The spring film festival season is upon us. SXSW will begin this weekend, and Cannes is almost two months away. Later this month, the 2025 Sonoma International Film Festival will unspool and is set to feature some major premieres. Most notably, the Golden Bear winner at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, Dag Johan Haugrud’s “Dreams (Love Sex),” will have its North American debut in Sonoma.
Other major screenings include the Opening Night world premiere of Sarah Justine Kerrisch and Matt Maude’s “Sweet Story,” the centerpiece screening of Daniel Minahan’s “On Swift Horses,” and Andrew Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet,” which will close the festival. Joan Chen will also be honored with the SIFF Career Achievement Award at the Closing Night presentation of “Wedding Banquet.”
Screening from March 19 to 23, this year’s festival features 39 narrative features, 16 documentaries, and 38 short films from over 21 countries.
In a statement, Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director, noted, “After last year’s record-breaking festival, we’re thrilled to elevate the experience with a lineup of extraordinary films, visionary talent, and an exclusive culinary program. The Sonoma International Film Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a destination where world-class cinema, fine wine, and gourmet food create an unforgettable cultural experience.”
Notable narrative film screenings include James Griffith’s “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” Peter Cattaneo’s “The Penguin’s Lesons, and the other two films in Haugrud’s trilogy, “Love (Sex Dreams),” and “Sex (Dreams Love).” Additionally, Piero Messina’s “Another End,” Georgi M. Unkovski’s “DJ Ahmet,” Emilie Blichfeldt’s “The Ugly Stepsister,” Lorcan Finnegan’s “The Surfer,” David Siegel and Scott McGehee’s “The Friend,” Mimi Cave’s “Holland,” and a 20th anniversary screening of Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin” are on deck.
This writer will be representing The Playlist on one of the official juries this year alongside Rajendra Roy (Chief Curator, MoMA), Rachel Rosen (New York Film Festival), Brian Brooks (Cinetic Media), Jaie Laplante (DOC NYC), Daniela Michela (Morelia International Film Festival), Maggie Mackay (Vidiots), and Angelo Acerbi (Fred Film Radio).
For more information on the festival, including screening times, tickets, and special events, click here.
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