Film Fest

Posted June 5 at 10:15 AM

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical.

A film festival? In Stockton?

During my three years here I’ve seen some try independent film series in the city only to have them fail miserably. Showings drew as few as two people.

But that was before Sophoan Sorn.

On Wednesday Sorn kicked off the first International San Joaquin Film Festival, which he organized, with a reception and movie at the Bob Hope Theatre. It was a great success, drawing an energetic crowd of 400-600 people. They hung out and had fun at the reception then laughed and cried through “El Viaje de La Nonna” - or “Nonna’s Trip” - a touching Mexican film about a grandmother’s trip back to her deceased husband’s home city in Italy.

209Vibe.com will have full coverage of the opening, along with photos, later today.

The event was a testament to Sorn’s hard work. Funded in part with a Stockton Arts Commission grant, Sorn has done much more promotion than the organizers of past local independent movie series. He first met with 209Vibe to discuss the project in fall 2007, and over the past few months he’s been hyping the festival online and with appearances at the downtown farmer’s market, among other events.

Until Stockton realizes its role as an event city, it’s going to take that type of effort to make larger local events successful. Other local promoters should take note and follow Sorn’s example.

Sorn’s efforts also have attracted some great, interesting films to Stockton for the festival. As a juror for the short films competition, I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve watched so far.

You should check out those films for yourself as the festival continues over the next few days. 209Vibe is sponsoring the festival’s American Indie series, which is being held today and Saturday at Matinee and the Stockton Empire Theatre.

The festival closes Sunday at University of the Pacific’s Faye Spanos Concert Hall. For a full schedule, head to http://www.sjccm.org/sjff08. - Ian Hill / 209Vibe editor.