Sonoma International Film Festival Announces 2009 Sponsors

Sonoma International Film Festival Announces 2009 Sponsors

Top Wine, Media, Companies and Brands Feature Product Offerings, to Expand the Festival's Audience, and Support the Festival's Filmmakers

Lexus Hybrid Living is offering chauffeured transportation to VIPs throughout the festival. Kenwood Vineyards, Yelp, and Others Join to Support Filmmakers

SONOMA, Calif., March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 12th annual Sonoma International Film Festival (www.sonomafilmfest.org) is proud to announce this year's sponsors, led by the renowned Wall Street Journal. The Sonoma International Film Festival runs from April 1 through April 5, 2009, and ranks among the top 10 destination film festivals. The festival will take place at the historic town center.

"We are thrilled by the amount of support we have received this year and believe that it symbolizes how far this film festival has come since its grassroots start in 1997. Perhaps this year more than any other, we have all been made aware about how connected we are as an international community. The success of the 2009 Sonoma International Film Festival, as displayed through our sponsors, is a tribute to the impact film has in bringing people together regardless of geography," said Festival Executive Director Louisa Percudani.

Percudani added that this year's sponsors reflect the festival's commitment to social consciousness, respecting our natural treasures and a commitment to be green. Through the partnerships with local businesses, museums, schools, film students, and art galleries, the festival welcomes those of all ages and interests. For additional information about the festival and to purchase festival passes, please visit www.sonomafilmfest.org or call (707) 933-2600.

About the Sonoma International Film Festival

Set amidst the unparalleled beauty of the Sonoma Valley wine country, the 12th Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival welcomes filmmakers and film lovers to an intimate and luxurious extended weekend, pairing great food, fine wine and more than 75 new independent films from around the world. The Sonoma International Film Festival, which IFC News has acclaimed as a "sun-drenched, wine-soaked cinematic magic carpet ride," invites guests to enjoy some of the year's best new independent films, specialty events, luxurious parties, wine and food pairings - and casual mingling with top filmmakers and celebrities from around the world.

About the 2009 Sonoma International Film Festival Sponsors

At the premier level of sponsorship, the festival is being brought to the community by long time supporter Comcast/IFC. Comcast/IFC is joined by WineCountry.com and Sonoma Valley Sun. Major sponsors include: City of Sonoma, THX, Kearsley, ZABIT Communications and AT&T The Real Yellow Pages. Supporting sponsors include: Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Kenwood Vineyards, Peet's Coffee & Tea, YELP, Sonoma Valley Bank, Frank Howard Allen Realtors - The Wine Country Group, Consulate General of Sweden, Highway 12 Vineyard and Winery, B-Side Entertainment and Lexis Hybrid Living.

Lexus Hybrid Living invites VIP guests to immerse themselves in an eco luxury lifestyle lounge at the Jacuzzi Winery Bruce Willis Tribute Gala, Sat. April 4th 2009. Lexus Hybrid Living transcends the vehicle, offering an array of eco luxury options from like-minded visionaries in design, architecture, cuisine, fashion, health, beauty and travel.

About the Sonoma International Film Society

The Film Society presents year-round events and programs which celebrate the senses - the best in film, food, wine, music and art, center stage in Sonoma Valley. Membership is all inclusive for monthly special events, the Cinema Series, and each spring, the Film Festival where the best of independent filmmaking is showcased. In 2003, the Film Society founded the Student Works Program with a vision toward empowering young filmmakers. Through dozens of weekend and after school film workshops, both at the middle and high school level, hundreds of students have been immersed in the process of filmmaking under the direction of film teacher Peter Hansen. The Film Society, through its members and granting organizations, have contributed state-of-the-art equipment, staffing and scholarships to this program an opportunity for students to present their films at this world-class festival. For more information about becoming a Film Society member, visit www.sonomafilmfest.org or call 707-933-2600.

Source: The 2009 Sonoma International Film Festival

CONTACT: Angela Nibbs, maven communications, +1-415-225-7090,
angela@maven-pr.com, for Sonoma International Film Society

Web Site: http://www.sonomafilmfest.org/

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