Cannes…Venice…Telluride…Toronto…Mill Valley…

The North Bay is a significant market for independent and international films – which we’ve expounded through our posts Reason 26 and Reason 51. This rich cinematic culture makes this the perfect setting for the internationally acclaimed Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), now in its thirty-third year. Presented by the California Film Institute and positioned in the fall, post-Cannes/Venice/Toronto/Telluride, and pre-award season, the MVFF, itself a noncompetitive event, has become known as a launching pad for Academy Award campaigns.  

For decades, the MVFF has drawn tourists, locals, film buffs and filmmakers from all over to celebrate the best in independent and world cinema. Highlights for the 2010 Festival (October 7-17) include tributes and/or appearances by actors Edward Norton, Annette Bening, James Franco and Sam Rockwell, and directors Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (“Amores Perros,” “21 Grams,” “Babel”) and Julian Schnabel (“Basquiat,” “Before Night Falls,” “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”). In addition to drawing luminaries from throughout the film world, the MVFF also provides a forum for showcasing the talents of local filmmakers. The 2010 Festival schedule includes 21 films by Bay Area artists.

The 11-day Festival spans venues throughout the North Bay, including its original home, CineArts @ Sequoia in Mill Valley, and the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, making it one of the county’s premier events. With primary locations in two superb Marin County downtown areas, the event is a wonderful way to enjoy cinema as well as the small-town vibe. Take in a pre- or post-film meal at one of the wonderful nearby cafes or restaurants, stroll along the boutique-lined streets, and relish the fact that parking was a breeze.

This prestigious event allows all of us in the North Bay to enjoy a bit of a Hollywood scene (without the annoying paparazzi), screen big-name movies before they hit the theatres, and gain access to films not readily available in wide-release.

Looking for your big break? Call for Entries for the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival will open in April, 2011.

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors