“Cinema Epicuria,” The Sixth Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival, has begun its call for entries for next year’s festival, which will take place April 9-13. The festival invites new and veteran filmmakers to submit their works, which if accepted, will be screened in a relaxed setting amidst a bunch of festivalgoers gorging themselves on wine and cheese.
“We’re seeking passionate independent features, documentaries and shorts for our 2003 program,” said the Festival’s Executive Director, Brenda Lhormer.
“Specifically we’re looking for films that might best be described as ‘life-affirming’ in the categories of drama, comedy, romantic comedy as well as films for children and families. We are also on the lookout for underground, quirky and cutting edge independent films for our highly-inventive Lounge series.”
The film submission deadline for all genres is December 15, 2002 with a $35 entry fee ($15 students); late submission deadline is January 15, 2003 with a $45 entry fee ($25 students).
Also, Chris Gore will be returning to the festival as Program Director. He’ll also serve as moderator of the various panels offered at the festival. So if you’re going to festival and you happen to see Chris, don’t be shy to go up and bug him…he likes it.
The Sixth Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival will feature more than 50 works comprising new independent films, fascinating documentaries, entertaining shorts and student films, as well as the Sonoma Symposium – a series of panel discussions for working filmmakers, film lovers, and the curious. Jury prizes will be awarded for Best Feature Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Short as well as a special recognition award for the Lounge series.
“I was lucky enough to have my first film, Finder’s Fee invited to quite a few festivals, but without question, the Sonoma Valley Film Festival topped the rest as the best overall weekend,” said Jeff Probst, writer and director of Finder’s Fee, and host of CBS television’s hit series “Survivor.” “The side benefits of having a film festival in the wine country cannot be overlooked – fantastic parties, delicious wine tasting tours, and a great slate of original and innovative films. The Sonoma Valley Film Festival is a great celebration of independent film and an even better way to spend a weekend.”
Visit the Sonoma Valley Film Festival website for more entry information.
