16TH SONOMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH:

ARIEL VROMEN’S “THE ICEMAN” AND

CLOSES WITH NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF “A MONKEY ON MY SHOULDER”

FEST TO HONOR ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE DEMIÁN BICHIR WITH SPOTLIGHT AWARD:

The Sonoma International Film Festival (April 10-14) is proud to open their 16th edition with The Iceman, directed by Ariel Vromen and starring Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans and James Franco, and will present the North American Premiere of A Monkey on My Shoulder (À coeur ouvert), directed by Marion Laine and starring Juliette Binoche and Édgar Ramírez to close the fest.

This year SIFF will honor Academy Award-nominated actor Demián Bichir with the SONOMA SPOTLIGHT AWARD at a Tribute event on Saturday, April 13. Demián Bichir received an Academy Award, SAG Award and Independent Spirit Award nominations for Best Actor for his portrayal of an undocumented worker in A Better Life. He also starred in Steven Soderbergh’s 2008 two-part epic Ché as a young Fidel Castro, as well as Oliver Stone’s Savages, both with Benecio del Toro. He is also known to television audiences for his role on the Showtime series Weeds. He will next be seen starring in the Paul Feig comedy The Heat, Robert Rodriguez’s Machete Kills and the lead role in the new FX series The Bridge.

Commented SIFF Executive Director Kevin McNeely, “The Spotlight Award focuses on an actor’s body of work, highlighting their defining roles and bringing them to the forefront. Demián’s filmography in both the United States and Latin America is quite extensive and impressive. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate his incredible work.”

The Iceman is the amazing true story of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer who happened to be a family man…a family that had no clue about his real profession until their patriarch was arrested. Sponsored by Netflix, the opening night festivities will take place at the historic Sebastiani Theatre on Thursday April 10 with director Ariel Vromen and Ray Liotta attending.

A Monkey on My Shoulder (À coeur ouvert), directed by Marion Laine (A Simple Heart) and starring Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) and Venezuelan superstar Édgar Ramírez (Carlos), is a compelling French film that tells the story of two heart surgeons, Mila and Javier. Married for ten years, they have two passions: their jobs and each other. When Mila unexpectedly becomes pregnant, the prospect of a baby undermines the balance of their relationship. Frustration and jealousy set in and Javier's penchant for alcohol becomes a genuine problem.

More exciting announcements are on the way, including the full film line-up.

About the Sonoma International Film Festival:

Now in its 16th year, the Sonoma International Film Festival (April 10-14, 2013) takes place in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country and features more than 90 hand-selected films including independent features, documentaries, world cinema, shorts and a showcase of Spanish language films. All films are shown at intimate venues within walking distance on Sonoma’s historic plaza. The Festival is dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers around the world, and inspiring film lovers. This unique 5-day event offers world-class cuisine from local artisans and exceptional wine from Sonoma vintners. Renowned filmmakers, industry leaders and celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams and Danny Glover have walked the festival red carpet and enjoyed its intimate ambiance.

For more information about Sonoma International Film Festival, please visit:

http://www.sonomafilmfest.org