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 took place February 19-27, 2010 in the homebase of Stockton and two days in Modesto.

SJIFF3 featured:
• New independent American and International films
• Cultural and national focuses
• Educational programs, interactive discussions, and film arts classes
• Guest filmmakers and luminaries from near and far
• Festive receptions and parties
• Diverse programs for all ages

Dear Friends,

Experience cinematic stories of love, life, hope, and humanity! On behalf of the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin Film Society, I cordially welcome you to our flagship 3rd San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF3). This jubilation of the art of the cinema is a spectacular opportunity to experience our world through film. From February 19th to 27th the festival will run in the heart of The Miracle Mile at the Stockton Empire Theatre - and for the first time, in Downtown Modesto, at The State Theatre.

Experience an exhilarating showcase of new, innovative, and award-winning works from emerging talents and seasoned artists from the Americas and the World: including regional premieres and special screenings of 2010 Academy Award (Oscar) nominated films. We are proud to welcome home director Theodore Thomas, a University of the Pacific alumnus and son of legendary Disney animator, Frank Thomas. He will present the Valley Premiere of his masterful documentary film “Walt & El Grupo.” We will honor him with the Ambassador Award, celebrating his exemplary accomplishments and his connection to our community.

We believe that film is the most powerful medium of communication and art. Film is the most multifaceted, the most progressive, the most accessible. It gives opportunities for people from various socioeconomic backgrounds to experience our world - to learn, to appreciate, and to understand. This year, the Film Society will continue its year-round offerings: opening the year with SJIFF; and raising the cultural bar of the San Joaquin Valley throughout the year, with 10illuminating World Cinema Series; and expanding its Film Education initiatives.The Film Society will present highly-selective programs of over 200 new and ingenious films from 50 nations, in 100 shows year-round, connecting audiences of the greater Valley with the World.

Thank you to our Board members: Dr. David Schmidt, Shane Williamson, Arlene Galindo and Joel Reyna, Jr. for your selfless dedication and supportive talents to help make all things possible for our organization. Thank you to all the filmmakers, producers, visionaries and film companies worldwide for graciously sharing your glorious cinematic works with us. Thank you to our lead partner, International Programs and Services at University of the Pacific, and to all the people in our community and beyond for your continued support, prayers and presence, which has been tremendous in helping to keep the magic alive! May your passion for the arts continue to blossom as you are enchanted by the expression, freedom, and wonder of moving pictures.

Respectfully,
Sophoan Sorn
Founder and Creator of Festivals

The San Joaquin Film Society, Inc. (SJFS) is the benchmark cinema arts organization in California's 400-mile Central Valley. The Film Society is home to the annual San Joaquin International Film Festival and year-round World Cinema Series. The Film Society celebrates cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation, and global outreach through year-round productions of festivals and educational programs.

The Film Society is dedicated to celebrating the artistry, diversity, and power of filmmaking, bringing the world's best, rarest, and newest works in cinema arts and media discoveries to the Valley. The Film Society presents over 100 shows and events annually, featuring over 200 films from 40+ nations. The Film Society welcomes over 100 visiting directors, actors, luminaries and cinema arts educators; along with social events and galas, special screenings, and workshops for filmmakers and filmgoers. The Film Society's illuminating programs reach diverse and multi-cultural audiences of over 20,000 people annually.

For more information, visit official website: sjiff.org

Festival Creator and Programmer
• Sophoan Sorn

San Joaquin Film Society Board of Directors
• David Schmidt, Chair
• Shane Williamson, Vice Chair
• Arlene Galindo, Secretary-Treasurer
• Joel Reyna, Jr.
• Sophoan Sorn, Founder and ex-officio

Historian and Official Photography - Special Thanks
• Tim Ulmer, Ulmer Photography
• Floyd Shoffner

Core Volunteer Committee
• Arlene Galindo, Chair
• Cole Akins
• Nandiya Attiya
• Grace Alcantar
• Carlos Davalos
• Rebecca Guzman
• Melanie Hash
• Navjot Kaur
• Kathy Ordanza
• Cheryl Tom

SJIFF3 Stockton - Special Thanks
• Emily Ballus
• Christopher Bennitt

SJIFF3 Modesto - Special Thanks
• Sue Richardson
• Randy Siefkin

Celtic Family Festival (The Haggin Museum)
• Lisa Cooperman, Chair
• Janet Men, Associate
• Eddie Hargreaves
• Susan Obert
• Kristen Anema

SJIFF3 Festival Fund - Special Thanks
• David Schmidt
• Emily Ballus
• Steve Shermerhorn
• Jane Kentworthy
• Margee Ensign
• Brigid Welch
• Vicky Wang
• Neta Sachem
• Sue Richardson

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
• Joyce Giovanetti, San Joaquin Delta College
• Marian Jacobs, Founder, Stockton Arts Commission
• Elena Managahas, Little Manila Foundation
• 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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