As though proving that it can still live up to its long and storied traditions as an artistic community, Sausalito began hosting an internationally acclaimed film festival just a few short years ago and has become the center of attention in the San Francisco Bay Area when it comes to film festival events. Set against the beautiful bay views and scenery of Cavallo Point, the Sausalito Film Festival makes for an easy destination experience for film lovers of all stripes.

An Experiential Film Festival

One of the more unique aspects of the Sausalito Film Festival is its determined focus on a theme in bringing new works to the public. Billed as an “experiential film festival,” the event focuses on films that speak to the natural human desires to rebel, to be different, to the passion toward artistic or cultural expression that lives everywhere around the world. The films shown are of varying genres, lengths, languages, and are widely different in terms of thematic elements, but all share a focus on experience and the human urge. It would seem that this themed concept is paying off for the festival as it has received acclaim and rave reviews for the last several years since its inception.

Cavallo Point as the Perfect Location

For those who have never been to visit the now-internationally-famous Cavallo Point, the location could not be more picturesque or perfect for an international gathering or an event with as much style as the Sausalito Film Festival. Located almost underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point is home to a U.S. Army installation that has since been renovated and reopened as a luxury resort complete with spa and renowned restaurant facilities. Festival organizers chose Cavallo Point because of both its location in Sausalito, which was deemed the perfect Bay Area community for a seriously artistic event, and the natural scenic beauty of the venue itself.

Special Festival Events

At the outset of the Film Festival, there is a very different feel and look than visitors may be used to at this sort of event and this spills over into the very special events surrounding the festival as well. The traditional opening gala party that accompanies most film festivals is held, but is held with a distinctly unique flair. The 2011 festival opening party, for example, was held in celebration and honor of the San Francisco Bay Area’s many seasonal and local producers of food and meats and was curated and hosted by the Michelin star renowned Murray Circle Restaurant which is housed at Cavallo Point.

Also at the 2011festival was a Special Fundraising Event exhorting attendees to “celebrate [their] inner rebel” during a bay cruise on the Sea Wolf Invader Yacht. All proceeds from the event went to the Sausalito Youth Sailing Foundation and partygoers went home happy.

Sausalito Film Festival
Cavallo Point
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415)887-9506
www.sausalitofilmfestival.com