact with industry professionals, community members and our astute film audience in one of the most intimate, engaging and inspiring settings on the festival circuit.

SIFF has funded more than $750,000 to its signature initiative — the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program started in 2002 — which introduces students to the process of storytelling and provides resources to further their film education.

In addition to being a festival for and about film and filmmakers, SIFF also showcases the best of the Sonoma Valley region with several high-end culinary and wine events, and lively experiences with industry panels, parties, and filmmaker networking opportunities.

Notable festival attendees include: Francis Ford Coppola, Alexander Payne, Robin Williams, Saul Zaentz, Bruce Willis, Michael Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Agnieszka Holland, Fionnula Flanagan, Mary-Louise Parker, Robert Mark Kamen, Demain Bichir, Robert Patrick, Jude Law, Matthew Modine, John Ratzenberger, John Lasseter, Blythe Danner, Jena Malone, Karen Allen, Julia Ormond, Mark Romanek, Danny Glover, Mare Winningham, Christopher Lloyd, Hal Holbrook, Ray Liotta, David Arquette, John Waters, Lauren Hutton, Jacqueline Bisset, Meg Ryan, and Sir Ben Kingsley, among others.

Grand Jury Competitions and Awards:
Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Short | Live Action
Best Short | Documentary
Best Short | Animation

Audience Awards | Cash Prizes:
Stolman Award—Best Feature ($1,000)
A3 Award—Best Documentary ($1,000)
McNeely Award--Best Short ($1,000)

Online Submissions:
Submissions are only accepted through FilmFreeway. Please make sure to include a film screening link (Vimeo preferred) or upload your film to FilmFreeway in order to be considered. We do not accept physical copies of films for consideration.

Upon submission, you acknowledge and agree that your film may screen up to three times at our venues during the festival. Participating films are offered in-person festival benefits including festival passes and hospitality from our guest relations department. We do not pay screening fees.

You will be contacted if your film is selected on or before February 29, 2024.

Good Luck! We're looking forward to seeing your film, and upon acceptance, welcoming you to one of the most unique and filmmaker-friendly festivals on the circuit.

SIFF2024: The best in film, food, wine & fun!

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • The Sonoma International Film Festival was the best experience for the US premiere of California Pie. All 110 films in their schedule appeared to be outstanding. In my curated slot, there were narrative, comedy, animation, and documentary stories told with big and tiny budgets (like mine). Excellent communication from Oscar Arce Naranjo, the shorts programmer, and amazing hospitality experiences created by Blair Hunter. The people of Sonoma are generous and devoted to the arts. The most amazing festival. Thank you!

    April 2023
  • Benjamin Howard

    Sonoma was an incredible experience! The communication in arranging accommodations was so streamlined and simple, and our host house was so great to us. The wine, the food, the parties, it was a very memorable few days-- we look forward to returning!

    April 2023
  • Kelli Caldwell

    What a joy and honor to be included in this festival. Grateful to have attended in-person and it was not only a wonderful opportunity, but a seamlessly executed event at every step. Truly excellent!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Kelli:

    Thank you for taking the time to send your note ... we appreciate your comments and look forward to seeing you again at SIFF. Ginny

  • I was so honored to have my animated short Little Hurts screened at the Sonoma Festival ! The Just for Fun Shorts programed by Oscar Arce Naranjo was an amazing afternoon of films. Everyone working and volunteering at the festival was welcoming and so friendly and there were so many opportunities to meet other filmmakers.

    Outside of the festival the food in Sonoma is truly extraordinary ! We took day trips to visit gardens and really this festival has it all - I hope I am am able to return with my next film ! Thank you Sonoma Festival for an amazing experience!

    April 2023
  • Sarah T. Schwab

    This is my favorite festival. Sonoma County is already my home away from home, and to be in a place that so thoroughly supports independent film and filmmakers just makes my love for the place that much stronger. I hope to be back for years to come.

    April 2023