Film Festivals & Series in Sonoma County
From indie showcases to international cinema, Sonoma County hosts a rich variety of film festivals and ongoing film series throughout the year. Celebrate storytelling on the big screen with events that highlight local talent, global perspectives, and unique cinematic experiences. Explore our list to stay in the loop on upcoming screenings, special events, and must-see festivals across the county.
Film Series
The Petaluma Cinema Series is a film education program that brings together SRJC film students, the campus community, and Sonoma County residents to engage in dialogue around classic, foreign, & independent films. Presentations feature SRJC film faculty, industry guests, interdisciplinary experts, and technical demonstrations. All evenings include post-screening discussions.
Film Festivals
Sonoma International Film Festival
March 25-29, 2026
The 28th annual Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF), renowned for its unparalleled blend of world-class cinema, culinary excellence, and wine country charm, returns March 25-29, 2026.
SDFF is an Oscar ® qualifying Film Festival for documentaries in the short form. Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival is proudly progressive, often featuring spotlights on social justice, journalism, current issues. When the right films come through we’ve programmed different POV’s of the same story. Given the proliferation of AI, documentary might become our only touchstone for what was ‘real’ at a moment in time. What better platform than a non-fiction film festival to encourage fresh and critical thinking?
April 11+12 and September 25-27
The highly anticipated Healdsburg International Short Film Festival (HISFF) returns in September for its 5th year, promising another weekend of unforgettable cinema, parties, and a red carpet opening night. Can’t wait for HISFF2026 in September? Experience “Audience Favorites” from HISFF 2025 on April 11th & 12th
Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival
April 9-12, 2026
SDFF is an Oscar® qualifying Film Festival for documentaries in the short form. Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival is proudly progressive, often featuring spotlights on social justice, journalism, current issues. When the right films come through we’ve programmed different POV’s of the same story. Given the proliferation of AI, documentary might become our only touchstone for what was ‘real’ at a moment in time. What better platform than a non-fiction film festival to encourage fresh and critical thinking?
Film Fest Petaluma
May 2, 2026
Film Fest Petaluma is an annual showcase of the best new short films from around the world with filmmakers in conversation.