Mendocino Film Festival announces lineup of films and filmmakers
The Mendocino Film Festival, June 1-4, has established a reputation for presenting intelligent, thought-provoking, and award-winning independent and international films. Now in its 16th season, the Festival also brings an increasing number of visiting filmmakers to the coast. It offers a unique opportunity for the community to meet filmmakers and gather with other film aficionados.
This year the Festival honors writer/director Nicole Holofcener with the Rogue Wave Award for her body of work. The director’s newest film, YOU HURT MY FEELINGS, will be screened ahead of its wide release, as will the beloved 2013 drama ENOUGH SAID. Other films by Holofcener include FRIENDS WITH MONEY, WALKING AND TALKING, LOVELY AND AMAZING, and more. She will accept her award in person Thursday evening, June 1, and talk about her films at a Q&A after the screening of ENOUGH SAID on Friday. She will also be the featured guest at the Filmmaker Panel discussion on Saturday, June 3, at 9 am.
Other filmmakers attending include Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman from TOWN DESTROYER, Kathryn Golden from SANTOS: SKIN TO SKIN, Kristy Guevara Flanagan and Helen Hood Sheer from BODY PARTS, Malia Byrtus from PATH OF THE PANTHER and Bettina Dalton from RACHEL’S FARM.
On Saturday, June 3, a special free community screening of RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN will be presented in conjunction with the Charles M. Schulz Museum, followed by an art activity for kids. Sara Merric will be on hand for this first collaboration between the Festival and the Santa Rosa Museum.
The Narrative and Documentary Juries this year include a wide range of film professionals: actor/producer Matthew Lillard, film editor Tricia Cooke, distribution executive Mike Musante, literary agent Alex Creasia, and film festival producers Skye McLennan and Cynthi Stefenoni.
The jury’s winning films will be announced at a special members’ event on June 1. Jurors Skye McLennan, from the San Luis Obispo Film Festival, and Cynthi Stefenoni, from the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival, will be present at the Festival this year.
In addition to screenings and Q&As with filmmakers, the festival will feature special events and remarkable music with acclaimed musicians for two live music performances. On Friday night, June 2, the documentary SANTOS: SKIN TO SKIN about Latin percussionist John Santos will be followed by a live performance by the John Santos Quartet. On Saturday, June 3, following the documentary FINDING HER BEAT, a documentary about an all-female Japanese Taiko drum group, Sonoma County Taiko, will perform live.
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