February 19-27, 2010
3rd SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Stockton Empire Theatre, 1825 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354

The San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF), the annual flagship festival of the San Joaquin Film Society and California Central Valley's most prestigious festival of cinema, is: a showcase of new, innovative, and award-winning works from emerging talents and seasoned artists from the Americas and the World. The 3rd San Joaquin International Film Festival takes place February 19-27, 2010 in the homebase of Stockton and two days in Modesto.

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• view trailers

Pre-Festival at the Pacific Theatre

Friday, February 19

3:00PM "A Conversation with Alyssa and Athena Lobit" - View Details

FESTIVAL In Stockton at the Empire Theatre

Friday, February 19

7:00PM Opening Night Film: "The Secret of Kells" - View Details
9:00PM "Shorts 2: Pursuit of Love" - View Details
9:30PM Opening Party (at La Palma) - View Details

Saturday, February 20

2:00PM "Shorts 1: Discovery" - View Details
4:30PM "Shorts 3: Rite of Passage" - View Details
7:00PM Centerpiece Film: "The Messenger" - View Details
9:30PM "The Things We Carry" - View Details

Sunday, February 21

1:00PM "Shorts 2: Pursuit of Love" - View Details
3:00PM "Dancing Across Borders" - View Details
5:00PM "Soundtrack for a Revolution" - View Details
7:30PM "Yang Yang" - View Details

Wednesday, February 24

6:30PM "They Came to Play" - View Details
8:45PM "Cherry Blossoms" - View Details

Thursday, February 25

5:30PM "Shorts 3: Rite of Passage" - View Details
7:30PM "Ajami" - View Details

FESTIVAL In Modesto at The State Theatre

Friday, February 26

7:00PM Closing Night Film: "Walt & El Grupo" - View Details

Saturday, February 27

3:00PM "The Young Victoria" - View Details
6:00PM "The Messenger" - View Details
8:30PM "Shorts 1: Discovery" - View Details

Saturday, February 13, 2010
CELTIC FAMILY FESTIVAL
The Haggin Museum at Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton, CA 95203

In conjunction with SJIFF3 Opening Night film "The Secret of Kells," The Haggin Museum presents Celtic Family Festival on Saturday, February 13th, 1:30-4:00 p.m. as part of its 2nd Saturdays for Families series.This Saturday afternoon event will feature storytelling, games, dance, "manuscript" illumination and other hands-on art activities focusing on Celtic arts and culture Featuring music by Black Irish Band, and a special preview of SJIFF3 by Sophoan Sorn. Admission is Free to $5.00, includes materials.

• more info.
• visit The Haggin Museum website

Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 7:00PM
Holiday Film: LOVE OF SIAM
Pacific Theatre, University of the Pacific 3601 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95211

SJFS will celebrate the Holiday season with a special screening of Love of Siam, the groundbreaking teen love story that became of Thailand's biggest box office hits and was chosen to represent T hailand at the 2009 Academy Awards.

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Saturday, November 14, 2009
LATINO CINEMA DAY
Tillie Lewis Theatre, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95211

San Joaquin Film Society continues its acclaimed World Cinema Series with Latino Cinema Day (el Día del Cine Latino): an illuminating mini-series, featuring new and celebrated films from Argentina and México, and exploring contemporary Latino experiences. Featuring: the Forum on Mexican Cinema by film scholar Misha McLaird; Mexican Shorts program featuring new and celebrated works, featuring the Festival de Cannes-winner "Ver Llover" and Adam Taub's "La Quinceañera"; and closing with the poetic, Argentine masterpiece "La Ventana (The Window)" by Carlos Sorin, preceded by "Kid" by Miguel Alvarez. Made possible by grants from: Cultural Awareness Programs (CAP) and Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) of San Joaquin Delta College

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Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:00PM
Film Benefit: CHILDREN OF INVENTION
To support the 2010 Chinese New Year Celebration
Pacific Theatre, University of the Pacific 3601 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95211

The San Joaquin Film Society invites you to a special film screening to benefit the 2010 Chinese New Year Celebrations, featuring "Children of Invention" by Tze Chun - the most-celebrated and most-awarded Asian-American film of 2009! Producer Trevor Sagan in attendance.

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October 2 to 4, 2009
CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
Main Venue: Stockton Empire Theatre 1825 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95204
Additional Venue: Atherton Auditorium 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207

The San Joaquin Film Society presents the inaugural California Documentary Festival (CalDocFest): California Central Valley's first international focus on nonfiction cinema opened with the Valley premiere of "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe" directed by sisters Emily and Sarah Kunstler. Part of the memorable evening was the interactive conversation with Emily Kunstler live via telephone. The Festival was dedicated to promote gifted documentary filmmakers and to share knowledge and understanding of our world. The exhilarating roster featured new works, new directors, distinguished and award-winning American and international films, a spotlight on California documentarians, and educational Q&A with guest artists. 15 magnificent films, along with the presence of directors Matt Tyrnauer (Centerpiece's "Valentino: The Last Emperor" - presented by the Fashion Program at San Joaquin Delta College), David Silberberg ("Oh My God! It's Harrod Blank!"), Marcia Jarmel ("Speaking in Tongues"), Jonathan Joiner ("Claiming the Title: Gay Olympians on Trial"), Shane Williamson ("Teen Truth") Jon Wilkman (Closing Night's "Chicano Rock! The Sounds of East Los Angeles") - lit up a memorable weekend in Stockton! CalDocFest also launched the Society's new Compassion for Humanity Initiative, an on-going educational campaign to advance, promote and support social consciousness, social justice, activism and humanity through film.

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Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 1:00PM - 9:00PM
FRENCH CINEMA DAY
Stockton Empire Theatre 1825 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95204

SJFS presents French Cinema Day, an illuminating rendez-vous with new and award-winning films from France, a nation rich with cinematic tradition and stories of family, romance, friendship, cultural exchange, globalization, history, coming-of-age, and ethical issues. French Cinema Day will present: two New French Shorts programs featuring the works of new filmmakers; a special screening of Claude Miller's award-winning drama "A Secret"; and the Day will close with the 2009 French Academy Award-winning film "The Beaches of Agnés" - the magnificent autobiography of Agnés Varda - as the Spotlight Film.

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Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 1:00PM - 9:00PM
JEWISH CINEMA DAY
Stockton Empire Theatre 1825 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95204

An SJFS Global Cinema Series feature select new works from American and International filmmakers, celebrating and sharing contemporary Jewish culture, history and experiences. Four captivating exhibitions will showcase three feature films and one short films program, with eclectic stories of family, romance, friendship, cultural exchange, globalization, history, coming-of-age, and ethical issues. Jewish Cinema Day will close with the Northern California Premiere of the unforgettable Spotlight Film James Sherman's "Beau Jest," starring Lainie Kazan!

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May 14 to 24, 2009
2nd Annual SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Screening venues: Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, the Stockton Empire Theatre, The Haggin Museum, Faye Spanos Concert Hall and Pacific Theatre at University of the Pacific, and the Matinée Movie Lounge

The 2nd San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF2), the flagship annual exhibition of the San Joaquin Film Society took place May 14 to 24, 2009, with a glorious world showcase of 120 new and innovative works from emerging talents and seasoned international artists from 40 countries, presented in the heart of California's Central Valley. SJIFF2 opened with a red carpet Northern California Premiere of "Marcello Marcello" at the Bob Hope Theatre with Italian actor Francesco Mistichelli in person. Mistichelli was honored that evening with the Film Society's inaugural Discovery Award. Fran Borgia's unforgettable short film "Para Asia" screened before the Opening Night film. Indie Animation King Bill Plympton screened his latest film "Idiots and Angels," taught a Master Class, and was honored with the Film Society's inaugural El Dorado Award. Rising star Maiara Walsh graced the festival at the screening of her first feature film "Lullabye Before I Wake," while engaging the audience in a winsome Q&A. The distinguished jury honored seven films, including "Cherry Blossoms" by Germany's leading director Doris Dörrie for Best Narrative Feature and Jim Granato's "D Tour" for Best Documentary Feature. The multi-layered, Austrian music drama "Universalove" by Thomas Woschitz captivated the festival as its Centerpiece. Stockton-born filmmaker Jason Turner premiered "Veer," his vibrant film on bicycle culture. Other festival favorites included the Annecy winner "Sita Sings the Blues" by gifted animator Nina Paley, the Filipino blockbuster "Baler" from Mark Meily, the music doc "The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li" from Barbara Willis Sweete. Animania, a special focus on the endless world of animation and animated cinema, brought fourth two extraordinary short series and a Family Festival at The Haggin Museum that featured Annie Award-nominated Joaquin Baldwin, local artists, educational conversations, and hands-on activities and crafts for kids of all ages! SJIFF2 brought the world’s most celebrated short films and latest cinematic discoveries in the galaxy of filmmaking through the Society’s famous festival fixture: A World of Shorts. The a spectacular and highly-selective collection of short-length films featured winners of Festival de Cannes Palm d’Or to Academy Award and Sundance honorees to new films that will be making national, continental or world premieres. This diverse collection features the work of film veterans, cinema visionaries, student filmmakers, and new directors from over 30 nations. SJIFF2 closed with an emotional screening of "Like Dandelion Dust" based on the best-selling novel by Karen Kingsbury, starring Mira Sorvino and Barry Pepper, directed by Jon Gunn, produced by brothers Bobby and Kevin Downes. Gunn, in attendance, was honored with the Film Society's inaugural Independent Award.

• open SJIFF2 site
• view Creator's Blog review

February 21 to 23, 2009
CINEMA ITALIA SERIES
at the Stockton Empire Theatre

Cinema Italia, an SJFS World CInema Series, featured the works of gifted and new Italian filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating and sharing the contemporary Italian experience! The Opening Night featured the highly-anticipated announcement of The Official Selection of the first 100 films of the May 2009's San Joaquin International Film Festival, along with edible treats and a presentation of Silvio Soldini's "Days and Clouds." Three feature films and six short films lit up the exciting programme, sharing stories of family, immigration, romance, friendship, cultural exchange, globalization, the economy, history, coming-of-age, sports, and ethical issues. The Il Film Corto Italian Discovery Programme showcased a rare and riveting collection of short films making their North American, USA, and California premieres. New Italian director, Andrea Lodovichetti, was in attendance. A rare screening of Ferzan Ozpetek's "Facing Windows" touched many hearts on a rainy Sunday afternoon, while the multi-cultural music film "The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio" from Agostino Ferrente closed the festival with a bang on a delightful Monday night.

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January 16 to 18, 2009
1st SAN JOAQUIN CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL
at the Stockton Empire Theatre

SJFS is proud to introduce the international 2009 San Joaquin Children's Film Festival, a new film festival for kids of all ages. Explore and sample the world of global children cinema right here in the Central Valley at SJCFF09. Experience the California Premiere of the English language version of "Azur and Asmar: The Prince's Quest," a new film by the acclaimed, French animator Michael Ocelot. The flagship film led a unique, vibrant, and dynamic collection of 21 feature and short films from around the world, including: the vibrant award-winning documentaries "Darius Goes West" and "Going on 13;" and a memorable World of Shorts collection of 18 shorts, including Student Oscar® winner "Zoologic" and Festival de Cannes Short Films Corner-selected "His Good Will" and "Papiroflexia." These 21 films have screened at over 300 festivals around the world, collectively. Kids of all ages were inspired through the Young Filmmakers' Workshop, captivated in a Young Actor's Studio conversation with young, San Joaquin actress Brieanne Jansen, and be intrigued in a conversation with directors Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Dawn Valadez of "Going on 13" on Closing Night.

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June 4 to 8, 2008
1st SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Screening venues: Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, the Stockton Empire Theatre, The Haggin Museum, Faye Spanos Concert Hall and Pacific Theatre at University of the Pacific, and the Matinée Movie Lounge

The San Joaquin International Film Festival inaugurated with a bold collection of 54 films from 18 countries, with many events and programmes across the city of Stockton, California. The Spotlight on Latin Cinema included the Opening Night film "El Viaje de La Nonna / Nonna's Trip" co-presenting with the International Latino Film Society. In a unique partnership with The Haggin Museum, "Celebrate! Mexico" Family Festival was created to celebrate the vibrant culture of the Mexican people through a celebration of arts, music, film, dance, and crafts for children and adults. The Spotlight on Jewish Cinema celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Israel, co-presented with the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and the Consulate General of Israel Pacific Northwest, showcased the Israel Academy Award-winning documentary "Souvenirs," and the Closing Night film "Love and Dance." Other showcased films were the American Indie film "The Garage" by Carl Thibault, "Honeydripper" starring Danny Glover, and Steve McClure's "Rain Falls from Earth," featuring narration by Sam Waterston. The Opening Night Party opened the newly-remodel Skview at the historic Hotel Stockton. Two short films from the Youth Video Vision project, "Saving San Joaquin" and "Stage Left," premiered. Valley-born director Erahm Christopher was honored with the inaugural Ambassador Award, and Emmy-winner Almudena Carracedo was honored with the inaugural Spirit of Humanity Award with her film "Made in L.A." An international jury panel selected: "The Clown and the Führer" as Best Narrative Feature; "To Touch the Soul" as Best Documentary; "The Golden Voice" as Best Narrative Short, "My Mother Said" as Best Documentary Short, "My Happy End" as Best Animated Short; "The Drift" as Best Experimental Short; "Aquarium" as Best Student Short; and "The Piano Lesson" as Best Local Short. The San Joaquin Film Society wishes to thank the Stockton Arts Commission for being the first funding partner of this project through the City of Stockton's Endowment for the Arts grant.

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• view photographs from event