Revolutionizing the Film Festival Experience

The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier documentary film festival, offering four days of curated films, award presentations, cinephile panels and forums, upscale gatherings, VIP receptions, and casual meet-and-greets—all in the heart of Sonoma County.

From its roots as a local fest showing about 40 films in 2007, SDFF now receives more than 700 submissions from 62+ countries per year. In 2025, 57 films were programmed and shown and the event was attended by filmmakers, as well as a robust audience of film lovers. In addition to its commitment to honoring diversity in all its forms by providing open calls for entry, SDFF is an Oscar®-qualifying film festival for short and mini form documentaries.

SDFF is proudly progressive in its curation of topics and forms. Now more than ever, festival organizers seek to amplify urgent messages, uplift stories from marginalized communities, and support earnest efforts to provoke political change, effect social justice, and encourage personal growth

For more information about how you can submit your film, volunteer to help with the fest, donate money, or promote our vital work, please click below.

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Personalize Your Experience with the Right Pass

Whether you want VIP treatment, special insider events, or sneak peeks behind the scenes, we've curated a series of passes so you can create the film fest experience you deserve. Hurry--these passes won't last. 

Festival Passes on Sale Now!

Stay Up To Date

Save the date for the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festivals April 9-12, 2026. Passes on sale on 12/5!
This year's SDFF audience award winning film Checkpoint Zoo is playing at the Rialto in Sebastopol on Wednesday, September 10. There are two showings at 1pm & 7pm. Don't miss this amazing film.

Upcoming events

  • I Know Catherine, The Log Lady

    I Know Catherine, The Log Lady

    Friday January 30th, 5:30pm to 8pm - Runtime 1h 54m

    Join us for a special screening of “I Know Catherine, The Log Lady” on January 30th at 5:30pm. “I know Catherine, The Log Lady” is a documentary about the “true story of the inspiring death and big, big life of Catherine Coulson, cult icon as the Log Lady” from Twin Peaks. Staring Catherine Coulson, David Lynch, Kyle MacLachlan, and Mark Frost. Following the movie will be a panel that included the director of “I Know Catherine, The Log Lady” Richard Green and award-winning theater director and actress Timothy Near, who is in the movie, discussing the film and the amazing Catherine Coulson. Buy your tickets now.

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  • The Bowl - Saturday, November 15, 6-8pm

    The Bowl

    November 15, 6-8pm

    Join us for dinner and 3 short films at Sebastopol Center for the Arts! This event benefits the Documentary Film Festival and the Ceramics Department. Choose your custom-made bowl created by a Sebastopol Center for the Arts Ceramicist and have your bowl filled with something savory by a local Chef! Enjoy the food and keep the bowl.

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  • Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

    Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

    April 9th through 12th, 2026. Four Days. Over Forty Films.

    Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

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