2007 SONOMA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FINAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Extended Deadline is December 15th for Special 10th Anniversary Festival

SONOMA, Calif. (December 4, 2006) – The Sonoma Valley Film Festival has extended its final deadline for film entries until December 15, 2006. The Festival is currently accepting submissions in an array of categories, to play at its exciting 10th anniversary event, which will take place April 11 – 15, 2007.

All submissions to the 2007 Sonoma Valley Film Festival must be submitted online at www.withoutabox.com, which also features submission rules, fees and eligibility information. Detailed Festival information is also available at www.SonomaFilmFest.org.

Set in the heart of California’s historic and lush Wine Country, named one of America’s “Top Ten Best Vacation Film Festivals,” and called a “Cinematic magic carpet ride” by IFC News, the Sonoma Valley Film Festival prides itself on providing every filmmaker unique opportunities to mingle with breakthrough artists and industry leaders in one of the most intimate, unpretentious and indulgent settings in the world.

Sponsored by Entertainment Weekly and FOOD & WINE magazines, the Sonoma Valley Film Festival offers all of the excitement, press exposure and stars of larger festivals without the hectic atmosphere or distracting handlers.

Adding to the industry buzz, the Festival also announced today that it will celebrate its special 10th Anniversary event in 2007 with a star-studded tribute to two-time Academy Award®-winning director John Lasseter.

This special evening will feature a look back at Mr. Lasseter’s groundbreaking career, from visionary independent to entertainment industry powerhouse as the world’s most popular cinematic storyteller. The evening will also feature guest appearances and toasts from Mr. Lasseter’s friends and creative collaborators, including many of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, writers, directors and industry leaders.

To recognize outstanding achievements in filmmaking, films selected for competition at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival have the chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes for prestigious jury and audience awards. Prize packages, which continue to be enhanced and enriched, will grow as the Festival approaches. Sonoma presents over 75 independent films annually, including feature length narratives, documentaries, shorts, and student films.

With unique opportunities for personal and relaxed face-time with key industry players, Sonoma has become a unique and seductive venue for launching independent films, as well as a hot zone for some of the best independent films of the year. Nearly one third of the feature films playing at last year’s Festival received theatrical release and national distribution deals.

Filmmakers are the ultimate VIPs in Sonoma, indulging in Sonoma’s trademark “Cinema Epicuria” experience, with gourmet food and wine tastings before every film screening, curated by the world’s only film festival sommelier. Each year, filmmakers are also treated to a dazzling schedule, including insider winery excursions, private luncheons, and a totally unique hospitality program that welcomes guests to stay in the most lovely and luxurious private homes in town.

Sonoma plays host to VIP receptions, filmmaker panels, an awards program, and special tributes to cinematic legends. World-class film programming, paired with the best of Wine Country cuisine in a stunning natural setting, make this an incomparably rich experience on the international festival circuit.

Industry stars who have participated in the Sonoma Valley Film Festival include Alexander Payne, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Penelope Spheeris, Blythe Danner, Radha Mitchell, Jon Favreau, Jeremy Piven, Mark Romanek, Jena Malone, Agnieska Holland, Tony Shalhoub, Saul Zaentz, and Robin Williams, among others.

All submissions to the 2007 Sonoma Valley Film Festival must be submitted online at www.withoutabox.com, which also features submission rules, fees and eligibility information.

For more information or to book festival passes, visit www.SonomaFilmFest.org.

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