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Stockton's arts scene is always family-friendly. The Children's Museum of Stockton also creates programming that captures the imagination of young people who form the foundation of future art appreciation and application. With over 40 wide-ranging exhibits that vary from a Nature Station to a News Station, each experience is focused on hands-on, experiential learning and play. The Children's Museum entertains and educates everyone who attends, including older siblings, parents, and grandparents.
Studies and common sense suggest that everyone can benefit from time among the arts, yet often visiting a gallery or attending a musical performance slips off our calendars as routine tasks dictate our days. The Stockton arts community allows us to embrace the benefit of aesthetic nourishment easily and economically. Whether we spend the day at the Children’s Museum, an afternoon admiring the brilliance of J.C. Leyendecker inside the Haggin Museum, or an evening at the Symphony or laughing at the theater, a visit to Stockton provides exciting opportunities to immerse ourselves and our families in the arts.
This year, SIFF presenting sponsor United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase will host a private lounge during the festival. SIFF festival goers who have a United MileagePlus® credit card are invited to stop in between screenings for snacks, and surprises. For access, card holders will be required to show their SIFF pass or film ticket and current United MileagePlus® credit card. Each Cardmember may bring 1 guest.
The best way to experience the Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) presented by United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase and have access to all films is by purchasing a SIFF pass. There are different levels to enjoy, but all pass holders will have access to the SIFF Backlot Hospitality Tent with daytime activations and happy hours as well as a lively VIP area and evening parties. For information about tickets, festival passes, pass levels, prices and benefits, go to www.sonomafilmfest.org.
*United Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
In 2019, SIFF’s best director prize was awarded to Roxy Toporowych, the Ukrainian writer and director of the acclaimed Julia Blue. Shot entirely in Ukraine with an all Ukrainian cast and crew, the film beautifully depicted the country and its people in an American independent narrative feature that wowed SIFF audiences.
Further demonstrating the eclectic mix of films celebrated at SIFF, the 2019 Best U.S Indie award went to Collisions, a heartbreaking movie about two children embarking on a cross-country road trip with their estranged uncle to stop their mother from being deported after she was arrested in an ICE raid. Written and directed by Richard Levien, this staggering piece of work stunned critics and audiences alike with its exploration of the perils of immigration.
This festival doesn’t just celebrate cinema: food and wine are a highlight as well. Sonoma is a town that has a rich restaurant scene as well as award-winning wineries, many on display at SIFF. Last year, Chef’s & Shorts, a celebration of film, food and wine, was one of the fabulous events that SIFF brought to life. Chef’s & Shorts invited five celebrity guest chefs to present a dish based on their unique impression of a film. Guests were able to see the film and hear from each chef, and they loved every minute and bite. SIFF 2020 audiences can expect amazing events such as this, and more this year.
While Hollywood celebrities bring an excitement to the scene, one of the best things about SIFF is the blend of both known and unknown talent. SIFF has served as the launch pad for many indie filmmakers and makes a concerted effort to promote independent motion pictures and the unsung heroes from around the world who work tirelessly to bring their cinematic dreams to life. For example, this year, festival organizers have invited the minds behind Fire on the Mountain, an amazing action sports film which features music from the Grateful Dead. Perhaps the filmmakers of this thrilling story will capture one of the festival’s top prizes this year.
In the past, SIFF’s red carpet has been home to renowned filmmakers, industry leaders and celebrities like the beloved Robin Williams, John Waters, Ray Liotta, Susan Sarandon and Bruce Willis during the five-day festival filled with a diverse film program, panels, parties and more. This year, the invited actors include Kate Bosworth, Edward James Olmos, Martin Sheen and David Straitharn from the darkly comic film The Devil Has a Name. Director Tom Dolby and actress Lena Olin from the drama The Artist’s Wife are also invited. Other actors that were extended invitations include Colewell’s Karen Allen (best known for her role in the Indiana Jones franchise), and Helen Reddy from I Am Woman, whose producer Andres Vincente Gomez was also asked to attend. Louis Gossett Jr, most recently seen in HBO’s Watchmen series, has been invited to show his latest artistic offering, The Cuban, which also stars Lauren Holly.
There’s a palpable energy that one feels at a film festival. Cinema lovers gather together in one place and the air is filled with anticipation and excitement as audiences wait for the moment when they’re in their theater seats, waiting for the lights to dim and the silver screens to illuminate with the first shot of a terrific movie. For 22 years, the Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) has had cinephiles from around the world come running. Not only is it in one of the most beautiful places on earth, it’s also one of the most highly regarded film festivals in the world. This year, SIFF will take place from March 25 through March 29, so get your tickets soon!
Now in its 23rd year, the Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is pleased to welcome United MileagePlus® Cards from Chase as the Presenting Sponsor. This entirely walkable festival is focused on film, food, wine and fun! Held in the gorgeous town of Sonoma, SIFF2020 will showcase a fascinating mix of over 100 hand-selected films that include features, documentaries and shorts showcasing work from filmmakers around the world. One of the most interesting destination festivals around, this renowned event was twice recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the world, and it’s easy to see why. SIFF welcomes artistic cinema offerings that showcase worlds and ideas that viewers may have never seen or heard of before. All SIFF films are shown at intimate venues, and all events are centered around the Sonoma Plaza, which is lined with charming shops, tasting rooms and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Feast on food, taste wine and then catch one of the great films that will be shown around town.
SIFF Returns for a Fabulous 23rd Year!
"SIFF welcomes artistic cinema offerings that showcase worlds and ideas that viewers may have never seen or heard of before."
Like the Haggin Museum and other local arts organizations, the Stockton Symphony emphasizes cultural accessibility by scheduling interesting programs and offering a variety of ticket options, including the “Pick 3,” which enables you to purchase any three performances from the eight concerts. A Beethoven lover can catch the performance of the maestro’s complete Symphony No. 7 and still get a little diva on during "Bette, Babs, and Beyond," a musical tribute to Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, and other chanteuses.
Founded 69 years ago, the Stockton Civic Theater (SCT) shares in this legacy and colorful calendar of live arts. From musicals to drama, SCT puts up exciting and affordable evenings with favorite shows that include Gypsy and It’s Only a Play. The shows are just one exciting feature this year: SCT has completely renovated its main stage to support the actors physically, expand the staging, and enhance the live theatrical magic. Seeing a live performance with the Symphony at SCT or gallery exhibit in Stockton won’t break the bank, nor will it require hours of commuting in heavy traffic to and from the entertainment.
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05 | Stockton Symphony
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04 | Stockton Civic Theater
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03 | The Children's Museum of Stockton
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02 | Stockton's Cambodian Buddhist Temple
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01 | Stockton's Cambodian Buddhist Temple
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Stars and Cinema Collide at the Sonoma International Film Festival Presented by United MileagePlus® Cards From Chase
Sonoma International Film FestivaL
Presented by United MileagePlus® Cards From Chase
Video credit: Revel Creative