‘Culinary Cinema’ on the menu
The 2025 Sonoma International Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, March 19 and runs through Sunday, March 23 in and around the lovely hamlet of Sonoma, CA.
It’s hard to believe that the counties longest standing film festival has been around since 1997 and this year promises more of the things you’ve grown to love about the fest while injecting some modernity into the whole affair.
SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence can’t wait to yell “action!” on this year’s festival saying “this year we have 55 features and 38 short films from 21 countries and more than 65 filmmakers coming to the festival along with press and industry.” As if that wasn’t enough to see you get your fill, the fests lauded culinary events will definitely satiate your exploratory palate.
Simmering under the title “Culinary Cinema” Spence notes that the program will highlight “immersive dining experiences that celebrate legendary chefs to mouthwatering films that explore global cuisine.” Ooo-la-la!
Indeed, this year’s lineup is a must for food lovers and cinephiles alike where attendees might savor an intimate Marcella Hazan-inspired Italian dinner, witness the artistry of Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine, and indulge in a collection of films that highlight the passion, drama, and joy of the culinary world. Special Events include Marcella´s Italian Dinner and a Culinary Masterclass on Japanese Cuisine and Culture by Japanese Chef Yoshinori Ishii.
But of course, the main dish at SIFF is (or at least should be) the films themselves. When asked what one might keep an eye out for, Spence said “so many fantastic films I love! We have the North American Premiere of the Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear Winner Dreams which is part of the trilogy of films “Love, Sex, Dreams.” All three are playing at the festival. We also have the Sundance Audience Award Winner DJ Ahmet, the Spanish Film The Party’s Over and our opening night film I absolutely love, Sweet Störy.”
Not only is Sweet Störy the fests Opening Night film, it also marks the World Premiere or the locally based doc. According to press notes, the film is “a real-life fairy tale” detailing the story of Meg Ray, owner of the beloved Bay Area patisserie Miette, who embarks on a five-year odyssey to help save a magical café on the remote Swedish island of Rödlöga. Don’t you just love it when a film can fit the overall vibe on a fest?
Spence notes other highlights including “the crazy and insane” The Surfer an Australian film starring Nicolas Cage and the 20th Anniversary screening of Gregg Araki´s Mysterious Skin starring Brad Corbet (Director of The Brutalist) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
In addition to those last two films Spence noted, this writer is also looking forward to the following:
Joshua Zeman’s documentary Checkpoint Zoo. This compelling documentary captures the harrowing early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the plight of Kharkiv’s cherished Feldman Ecopark Zoo. As Russian forces advanced and Ukrainian defenders held their ground, the zoo became an unintended battleground. With over 5,000 animals confined to their enclosures, the escalating conflict left them vulnerable, starving, dehydrated, and in grave danger as the front line drew nearer. The film vividly portrays the struggle to save these innocent lives amidst the chaos of war.
Elizabeth Lo’s wild, “the-future-is-now” sounding Mistress Dispeller. In China, a burgeoning industry has risen to address the delicate issue of infidelity, offering services aimed at preserving marriages. Wang Zhenxi, a professional “mistress dispeller,” is at the forefront of this unique field. Hired to safeguard marital bonds and dismantle extramarital affairs by any means necessary, Wang navigates the complex emotional terrain of love, betrayal, and reconciliation.
Also intriguing and the type of film one can say they saw before it was released worldwide is Daniel Minahan’s On Swift Horses which stars several much buzzed about performers including Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter and Daisy Edgar-Jones in a period piece (circa 1953) love quadrangle that also leans way into racetrack betting. Sounds like a little something for everyone.
Other quick picks include Space Cowboy which is a fun looking escapade through the life and times of a professional skydiving cinematographer who highlights some of his more outlandish shoots, the Naomi Watts and Bill Murray (and a Great Dane) starring The Friend as well as Waves which in and of itself sounds interesting but perhaps more intriguing is that it’s Czechoslovakia’s highest grossing film of 2024. What are those zany Czech’s into these days anyway?
One of the aforementioned new wrinkles for the fest will be a live taping of the always entertaining podcast, “The Film That Blew My Mind” in which hosts John Cooper (who is also the new True West Film Center Artistic Director! Congrats, Coop!) and Tabitha Jackson who welcome guests to talk about, you guessed it, a film that blew their mind. Their guest during the live recording at 11 am, Friday, March 21, will be none other than indie film producing legend, Christine Vachon who will talk about the 1948 film, The Boy with the Green Hair.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what to see with so much to choose from, Spence has come to the rescue noting “we’ve organized our films differently this year in our Film Finder Guide where you can choose films based on your mood.” He simplifies, explaining, “our “mood match” feature pairs you up with films that might fit your mood.” For example, on the fests website under the film guide, a pulldown menu features choices for your mood such as To Laugh, To Go on a Journey, To Debate, Be Creative, To Love or be Loved, To Be Thrilled, To be Inspired. “There is something to match any mood you might be in,” states Spence. Very cool and also, very clever.
As always, the Sonoma International Film festival highlights a cinematic icon and this year’s attendee is international star, Joan Chen. Says Spence, “Joan Chen is a trailblazing actress whose talent and versatility have left an indelible mark on film and television. From The Last Emperor to Twin Peaks and her recent acclaimed performance in Dìdi, she continues to captivate audiences.”
Chen will be feted on Sunday, March 23 and following her tribute, the festival will present the West Coast premiere of The Wedding Banquet, Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s beloved classic. With a cast that includes Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Kelly Marie Tran, it’s a perfect ending to the festival.
A complete listing of films, locations and how to secure tickets can be found at sonomafilmfest.org.
