*Photo courtesy of Mill Valley Film Festival*

Fall in Marin means crisp air, golden hills, and the return of the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF). Hosted by the California Film Institute, this beloved festival that runs from Oct 2nd - Oct 12th, showcases independent films, global voices, documentaries, and surprises that spark conversations long after the credits roll.

If you’ve never been, here’s what’s exciting this year (and what to plan for):

What to Expect

Diverse programming & special series
MVFF isn’t just “a bunch of movies.” The lineup is organized into strands like Active Cinema, Mind the Gap, ¡Viva el Cine!, Family Films, Behind the Screens, and more. Whether you’re into edgy documentaries, global narrative films, or kid-friendly picks, there’s something curated for you.
Big Nights & premiere events
The festival kicks off with marquee “Big Nights”—red carpet events, filmmaker Q&As, and buzzworthy premieres. Be ready for surprises!
Community & conversation
One of the things that makes MVFF special is its emphasis on connecting audiences with creators. Filmmaker panels, post-screening discussions, and behind-the-scenes sessions let you peek into how these stories come alive.
Marin as your backdrop
Screenings are held in theaters across Marin. Between films, you can stroll around downtown Mill Valley or neighboring towns, grab a bite, and soak in the local flavor. (Pro tip: plan your transit or parking in advance due to festival crowds.)
Flexibility & discovery
You don’t have to commit to full passes (though those are available). Many tickets are sold per screening, giving you freedom to mix and match and sample across genres.

How to Join In

See the full schedule & browse films
Head to the official MVFF schedule page: MVFF Schedule.
(You can filter by strand, time, or location.)
Get your tickets / passes
Purchase screening tickets, festival passes, and special event passes directly via MVFF
Plan your “fest strategy”
• Check venue locations & map out back-to-back screenings
• RSVP for Q&As or panels in advance (some are limited)
• Arrive early—popular shows sell out
• Explore local food, coffee spots, and hidden gems between your screenings
Stay in the loop
The MVFF website is your hub for announcements, program updates, and alerting you if there are any late additions.

The Mill Valley Film Festival isn’t just a cultural event—it’s a bridge between Marin and the wider cinematic world. It brings in voices and stories we might never see otherwise. For local creatives, it’s inspiration. For audiences, it’s discovery. For the community, it puts Marin on the map as a place that values storytelling, diversity, and art.

If you love a night out under the big screen, debriefing with friends after a great movie, or just the thrill of experiencing something new—MVFF is one of the fall events you don’t want to miss.

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