January 12-15, 2012
5th SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Stockton Empire Theatre in Stockton, CA
Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA

Over 1,000 people flocked to the 5th Anniversary San Joaquin International Film Festival for three nights of screenings at the Empire, and - for the first time in four years - Pacific's Janet Leigh Theatre. SJIFF opened with the sensational original comedy from Switzerland, "The Sandman" by Peter Luisi, who was present at Opening Night. Festival founder Sophoan Sorn opened the program with a piano solo performance of the classic "What a Wonderful World," while Director Luisi engaged in a candid Q&A with the audience. A festive Opening Night Party was held at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in Downtown Stockton. Centerpiece films were Aki Kaurismäki's "Le Havre" (Finland's national entry to the 2012 Academy Awards) and Sundance favorite "Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey." Other films were New Zealand cross-cultural romantic comedy "My Wedding and Other Secrets" by Roseanne Leang, John Sayles' Philippine-American war drama "Amigo," the 2012 Academy Award nominated "Chico & Rita" from Spain's Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal, Daron Ker's "Rice Field of Dreams" about Cambodia's first national baseball team, Yossi Madmony's fatherhood drama "Restoration" from Israel, German-Polish father-daughter story "Winter's Daugther" by Johannes Schmid, and Anna Justice's time-spanning love and reunion story "Remembrance." The eclectic shorts program featured Hallvar Witzø's 2012 Academy Award nominated "Tuba Atlantic." The festival ended on high notes with the brilliant documentary profile "Carol Channing: Larger than Life," a journey through the life and love of a Broadway legend.

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March 17-26, 2011
4th SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Stockton Empire Theatre in Stockton, CA
The State Theatre in Modesto, CA

The 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival opened with Italy's official entry to the 2011 Oscars, "The First Beautiful Thing" by Paolo Virzi. Special screenings included Peru's 2011 Oscar bid "Undertow," Israel's 2011 Oscar bid "The Human Resources Manager," the lauded documentary profile "Bhutto," Tribeca favorite "Road, Movie" and the Oscar-nominated animated feature "The Illusionist." The Closing Night film was Ralf Huettner's road movie "Vincent Wants to Sea."

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Saturday, May 1, 2010
CINEMA AND LITERACY DAY
Stockton Empire Theatre 1825 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95204

The San Joaquin Film Society, in association with the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, celebrated National Endowment for the Arts' THE BIG READ with Cinema and Literacy Day, celebrating the power of storytelling through film arts and reading. Featuring: Director Ken Annakin's classic cinematic adaptation of Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" starring starring Charlton Heston; Wes Anderson's internationally-celebrated adaptation of Roald Dahl's "Fantastic Mr. Fox" featuring the voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep; "Short Stories on Film", a riveting shorts collection; and the global phenomenon "1000 Journals", with the presence of international director, Andrea Kreuzhage.

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March 27-28, 2010
2nd FRENCH CINEMA DAYS
Stockton Empire Theatre, 1825 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354

The San Joaquin Film Society opened its invigorating Spring 2010 season with the 2nd French Cinema Days, a captivating rendez-vous with new, celebrated and award-winning works from France and beyond! Featuring: New French Shorts 2010 with new short films from emerging directors making international and American premieres; a special screening of Philippe Lioret's 10-time French Academy Award-nominated drama "Welcome"; the Spotlight film presentation of "The Girl on the Train" from master director André Téchiné; and the presence of Parisian writer-director, Cédric Prévost.

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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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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 presented Celtic Family Festival on Saturday, February 13th, 1:30-4:00 p.m. as part of its 2nd Saturdays for Families series. The event featured storytelling, games, dance, "manuscript" illumination and other hands-on art activities focusing on Celtic arts and culture Featuring music by Black Irish Band and guest animator-director Joaquin Baldwin.

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

The Film Society celebrated 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 Thailand's national entry to 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

Latino Cinema Day (el Día del Cine Latino): an illuminating World Cinema 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 Festival de Cannes winner "Ver Llover" and Adam Taub's "La Quinceañera"; and closing with the poetic, Argentine masterpiece "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 celebrated a special screening of Tze Chun's "Children of Invention" benefitting the 2010 Chinese New Year Celebrations. "Children of Invention" was the most-celebrated and most-awarded Asian-American film of 2009! Producer Trevor Sagan was 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's inaugural California Documentary Festival (CalDocFest) was the Valley's first international focus on nonfiction cinema. It 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 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 American and international documentaries, a spotlight on California documentarians and educational Q&A's with guest artists. The Fashion Program at San Joaquin Delta College presented the festival's centerpiece "Valentino: The Last Emperor," with the presence of director Matt Tyrnauer. Other directors in person were: 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"). The festival also launched the Society's new Compassion for Humanity Initiative, an on-going educational campaign to educate and promote social consciousness, social justice 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

An illuminating World Cinema Series 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 presented: two New French Shorts programs featuring the works of new directors; a special screening of Claude Miller's award-winning drama "A Secret"; and 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

A World Cinema Series featuring new works from American and International filmmakers, sharing contemporary Jewish culture, history and experiences. Four captivating screenings showcased three feature films and one shorts program, with eclectic stories of family, romance, friendship, cultural exchange, globalization, history, coming-of-age, and ethical issues. Jewish Cinema Day finished 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 21 feature-length films and 101 short films from 40 countries. SJIFF2 opened with the 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! The festival brought the world’s most celebrated short films and latest cinematic discoveries in A World of Shorts. 14 collections of short films curated by Sophoan Sorn featured winners of the Festival de Cannes Palm d’Or to Academy Awards and Sundance honorees. Many films were 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. The festival 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.

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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 new Italian directors. Opening Night featured the announcement of the first 100 films of 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 program, sharing stories of family, immigration, romance, friendship, cultural exchange, the economy, history, coming-of-age, sports and ethical issues. 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. Ferzan Ozpetek's celebrated "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.

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

The Film Society introduced the international 2009 San Joaquin Children's Film Festival, a new film festival for kids of all ages. Opening Night featured 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. A unique, vibrant and dynamic collection of 21 feature and short films from around the world included the vibrant award-winning documentaries "Darius Goes West" and "Going on 13." The memorable World of Shorts collection of 18 shorts included Student Oscar® winner "Zoologic," "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, engaged in the Young Actor's Studio with San Joaquin actress Brieanne Jansen, and welcomed 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 across the city of Stockton, California. The Spotlight on Latin Cinema included the Opening Night film "El Viaje de La Nonna / Nonna's Trip." In a unique partnership with The Haggin Museum, "Celebrate! Mexico" Family Festival vibrantly celebrated 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, the program showcased the Israel Academy Award-winning documentary "Souvenirs" and the Closing Night film "Love and Dance." Other showcased films were the American Indie "The Garage" by Carl Thibault, John Sayles' "Honeydripper" starring Danny Glover, and Steve McClure's "Rain Falls from Earth" featuring narration by Sam Waterston. Opening Night Party grand opened the restored sky terrace 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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