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.