Founded in 2007, the inaugural Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival (SDFF) launched with a bold vision and 44 carefully curated films, shining a spotlight on talented filmmakers from Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area. What began as an intimate local gathering has grown into a globally recognized celebration of nonfiction storytelling. Today, SDFF receives nearly 700 submissions annually from more than 62 countries — a testament to both our growth and our reputation as a welcoming home for documentary artists around the world. We are proud to be an Oscar®-qualifying festival for short-form documentaries, creating meaningful pathways for filmmakers while keeping our roots firmly planted in community. More than a festival, SDFF is a gathering place for artists, neighbors, and film lovers who believe in the essential role of the arts. The management and the staff are committed to nurturing filmmakers, and championing nonfiction film as a powerful force for understanding and change. Joining us on Cinemafile is Serafina Palandech, the Executive Director of the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, as well as, the Executive Director of the 2026 Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival.

About our guest - Serafina Palandech is the Executive Director of the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. She believes art has the power to change the way we think and opens us to new experiences. Art, music, poetry, performance and all the artistic disciplines give meaning to our lives. She looks to lead SebArts to an innovative new chapter by focusing on building community, resilient infrastructure and expanded artistic experience. SebArts is a welcoming gathering space where our community can join together to make art, share art and celebrate creative thought.