The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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. This year’s historic 25th anniversary live festival takes place from March 23-27. Top films from the live festival will be available in the Virtual Festival from April 23-30.
The festival began in 1997 when Sonoma residents Jerry Seltzer — a roller derby owner and son of the sport’s founder — and Carolyn Stolman came up with the idea for Sonoma to have its own film festival.
Since its beginning, the festival has hosted a huge number of Hollywood celebrities. Right from the beginning, the festival was attended by Hollywood legends like Danny Glover and Francis Ford Coppola. Over the years new events and program were added, including wine tastings, the Media Arts Program at Sonoma Valley High School and the SIFF | Devour! Chefs & Short Dinner.
For more, here’s a timeline of the festival’s history:
25 Years of SIFF
1997
Sonoma friends Carolyn Stolman and Jerry Seltzer dream up the film festival.
1998
Francis Ford Coppola is one of the first filmmakers of note to attend the Sonoma International Film Festival.
1999
The work of acclaimed actor and Bay Area resident Danny Glover is showcased.
2000
The festival moves to the springtime and films from Pixar Animation Studios are the highlight of the festival.
2001
The festival reinvigorates restored classic films with a tribute to film historian and preservationist Richard May.
2002
Sonoma International Film Festival provides the key funding to launch the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program.
2003
SIFF pays tribute to three award winning writer-directors: Alexander Payne, Mark Romanek and Agnieszka Holland.
2004
SIFF focuses its lens on women in film with guests Blythe Danner, Fionnula Flanagan, Jena Malone and Deborah Unger.
2005
Three-time Academy Award winning producer Saul Zaentz receives the SIFF Lifetime Achievement Award.
2006
Actor and activist Danny Glover returns to accept the SIFF Humanitarian Award for his body of work on screen and off.
2007:
SIFF celebrates 10 years with a tribute to the creativity and innovation of Pixar Animation Studios.
2008
Michael Keaton’s antic turn as Beetlejuice previews at SIFF.
2009
Bruce Willis receives the SIFF Lifetime Achievement Award and films SIFF’s first commercial.
2010
Lauren Hutton receives the SIFF Achievement Award from the iconic actor and comedian Robin Williams.
2011
Actor and activist Susan Sarandon is honored with the SIFF Lifetime Achievement Award.
2012
Cult film director John Waters performs his one man show to a standing room only audience.
2013
The SIFF Spotlight Award goes to actors Mary-Louise Parker and Demián Bichir.
2014
Jude Law and Demián Bichir open the festival with their film Dom Hemingway.
2015
Alan Rickman’s directorial debut of A Little Chaos opens to a sold out audience.
2016
Screenwriter and Sonoma vintner Robert Kamen, and actor Meg Ryan share the festival spotlight.
2017
SIFF celebrates 20 years with more than 135 films from 200 filmmakers representing 40 countries.
2018
The SIFF | Devour! Chefs & Short Dinner debuts with noted chefs and culinary shorts including three-star Michelin chef Dominique Creen.
2019
Julia Ormond opens the festival with the film Women In Black.
2020
SIFF pivots to an all virtual festival, expanding its audience and international reach, hosts drive-ins and new monthly online screenings.
2021
SIFF Summerfest was one of the first live, larger gatherings to bring the Sonoma community together.
2022
Sonoma International Film Festival celebrates 25 years live on March 23-27, with its command performance SIFF Virtual Film Festival April 23-20.
