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 www.winecountryfilmfest.com, 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 Fresco™" at Napa Valley Expo!
The festival presents features, documentaries, shorts and animation in six categories:
* World Cinema
* Latin Cinema
* US Cinema
* The Arts in Film™ (music, dance and the arts)
* Cinema of Conscience™ (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
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
Chatelin Bruno 
