The City is currently conducting a survey with a randomly selected group of community members. Participation is voluntary, and individual responses will remain confidential. Not all residents will be contacted, as the survey uses a random sampling approach. The survey will remain open for a limited period while data collection is underway.

Mill Valley Film Festival

OctOctober 2 2025

All day

Join us Oct 2–12 for 11 days of world-class cinema — U.S. & international films, docs, family favorites, special guests, and more!  Screenings will take place at the Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael), the Sequoia Cinema (Mill Valley), the Lark Theater (Larkspur), and Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (Berkeley)!

 

Each year the festival welcomes more than 200 filmmakers, representing more than 50 countries. Screening sections include World Cinema, US Cinema, Valley of the Docs, Children’s FilmFest, a daily shorts program, and Active Cinema (MVFF’s activist films initiative.) Festival guests also enjoy Tributes, Spotlights, and Galas throughout.

This year’s highlights include a Tribute to Spike Lee, featuring a special clips & conversation event with the acclaimed filmmaker in person, where he will also receive the MVFF Lifetime Achievement Award.

About the California Film Institute:

The nonprofit California Film Institute celebrates and promotes film as art and education through the presentation of the Mill Valley Film Festival and year-round exhibitions at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, film distribution by CFI Releasing, and building the next generation of filmmakers and audiences through the CFI Education program. For more information www.cafilm.org or (415) 383-5256.

Bring your ticket stub to the  businesses listed on this page  to receive a free gift, special treat, or discount.

Downtown San Rafael is the place to be this October.

We hope you enjoy the film festival and Downtown San Rafael! 

Purchase your tickets at:   Mill Valley Film Festival

More upcoming events

All events »

Close window