In its second season, Native Cinema uplifts Native Cultural Leaders and brings visibility, acknowledgment, responsibility, and accountability to the 16th Annual Mendocino Film Festival.

The program opens with Coastal Pomo Dancers in song and dance offerings to acknowledge the land. Featuring: Bernadette Smith, Pricilla Hunter, Ras K’dee, L. Frank, Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Clarence Carrillo, Natalie Smith, Shayne McCloud, and Rulan Tangen. A screening of the GROUNDWORKS documentary film follows. After the film, stay for a panel discussion.

Made possible by the generosity of Xa Kako Dile: and Thanksgiving Coffee Company. Co-Produced by Lavender Grace and U’ilani Wesley.

Our most exclusive party takes place in the stunning gardens of Cafe Beaujolais. Whimsical bites from Assaggiare’s Chef Julia A. Kendrick are inspired by this year’s films. Goldeneye will pour wine, and Ukiah Brewing Company will bring the beer. Additionally Cafe Beaujolais’ Brickery will serve up pizza topped with grass-fed lamb from Magruder Ranch.

Proudly sponsored by Engel & Volkers. Wine concession sponsor is Goldeneye Winery.

An introduction to the art and culture that is taiko. The one-hour workshop will take you through the basics and guide you through an exploration of the many aspects of taiko playing and performing. Hosted by Sonoma County Taiko.

$30 per person. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Following the film FINDING HER BEAT, stay for a Taiko performance by Sonoma County Taiko. Sonoma County Taiko has been teaching and performing Taiko locally since it was established in 1995. Their mission “to build a community of acceptance, harmony and respect through their love of taiko” displays their community focus. Local schools, community events and festivals are regular beneficiaries of their performances. They also offer workshops and classes to adults and children at their dojo. sonomacountytaiko.org

Join the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Mendocino Film Festival for a FREE screening of RACE FOR YOUR LIFE, CHARLIE BROWN followed by a how-to-draw Snoopy lesson and hands-on crafts for kids at Coast Cinemas in Fort Bragg.

Sponsored by Sean Leland, State Farm.

Following the film SANTOS: SKIN TO SKIN.

Far more than a master percussionist, internationally renowned, multi-Grammy-nominated San Francisco native John Santos is a prolific Afro-Latin bandleader, composer, teacher, writer, producer, and cultural activist. A 2012 San Francisco Latino Heritage Arts Awardee, he’s been at the center of the Bay Area’s music scene for 50 years. He has worked with acknowledged masters including Cachao, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Bebo Valdés, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Omar Sosa.

For Members, Sponsors, & Invited Guests

Celebrate the opening night of the Festival with jazz, libations and small bites at the Hill House Inn. Enjoy specialties from 10 local chefs as you sip and savor local wines, beer, and craft cocktails in tandem with a smooth night of cool jazz, performed by the jazz quintet, Magnolia.

Sponsored by Pamela Hudson Real Estate.

Book Signing with Karen Bates, Daughter of Sally Schmitt

Stop by Gallery Bookshop and meet Karen Bates, co-owner of the local Apple Farm and daughter of Sally Schmitt, featured in THE BEST CHEF IN THE WORLD, part of our Short Films: Fascinating Women program. Karen will be on hand to sign Sally’s memoir and cookbook, Six California Kitchens.

For Members, Sponsors, & Invited Guests

The triumphant return of the Feel Good Shorts Program will be the star of this year’s special Members’ Event. Scharffenberger Cellars will fill your glass and small bites and cocktails will be dished up by Noyo Harbor Inn. We could all use a good laugh!

Proudly sponsored by Noyo Harbor Inn. Wine concession sponsor is Scharffenberger Cellars.