Three eclectic programs of international award-winners as well as some local student shorts will be showcased at the fourth annual Film Fest Petaluma scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the historic Mystic Theatre in downtown. Programs feature a broad mix of animated and live action short films as well as 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 in conversation.
After the United States, French films dominate the line-up with seven titles including this year’s Cesar 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.” says festival director Michael Traina. “Each program features 8-10 shorts and there’s a little something for everyone.” This year’s Oscar winner for Best Animated Short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, is screening on 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 Sonoma County student filmmakers will also be showcased throughout the day. Top films from SRJC’s Associated Students Film Festival on April 6th 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.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
