Haley Bennett Stars in ‘Widow Clicquot’ Unveiled at Sonoma International Film Festival

The Sonoma International Film Festival is launching with a bang, featuring the U.S. debut of Thomas Napper’s ‘Widow Clicquot,’ starring Haley Bennett. After garnering positive reviews at the Toronto Film Festival last autumn, the film recounts the story of the daring Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, who defies norms to transform the family Champagne enterprise into a global triumph. This choice aligns perfectly with the festival’s Californian setting in wine country and is scheduled to run from March 20 to 24.

Ethan Hawke’s ‘Wildcat,’ starring Maya Hawke, takes the spotlight as the Centerpiece Film, while Luc Besson’s ‘Dogman,’ featuring Caleb Landry Jones, will bring the festival to a close. The Oscar-nominated animated feature ‘Robot Dreams’ will have a special screening on the closing night at Sonoma Academy’s new Community Performing Arts Center in Santa Rosa.

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‘Extremely Unique Dynamic,’ directed by Harrison Xu, Ivan Leung, and Katherine Dudas, will make its world premiere at Sonoma as the Gay-La Spotlight Film, followed by a lively party hosted by multifaceted artist John Cameron Mitchell. 

The festival will pay tribute to veteran actor Beau Bridges, presenting him with the SIFF Lifetime Achievement Award. The actor will be honoured with an on-stage conversation and a 35th-anniversary screening of the hit “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” where he starred alongside his brother Jeff Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Building on the success of last year’s record-breaking attendance, Carl Spence, SIFF artistic director, expressed excitement about welcoming Beau Bridges and showcasing premieres and exceptional films from renowned filmmakers and talent. 

Chef Susan Feniger will be honoured with the Culinary Excellence Award, celebrated at a special dinner and screening of director Liz Lachman’s ‘Susan Feniger: Forked,’ accompanied by a curated multi-course dinner.

Special events at the festival include a live episode of the ‘The Film That Blew My Mind’ podcast, featuring hosts John Cooper and Tabitha Jackson, with guest Mitchell. Parties at wineries such as Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Buena Vista Winery, Hopmonk Tavern, and the Lodge at Sonoma will add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

– Farheen Ali