editor's blog

The 23rd Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival continues Sept 24th - 27th in select venues in select venues in downtown Napa. See nearly 50 films taking you to many different countries! Tickets are available along with a complete NSWCFF program schedule online at http://cts.vresp.com/c/?NapaSonomaWineCountr/d6df63a61f/b100fe9ae2/355f7ee36e, by phone at 707.935.3456 or at the venue the day of show. Program is subject to change. There are no refunds.

  Attend "Films Al FrescoTM" at Napa Valley Expo!

The festival presents features, documentaries, shorts and animation in six categories:
   * World Cinema
   * Latin Cinema
   * US Cinema
   * The Arts in FilmTM (music, dance and the arts)
   * Cinema of ConscienceTM (films of social issues)
   * Eco Cinema.
This gives a voice to filmmakers in every genre and from all over the globe, featuring many local filmmakers. Click here for Expo directions

  NAPA OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES

NAPA VALLEY EXPO AL FRESCA
Thu. Sept 24th - 6:30PM Cooking Demo with Chef Marco of Gaia Restaurant 7:15PM Whole World Band 8PM movie starts

The Invention of Lying    US Cinema
Be the first to see Ricky Gervais' new flick! With the entire world now hanging on his every word, thre is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves. Stars Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman and Martin PG - 13                    Movie Information    Buy Tickets

  The Rainbowmaker

NAPA VALLEY EXPO AL FRESCA
Fri. Sept 25th - 8PM  World Cinema  Directed by Nana Djordjadze

The Rainbowmaker is an absolutely stunning film, a magical tale about one man's deep love for his family. When Dato (Merab Ninidze) returns home from jail, he faces overwhelming expectations to live up to. Thanks to Grandpa Giorgi (Ramaz Chkhikvadze), Dato's children imagine him as a superhero with immense powers. As soon as the children lay eyes on Dato, however, they reject him as a mere man, a bedraggled meteorologist.    Movie info    Buy Tickets    preceeded by... a special tasting of Georgian Wines & Cuisine

  Sideways - World Premiere

NAPA VALLEY EXPO AL FRESCA
Sun. Sept 27th - 8PM  World Cinema  Directed by Cellin Gluck, staring Kyoka Suzuki, Fumiyo Kohinata, and Katsuhisa Namase. NSWCFF Special Guest of Honor: Rinko Kikuchi                                                                 The Festival wraps with a closing night presentation of Sideways, the Japanese version of the Oscar winning hit film. Filmed on location in Napa Valley. The wineries featured in the movie - Frogs Leap, MX, Azur, Enoteca Wine Shop, Domaine Chandon, Darioush, and Newton Winery, will be on hand to offer tastes of their wines. Join us for a reception & wine tasting with the cast & crew from 6-8pm.    Movie Information     Buy Tickets

16 To Life - SPECIAL EVENT

Becky Smith, USA 2008, 118mins - US Cinema
Kate (Hallee Hirsh) is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, including fellow ice cream shop workers, her guy friend Rene, her best friend Darby, the sexually jaded Russian immigrant, Tatiana, and her boss and disillusioned hippie Louise (Theresa Russell), and a host of customers, including Kates potential first kiss material.

There wil be a special salute to Theresa Russell after the film. And a short recital (yes she is a jazz singer too) with her partner Mike Melvoin.

Sun. Sep 27, 4- 6pm, Merlot Hall, Napa Valley Expo    Movie Information     Buy Tickets

  Egon and Dönci

By Ádám Magyar, Hungary, 2007, 72 min. - World Cinema
The film introduces two lonely inhabitants of a distant planet: Egon, the would-be scientist & explorer and his meddling cat Dönci. Together they experience staggering adventures while traveling in the universe as they search for a distant planet with water.
Sun. Sep 27, 2:30pm, Merlot Hall, Napa Valley Expo

Movie Information    Buy Tickets

  DOCUMENTARY and MASTER CLASS with VILMOS ZSIGMOND and JAMES CHRESSANTHIS

This is a two part program featuring both the director of the documentary No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos, James Chressanthis, ASC, a two-time Emmy Nominee, and legendary Oscar winning cinematograher Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC.

The first part of the program is the World Premiere of No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos followed by a question and answer session with filmmakers Vilmos and James. Sat. Sept. 26 at 4:30PM at Cuvee Napa       Movie Information    Buy Tickets  

The second part of the program is The Master Class "A Celebration of Cinematography" with Vilmos. The program showcases scenes from the cinematographers' bodies of works. In doing this Vilmos is continuing his dedication to education (especially film school students) that he and Laszlo Kovacs have so tirelessly done over the years in Europe and the US. Vilmos is known for his use of natural light and vivid use of color on features such as The Long Goodbye (1973) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). The Master Class is Sun. Sept. 27 from 10:30 AM - 1:30PM at Cuvee Napa   Get your tickets now!     Movie Information      Buy Tickets        

  America's Wine: The Legacy of Prohibition - World Premiere

By Carla De Luca Worfolk, USA, 2008, 108 mins. - US Cinema
This compelling documentary tells the story of how entrepreneurial leaders overcame the constitutional barriers of this era. We meet legendary figures in their last on-camera appearances such as Ernest Gallo, Robert Mondavi and Brother Timothy among others, who formed the "Phoenix Generation" -those who rebuilt the American wine industry from the ashes of illegality into a flourishing global competitor.  Join us for wine tasting & reception with special guests, cooking by Buitoni, & discussion before the film.       Sat. Sep 26, 6-9pm, Merlot Hall, Napa Valley Expo                      Movie Information     Buy Tickets

  Richard Gere is my Hero

By Tibetan Bay Area Filmmakers Tashi Wangchuk & Tsultrim Dorjee, USA 2007, 90 mins. - US Cinema
This film is a heartwarming, character-driven romantic comedy with political undertones. The story follows a group of young Tibetan friends living in Mcleod Danj, India, headquarters for the Tibetan government-in-exile. Nyima, who calls himself Richard and is a great admirer of Richard Gere for his acting and activism, has dreams of also becoming a famous actor and helping his beloved motherland. This film never fails to be uplifting, and is full of hope, both for Tibet and for the human spirit.       Sat. Sep 26, 2:30pm             Movie Information     Buy Tickets

Preceded by...KAVI    Directed by Gregg Helvey, India/USA 2009, 18mins.  US Cinema
Kavi is a boy in India who wants to play cricket and go to school, but instead he is forced to work in a brick kiln as a modern-day slave. Unsatisfied with his fate, Kavi must either accept what he''s always been told, or fight for a different life even if he''s unsure of the ultimate outcome.  Movie Information

 9 and 1/2 Dates

By Tamas Sas, Hungaria 2008, 90 mins. World Cinema
Renowned Hungarian director Tamás Sas weaves together an intelligent, enjoyable, and captivating story with a young, attractive, and lovable cast that is sure to be a very satisfying cinematic experience! Sas won multiple awards for his 1998 film Presszó, another romantic comedy, including Best Debut Film and Best Screenplay at Hungarian Film Week.                          Sun. Sep 27, 8:15pm at Cuvee Napa   Movie Information    Buy Tickets

3rd Annual PASEO DE ESPANA - Celebration of Spanish Culture with
Films, Food, Wine, Music and Dance

LIVE FLAMENCO DANCING with Artistic Director Danica Sena at Andanza Spanish Arts
11:00AM - The Matador - Merlot Hall
2:00PM - Paella Class with Chef Raquel - $10 for the class
2:05PM - A selection of Spanish Shorts - Merlot Hall "Two-Year Guarantee, Tickets Please, Socarrat, Because There Are Things You Never Forget"
3 - 5PM - Paseo "Stroll"  - Sample food & wines from regions of Spain 3PM- 9PM - Custom Culinary Concepts presents a "Spanish Food Menu"       3:30PM - The Anarchist''s Wife - Merlot Hall                                               8PM - Ashes from the Sky (under the stars!)                                               Presented in part by the tourist office of Spain, LA Spain at home, Via Laxtea Filmes, Bausan Films, Catalan Film, Bavaria Films, Antonio Saura, Jose Luis de Damas and Messidor Films.

  Forest of Music

By Ignacio Vilar, Spain, 2003, 80 mins. - Paseo de Espana                                                                       Deep in the Galician forest, a woman''s voice floats through the mist and bagpipes rustle the leaves. Following the lovely sound, a camera enters a room in the monastery at Xagoaza and finds its source: an intimate recording with the world-famous band Luar na Lubre. A group of talented musicians inspired by the Celtic history and culture of Spain''s Galicia region set out to capture and reproduce the immense natural spirit of the Galician community.

Sun. Sep 26, 12:30pm, Merlot Hall   Movie Information     Buy Tickets

Pirate for the Sea

By Ronald Colby, USA 2008, 102 mins. - Cinema of Conscience                  Take this outstanding and dramatic tour of Paul Watson''s lifelong crusade to enforce international law and protect marine wildlife. This self-styled ""Rambo"" and whale-whisperer took on the challenge of defending whale sanctuaries and biodiversity in the furthest reaches of abandoned ocean expanses. Ron Colby''s narrative tale defines the portrait of this extremist among environmentalists and explores new dimensions in personal power.
Sun. Sep 27, 3:30pm, Napa River Inn  Movie Information  Buy Tickets

Creative Nature - World Premiere

By John Andres, USA, 2008, 81 mins. - Art in Films
From the sky above the Cascade Mountains to the deep blue waters of Hawaii''s Pacific Ocean, viewers will tune into the sacred inspiration of contemporary glass artist William Morris. Director John Andres'' stunning documentary focuses on Morris'' personal integrity with the intangibles of impulse and inspiration posited at the center of his creative story.
Fri. Sep 25, 3:45pm, Cuvee Napa    Movie Information   Buy Tickets

Preceded by...                                                                                         Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family                           Spanning from the 1860''s through today, the Houser / Haozous story is a journey exploring the incarceration of a people, growth brought on by freedom, and a family''s personal expression of these experiences through art. Recently released as Prisoners of War, Sam and Blossom Haozous'' passed down oral traditions of the Apache people to their son Allan Houser.    Movie Information    Buy Tickets

  Virtually a Virgin

By Peter Bacso, Hungary 2008, 105 mins. World Cinema

This contemporary drama about Boroka; a girl turned whore who is tough enough to endure the very rocky road life has cut out for her. Time and time again Bacso creates scenes which beg the audience to live in the moment with his characters and realize his views on life''s spectrum of possibilities. Set in Budapest, Boroka acquires an inheritance at age 18 and blows it on an expensive hotel room with her boyfriend, Janos. Allured by the luxurious lifestyle Janos becomes opportunistic when he realizes that Boroka is desirable to older men.  

Movie Information     Buy Tickets

Sun. Sep 27, 6:00pm, Napa River Inn  

See the rest of nearly 50 films taking you to many different countries!

Go to our website to see the complete list of films and to see the special events taking place in Napa!

Click here for additional film & ticket information! 

For the best buy get your Napa Pass!

Your hosts
WCFF is a celebration of international film, regional cuisine and community and the country's oldest and longest running Film Festival north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The following locations are proud Napa hosts for this year''s events: Napa River Inn, Napa valley Expo, Merlot Hall, and Cuvee Napa.

The 23rd Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival is made possible in part by the support from Comcast, Pacific Union, Deerfield Ranch Winery, Hilton Sonoma County, The Sonoma Valley SUN, The Kenwood Press, Sunset Magazine, Wine Country This Week, Wine News, MovieMaker, Sonoma Cinemas, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Wide Management, Films Distribution, The Japan Foundation, Tourism of Spain, Sonoma County, Marriott Santa Rosa, Marriott Napa Valley, Solano Magazine, NAPA Valley Life Magazine, Federal Express and KVON/KYVN.

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