The start of the 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival is just days away, April 10-14, 2013, so we wanted you to be ready for the memorable event. The schedule includes some top-notch films from independent filmmakers around the world, and the list of guests attending is growing by the day. Mingle at some of the best parties and film premiers at eight locations around our historic Sonoma Plaza. Be sure to check our website and social media for full, live coverage of the event.
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Take ACTION and buy your tickets now at SonomaFilmFest.org and check out the full film schedule.

Wednesday
Opening Night Reception
4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m. at MacArthur Place
Open to Star and Premier passholders only.
Opening Film – The Iceman
6:30p.m. and 9:30p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre
Notoriously unrepentant Mafia hitman Richard Kuklinski was arrested in 1986 for murdering over 100 men in the course of three decades (although he may have killed twice that number). The all star cast of this riveting thriller includes Oscar-nominee’s Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder, and Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco.
Special guests include Director Ariel Vromen and actor Ray Liotta.
Opening Night After Party
9pm to 12am at the General’s Daughter
Continue opening night at the after party featuring the “Eighth Street 5” band. Open to Filmmakers, Sponsors, Star and Premiere passholders. Limited general admission tickets for $25 cash at the door.
Thursday
Films All Day
Screening venues
Beer Dinner
Ramekins
New Belgium Brewing is partnering up with The Homebrew Chef himself, Sean Paxton, for a beer dinner to be held at Ramekins. The evening will include a cocktail hour and a gourmet 4 course meal using local and seasonal ingredients. Space is limited.
Dance Party
9p.m. to midnight at HopMonk Tavern
Dance the night away at HopMonk Tavern after the second day of the film festival. Limited capacity so get there early! Open to star and premiere passholders.
Friday
Films All Day
Screening venues
Latin Fiesta
6p.m. to 8p.m. in the Backlot Tent
Come celebrate Spanish Language films with Mexican food by Rancho Viejo, Latin music by the Carlos Herrera Band, beer, Margaritas, wines from Ceja Vineyards and Robledo Family Winery. Open to Sponsors, Filmmakers, Star and Premiere passholders. General Admission $25.
After Party
9p.m. at the Swiss Hotel
Hosted by Consul General of Switzerland and Quebec Government Office in LA, round out your day at a local hot spot. Limited capacity. Open to Star passholders.
Saturday
Films All Day
Screening venues
Sonoma Spotlight Award
6p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall
A tribute to Mary-Louise Parker and Demián Bichir.
Mary-Louise Parker has enjoyed a diverse career in film, television and on stage. Most recently seen in the hit action-comedy RED opposite Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren, she will reprise her role in RED 2, due out this summer. Parker is widely known for her starring roles in such films as FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, BOYS ON THE SIDE, RECKLESS, THE CLIENT, NAKED IN NEW YORK and LONGTIME COMPANION.
Oscar-nominated actor Demián Bichir has impressive film and television work in both the United States and Mexico. For his moving portrayal of an undocumented worker in Chris Weitz’s A BETTER LIFE, Bichir received Best Actor nomination from the 2012 Academy Awards. He also starred in Steven Soderbergh’s 2008 two-part epic CHÉ as a young Fidel Castro, as well as Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES.
Open to Star & Premier passholders, general admission tickets are $50.
LGBT Secret Disco Party
7pm to 10pm in The Backlot tent.
Disco dance with a DJ, no-host bar. Open to passholders, general admission: $10.
Tribute Dinner
7p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall
A limited number of tickets ($175) are available for an elegant dinner at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall immediately following the Tribute / Spotlight Award. The dinner will be catered by the girl & the fig.
Festival Gala
9p.m. to 12a.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall
Festive food & beverages with music by Sonoma’s own Bosonomans and Unforgettable Fire, the band featured in the documentary: UNFORGETTABLE FIRE: The Story of a U2 Tribute Band. Tickets are $50.
Sunday
Films All Day
Screening venues
Closing Night Film- A Monkey on My Back
6:30 at the Sebastiani Theatre
Mila and Javier are a passionate husband-and-wife team of heart surgeons, routinely repairing and stitching up hearts on the operating table. When Mila unexpectedly becomes pregnant, the prospect of a baby undermines the balance of their relationship. An engaging story of marital collapse from award-winning director Marion Laine (A SIMPLE HEART), starring Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche (THE ENGLISH PATIENT) and Venezuelan superstar Édgar Ramírez (CARLOS).
Awards Ceremony
8:30p.m. to 10p.m. in The Backlot tent.
Close out the festival at the awards ceremony to celebrate the top filmmakers, actors and producers at this years’ Sonoma International Film Festival. Open to passholders, general admission is $10.
Other key films and notes
Screening Venues
Offering venues within a short distance from the historical Sonoma Plaza, the Sonoma International Film Festival will screen films at the following locations: