March 20th, 2010
Sonoma International Film Festival
Bruce Willis, fronting the Sonoma International Film Festival website advertisement, is a bit annoying as the marketing person, but the festival appears it will be as amazing, if not more so, than it’s been in years past. This year, the festival takes place from April 15-18. It’s their 13th “rodeo” and we’ll soon find out how prepared they are. Their opening mantra, “lights, cameras, corkscrews, action” is charming, especially for a quintessential wine destination. More than 64 independent films will be shown. Of course, food and wine pairings will be part of the play.
The closest wine region to San Francisco, Sonoma also offers great film. One Festival Pass, costing $150, with two for $275, allows access to all panels and films. Shorts, documentaries and features are categories for the spread. Lucky for locals, the Sonoma International Film Society hosts year-round events centered around the importance of new independent filmmaking, as well as gourmet food and fine wine. Each year during the film festival, the Sonoma Valley High School’s film program has been kindly supported.
Last year, Bruce Willis won a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the first one the Sonoma Film Festival ever presented.
When it comes to a place to stay , there are a variety of options. Sonoma Plaza, sized at eight acres, is the largest town square of its likeness in California. There are more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms in the area to get people good and sleepy, ready for bed, so don’t book a room too far away unless you have a designated driver The El Dorado Hotel (with restaurant El Dorado kitchen) serves as a good base destination for touring Sonoma. Should you get caught up in wine more than film, we won’t worry about you. We’ll simply assume you have more joie de vivre than most film critics!
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