Sonoma International Film Fest opens Wednesday night

The Sonoma International Film Festival rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of “Jules,” starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris and Zoe Winters, who came to town for the occasion.

The cast and director spoke with the Index-Tribune on Wednesday evening ahead of the showing, which garnered both jubilant laughter and cathartic tears from the audience.

“I think it’s important to tell stories to audiences of all ages. And it’s just wonderful now to begin to see audiences come back to the theater, and audiences that love stories,” director Marc Turtletaub said. “When you find a screenplay that’s well-written, funny and heartfelt, you grab it.”

Many of the actors from Turtletaub’s latest film come from a background in theater, including Kingsley, Sansom Harris and Winters, which bonded the cast.

“Coming from Harriet Harris, one of my favorite stage actors ever, and getting to do and be in scenes with her, and watch her work was so exciting,” Winters said. “That’s my people, so it’s definitely the best.”

Kingsley, who is best known for his title role in the 1983 Academy Award-winner “Gandhi,” quoted an old Hollywood maxim when asked about his process for his comedic role in “Jules.”

“Dying is easy, comedy is difficult,” Kingsley said. “Tragedy plays itself. Comedy is very much reliant on technique and timing.”

Sansom Harris said she enjoyed acting with her co-stars because it was critical to the character development of the movie.

“If you work with people who have a theater background, there’s always an element of play,” Sansom Harris said. “This is exciting to get to do this, and you really connect with a person. That’s what we know most: Relate to the person in front of you.”

The premiere of “Jules” was the first of 118 movies to be played over the five-day festival in Sonoma, which will host showings at the Sebastiani Theatre, the Sonoma Community Center, Hanna Center and Prime Cinemas.

The film festival’s 26th year comes with a new artistic director, Carl Spence, the previous artistic director of the Seattle International Film Festival. Board members of Sonoma International Film Festival Kevin McNeely lauded the addition of Spence and his choices of films.

“(Spence) has really upped our game here in Sonoma,” McNeely said. “Carl and his team, Cam, Amanda and Oscar, have put together a roster of films that I think is just going to be remarkable. This is the best and strongest roster I’ve seen on my five years on the board.”

In addition to films, there will be culinary events featuring TV chef Martin Yan of “Yan Can Cook” on Thursday and PBS’ Joanne Weir on Saturday. Thursday includes a flight of LGBTQ+ themed films followed by the first GAY-LA party. Friday includes a celebration of Spanish film and food, while Saturday includes the annual centerpiece party.

Passes can be purchased for the entire festival, but some events also offer individual tickets. Find out more about the festival and ticketing options on SIFF’s website at sonomafilmfest.org.

Contact Chase Hunter at chase.hunter@sonomanews.com and follow @Chase_HunterB on Twitter.