What Does Mill Valley Film Festival Do?

Total employees19
HeadquartersSan Rafael
FoundedN/A

The Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) is an annual, internationally recognized film festival held in Mill Valley, California, and surrounding Marin County. Founded in 1978 by Mark Fishkin, it is presented by the California Film Institute (CFI). MVFF is celebrated for its curated selection of U.S. and international films, including independent features, documentaries, shorts, and studio premieres, often with a strong presence of filmmakers and talent. Known for its intimate atmosphere, MVFF provides unique opportunities for audiences to engage with filmmakers and actors through Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and special events. It has established a reputation as a filmmakers' festival, a significant launchpad for awards season contenders, and a vibrant cultural hub for the Bay Area film community and beyond. The festival typically takes place in early October, showcasing films at various venues including the Smith Rafael Film Center, CinéArts Sequoia, and other locations in Marin.

Where Is Mill Valley Film Festival's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the primary administrative and operational hub for the California Film Institute, encompassing the year-round planning, programming, fundraising, marketing, and execution of the Mill Valley Film Festival, DocLands Documentary Film Festival, educational programs, and operations of the Smith Rafael Film Center.

Notable Features:

The headquarters is housed within the Smith Rafael Film Center, a historic, beautifully restored Art Deco three-screen cinema. The center itself is a notable cultural venue, hosting festival screenings and year-round independent and international film programming.

Work Culture:

A passionate, collaborative, and arts-driven environment deeply committed to celebrating film as an art form and fostering community engagement. The culture values creativity, dedication to the mission of enriching the community through film, and a high level of professionalism in delivering a world-class festival experience.

HQ Significance:

The Smith Rafael Film Center is not only the operational heart of the Mill Valley Film Festival but also a vital cultural landmark in Marin County. Its role is crucial for the festival's organization, community presence, and year-round engagement with film audiences.

Values Reflected in HQ: Commitment to film as an art form, community engagement through cinema, cultural enrichment, preservation of cinematic heritage, and providing a welcoming and inspiring space for both film lovers and filmmakers.

Location:

The Mill Valley Film Festival establishes its global presence by curating a diverse lineup of international films from over 50 countries annually. It attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and exchange. While physically rooted in California, its reputation as a key North American festival for discovering new international talent and premiering Oscar contenders gives it significant global visibility and impact within the film industry. The festival actively participates in the international film circuit, building relationships with global film commissions, distributors, and artists.

Street Address:

1118 Fourth Street

City:

San Rafael

State/Province:

California

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Mill Valley Film Festival Operate Around the World?

No additional office locations available.

Buying Intent Signals for Mill Valley Film Festival

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Mill Valley Film Festival? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Mill Valley Film Festival' leadership includes:

Mark Fishkin - Founder/Director, California Film Institute & Executive Director, Mill Valley Film Festival
Zoë Elton - Director of Programming, Mill Valley Film Festival
Beau Blanchard - Director of Operations, California Film Institute
Dan Zastrow - Director of Marketing & Communications, California Film Institute
Sterling Hedgpeth - Director of Development, California Film Institute
Liana Bender - Director of Finance & Administration, California Film Institute
John Morrison - Director of Education, California Film Institute

Who's Investing in Mill Valley Film Festival?

Mill Valley Film Festival has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Bank of Marin
Netflix
Relevant Wealth
Showtime Documentary Films
Warner Bros. Pictures
Marin Community Foundation
Delta Air Lines
Prologis
National Endowment for the Arts

What Leadership Changes Has Mill Valley Film Festival Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Leadership at the California Film Institute, which organizes the Mill Valley Film Festival, has remained stable with no major publicly announced executive hires or departures directly impacting the festival's core leadership team in the past 12 months. Key figures like Founder Mark Fishkin and Director of Programming Zoë Elton continue in their long-standing roles, ensuring continuity for the festival.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byMill Valley Film Festival?

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Mill Valley Film Festival Email Formats and Examples

Email communications for the Mill Valley Film Festival are primarily handled by the staff of its parent organization, the California Film Institute (CFI). The most common email format observed for CFI staff is [first_initial][last_name]@cafilm.org. Direct contact information can often be found on the CFI website for specific departments or inquiries.

[first_initial][last_name]@cafilm.org

Format

mfishkin@cafilm.org

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Mill Valley Film Festival?

Marin Independent JournalOctober 20, 2023

Mill Valley Film Festival wraps up another star-studded year

The 46th Mill Valley Film Festival concluded its 11-day run, featuring a lineup of over 140 films, numerous celebrity appearances including tributes to actors like Greta Gerwig and directors such as Emerald Fennell, and engaging Q&A sessions, reinforcing its status as a premier Northern California cultural event and an important stop on the festival circuit....more

AwardsWatchOctober 17, 2023

'Rustin,' 'American Fiction,' 'The Holdovers' Win Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF46) Audience Awards

The 46th Mill Valley Film Festival announced its audience award winners, with 'Rustin' taking Overall Favorite, 'American Fiction' for U.S. Cinema, and 'The Holdovers' for U.S. Cinema. These selections often signal strong contenders for the upcoming awards season, underscoring MVFF's role as an early indicator....more

VarietyOctober 5, 2023

Sofia Coppola Talks ‘Priscilla,’ the Media and What She’s Learned From Her Father at Mill Valley Film Festival

Sofia Coppola participated in a spotlight program at the Mill Valley Film Festival, discussing her film 'Priscilla' and her career. MVFF is known for such intimate conversations with acclaimed filmmakers, providing insight into their creative processes....more

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