The Petaluma Cinema Series showcases a mix of classic, foreign, and independent films on Wednesday nights at 7pm in the state-of-the-art Carole L. Ellis Auditorium at the Petaluma Campus of Santa Rosa Junior College.

Pre-film lectures, offered at 6pm, are designed to enhance the audiences’ appreciation and understanding of the film by examining the film’s production history, learning about the players that brought the picture together, and examining the techniques that will be showcased in the film.

Film Fest Petaluma offers an annual showcase of the best new animated and live action short films from around the world with filmmakers in conversation. The all-day event usually takes place on a Saturday in early May. The 13th annual event will be held Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at the historic Mystic Theatre in downtown Petaluma, 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Shows usually take place at 12pm, 3pm & 7:30pm. Each program will feature lively post-screening discussions with filmmakers.

The Annual Short Film Festival showcasing student work is held annually in April. The 2019 event took place on April 5th on the Petaluma Campus of the Santa Rosa Junior College. This event gives all Sonoma County Students an opportunity to submit a short film (15minutes or less) to compete for screening at the event. Films designated as “Best of Show” will be invited to screen at the Film Fest Petaluma.