Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sonoma Film Fest Kicks Off with College Comedy Premiere
Sonoma Film Fest Kicks Off with College Comedy Premiere
29 Mar
Summary
- Festival opened with Maude Apatow's college comedy 'Poetic License' premiere.
- Soderbergh's 'The Christophers' and queer drama 'Maspalomas' won awards.
- SIFF showcased 104 films from 37 countries, with increased ticket sales.
The 29th Sonoma International Film Festival, which ran from March 25 to March 29, 2026, commenced with the California premiere of "Poetic License." This raucous college comedy is the debut for writer Raffi Donatich and director Maude Apatow.
Awards recognized outstanding films, including Steven Soderbergh's UK drama "The Christophers" for the narrative audience award and Spain's queer drama "Maspalomas" for the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature. The documentary audience award went to "Jane Elliott Against the World."
The festival featured a diverse selection of 104 films from 37 countries, comprising 41 narrative features, 16 documentaries, and 47 short films. Ticket sales saw an increase compared to previous years.
Notable screenings also included Julian Schnabel's "In the Hand of Dante," Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," and a 4K restoration of John Woo's "The Killer."
Engaging panels discussed various industry topics, featuring veteran filmmakers and executives addressing casting, industry challenges, and the role of women in film.
