By Christopher Nevin Johnston
Looking for a good reason to hit the road and relax for a few days? Well, look no more. Every spring the Sonoma International Film Festival draws more than 17,000 visitors to the historic Sonoma City Plaza--located roughly 45 miles northeast of San Francisco--for an extended weekend of laid-back film, food, wine, art and music.
Akin to the more scenic film festival locations like Park City or Santa Barbara, Sonoma has all of the natural beauty of its sister fests but--and here's the kicker--is actually an affordable pleasure experience that won't leave you with a bad case of spender's remorse. From now until February 28th all passes are on sale for 20% off the regular price. So, if you purchased a basic Festival Pass (valued at $225) you could attend all the regular screenings and panels for only $180! Let's see the Sundance Kid offer you a better deal....And if your pockets run a little deeper and you would like a more tailored festival experience, Platinum and Premiere Passes will ensure a hobnobbing good time without a bail-out from the Feds.
Looking for a good reason to hit the road and relax for a few days? Well, look no more. Every spring the Sonoma International Film Festival draws more than 17,000 visitors to the historic Sonoma City Plaza--located roughly 45 miles northeast of San Francisco--for an extended weekend of laid-back film, food, wine, art and music.Akin to the more scenic film festival locations like Park City or Santa Barbara, Sonoma has all of the natural beauty of its sister fests but--and here's the kicker--is actually an affordable pleasure experience that won't leave you with a bad case of spender's remorse. From now until February 28th all passes are on sale for 20% off the regular price. So, if you purchased a basic Festival Pass (valued at $225) you could attend all the regular screenings and panels for only $180! Let's see the Sundance Kid offer you a better deal....And if your pockets run a little deeper and you would like a more tailored festival experience, Platinum and Premiere Passes will ensure a hobnobbing good time without a bail-out from the Feds.
Known for its casual atmosphere, the Festival is a place where
attendees can enjoy samples of the region's famous varietals while
mingling with their favorite independently minded stars who, like you,
just want to enjoy some fromage and chard before soaking up the next
Little Miss Sunshine. Past guests of the Festival include Jenna
Fisher, Alexander Payne, Jon Favreau, Robin Williams, Cheech Marin and
many other hip, gregarious celebrities. While I can't promise that
you'll get to throw back glasses of pinot with this year's main
honoree, I can assure you that tough guy incarnate, Bruce Willis, will
be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Festival which runs
April 1-5.Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Festival will feature more than 75 independent movies from countries all around the globe, including the United States, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, and France, as well as many films from local Bay Area artists.
So, check out their website at www.sonomafilmfest.org or call the office at (707) 933-2600 for more information on the 20% Pass Sale and book your trip today for the premiere wine country film festival.

I attended last year and had a blast. I had the VIP ticket which gave you access to great parties and food, but if all you want is fun and interesting movies all the passes are great! I will be attending again this year. HMP
Hello,
I wondered if someone could forward this to Mr. Christopher Nevin Johnston? I am creating a filmed documentary on a book that his poem "Refuse" was in, called "The Other Side of the Postcard". Thank you for any help that you can provide.
Thank you,
Ron Gilbert