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

An entirely walkable five-day festival, 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 22-26, 2023 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 & 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 $725,000 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, namely the SIFF | Devour! Chefs & Shorts dinner featuring celebrity chefs, and our SIFF Backlot Tent experience featuring industry panels, parties, wine and food pairings, and live entertainment.

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 and Meg Ryan, among others.

Awards & Prizes

Jury 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)

Rules & Terms

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 January 31.

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.

SIFF2023: The best in film, food, wine & fun!
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ethan Alesch

    It was an honor to premiere my animated short "In a Leaf" at the Sonoma International Film Fest. The staff were gracious and welcoming, and the selection of films was inspiring. I met some truly wonderful people there, enjoyed Sonoma's wonderful array of food and wine, and caught up with some old friends too. Hope to attend again next year!

    May 2022
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  • Dan Bronzite

    I am so grateful to have won BEST DRAMA SHORT for my drama-fantasy "All That Glitters" at the 2022 fest. The communication was great and I wish I could have attended...hopefully another year :) Thanks so much to Steve, Blair and the whole team for introducing our film to the Sonoma community, for helping to raise awareness about domestic violence and for honoring us with this award.

    April 2022
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  • Brian Lilla

    What a fantastic festival to premiere my latest feature documentary Children Of The Vine. The organizers and staff at SIFF are top notch at creating fantastic venues with excellent projections and sounds. Coupled with great food, wine and music events, SIFF is is definitely a festival I will return to again.

    April 2022
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  • Snow R. Shai

    We were honored to have our world premiere at the Sonoma International Film Festival amongst other great films from around the globe. Although it was virtual & online only due to the pandemic, we had great communication with the gracious staff and enjoyed screening our film to the world. The website was fantastic, easy to use and the screening was high quality. We are looking forward to visit Sonoma wine country in the future!

    July 2021
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  • Donna Serbe-Davis

    What a wonderful festival! Great selection of fascinating, diverse films and great people running the event. They offered lots of opportunities for filmmakers and visitors to have fun. I only wish I could have been there to enjoy it all. This festival is a must!

    April 2021
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