1st California Documentary Festival | October 2 to 4, 2009

1st California International Documentary Film Festival

about the festival

William Kunstler Chicano Rock

The San Joaquin Film Society's inaugural California Documentary Festival (CalDocFest): California Central Valley's first international focus on nonfiction cinema. The Festival is dedicated to promoting gifted documentary filmmakers and sharing knowledge and understanding of our world. Experience a vibrant and exhilarating roster of events, featuring new works, new directors, distinguished and award-winning American and international films, a spotlight on California documentarians, creative conversations with guest artists, and educational events. 15 magnificent films, (including significant premieres) along with the presence of directors and luminaries, will light up an exciting and memorable weekend in Stockton!

• Visit the San Joaquin Film Society's main site

compassion for humanity initiative

CalDocFest will also launch 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. (read more)

founder's remarks

Sophoan Sorn

"CalDocFest is a celebration of diversity, history, and humanity. Featured are the true stories of: A Jewish civil rights lawyer fighting for all people; an iconic Italian fashion designer sharing his passionate life; a Bay Area indie-rocker cherishing life with a new kidney; crying, young Chinese gymnasts and gay American Olympians facing tremendous obstacles; a British grandmother reuniting with a celestial planet that she had named; California Chicano artists influencing the music that rocks our life today; and so much more! The festival will also jump start 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. Our Film Society and partners are so thrilled to showcase the works of such intelligent and innovative filmmakers; and to contribute to the positive profile of California’s Central Valley - particularly the host city of Stockton - with this richness of cultural arts, awareness, education, and entertainment."

-- Sophoan Sorn

about the san joaquin film society

The San Joaquin Film Society, Inc. (SJFS), the benchmark cinema arts organization of Central California and home of the San Joaquin International Film Festival, celebrates cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation, and global outreach through year-round productions of festivals, films, and educational programs.

For 2009, the new San Joaquin Film Society, with a home base in Stockton, California, launches an ambitious and exhilarating year-round programme of events - becoming the benchmark film organization of the 400-mile Central Valley: The flagship 2nd San Joaquin International Film Festival (May 14 to 23), the 1st San Joaquin Children's Film Festival (January 16 to 18), Cinema Italia Series (February 16 to 18), Jewish Cinema Day (July 19), French Cinema Day (August 30), Latino Cinema Day (November 15), the 1st California Documentary Festival (October 2 to 4), the Cinema Room (March-May), social events and galas, special screenings, workshops for filmmakers and a new membership program.

SJFS is dedicated to celebrating the artistry, diversity, and power of filmmaking; and to bringing the world of cinema to the culturally-rich Central Valley audiences.

Bookmark main site at www.sjiff.org

become a member

The most fascinating way to experience the world through film: click for details.

festival creation

Festival Creator and Film Programmer
• Sophoan Sorn

San Joaquin Film Society Board of Directors
• Sophoan Sorn, President and Founder
• Shane Williamson, Vice President
• Arlene Galindo, Treasurer
• David Schmidt, Secretary

"Valentino" Centerpiece Event
• Leslie Asfour, Fashion Program Director, San Joaquin Delta College

Education Spotlight Committee
• Kathleen Gallup, Heald College
• Carol Hirota, Stockton School for Adults
• Patti McCarthy, University of the Pacific
• Paula Sheil, San Joaquin Delta College

Festival Youth Ambassador
• Andrew Blankenship (read his blog)

Key Volunteers
• Arlene Galindo, Chair
• Nandiya Attiya
• Grace Alcantar
• Russell Floyd
• Navi Kaur
• Navjot Kaur
• Michiko Maggi
• Margarita Noyola
• Kathy Ordanza

Official Photography
• Tim Ulmer, Ulmer Photography

Community Advisory Committee
• Gene Acevedo, Mexican Heritage Center
• Emily Ballus, Miracle Mile Improvement District
• Robert Benedetti, University of the Pacific
• Lisa Cooperman, The Haggin Museum
• Bill Engelhardt, San Joaquin County Office of Education
• Marilyn Gallup, Pacific Italian Alliance
• Joyce Giovanetti, San Joaquin Delta College
• Jessica Hernandez, Community Advocate
• Marian Jacobs, Founder, Stockton Arts Commission
• Elena Managahas, Little Manila Foundation
• Joel Reyna, Jr., Stockton Arts Commission
• Dennis Lee, Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce
• Paula LeVeck, Emeritus, California State University Stanislaus-Stockton
• Matthew Marconi, Filmmaker
• Kathy Miller, Vice Mayor, City of Stockton
• Margarita Noyola, Community Advocate
• Jonise Oliva, San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Wes Rhea, Stockton Conference and Visitors Bureau
• Rita Seeman, Community Advocate
• Paula Sheil, Stockton Arts Commission
• Rita Vasquez, California Transplant Donors Network

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