30 Shorts, 5 Countries, 1 Guaranteed Good Time

Three eclectic programs of international award-winners as well as local student talent will be showcased at the fourth annual Film Fest Petaluma set for Saturday, May 5 at the Mystic.

Programs feature a mix of animated and live action short films along with a blend of comedy and drama. Shows run at 2:30pm and 7:30pm with an edgier program at midnight. Each session will host filmmakers discussing their work and taking audience questions.

After the United States, French films dominate the line-up with seven titles including this year’s César (a top French national film award) winner for best live action short in France, L’Accordeur (The Piano Tuner). Canada, Australia, England, and Spain also have strong showings with single entries from Norway, Germany, and Japan.

“It’s the strongest program we’ve ever had. Each program features eight to 10 shorts and there’s a little something for everyone,” says festival director Michael Traina, who founded the festival in 2009 as part of a project for Leadership Petaluma, a Chamber of Commerce program that nurtures local leaders.

This year’s Oscar winner for Best Animated Short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, is screening during the 2:30pm program. More than a dozen filmmakers from five countries will be on hand to discuss the films and take questions from the audience.

Three local student filmmakers will also be showcased throughout the day. Top films from SRJC’s Associated Students Film Festival on April 6 were invited to screen at the downtown event. Students from Santa Rosa High School’s ArtQuest program were awarded the top three slots.

Fiona Becker will screen The Pulsera Project on 2:30pm show, Amy West & Jacob Bellochio will screen Mud on the 7:30pm show, and Nick Nuebel will screen Ancient Alien Ice Road Trucker Wars on the midnight show.

Tickets for the Fest are available at McNear’s Restaurant, Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma, or online through the Petaluma Film Alliance and Mystic Theatre websites. Tickets range from $10-$15. All-day passes are available for $25. Programs are recommended for 15 and over.

Check out FilmFestPetaluma.com for the complete schedule and ticket information.