Meg Ryan will be honored with the Sonoma Salute Award at the 19th Sonoma Film Festival, a five-day program dedicated to the best in film, food, wine and spirits.
During a tribute event in Sonoma, Calif. on March 31, the actress-director will be celebrated with a special screening of “Ithaca,” her 2015 directorial feature film debut. Starring in over 40 films, Ryan’s most memorable acting performances include “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) and “You’ve Got Mail” (1998). More recently, she starred in “In the Land of Women” (2007), “Serious Moonlight” (2009) and episodes of Lisa Kudrow’s Hulu comedy “Web Therapy” in 2013.
Also being honored is screenwriter and SIFF supporter Robert Mark Kamen, whose writing credits include the “Transporter,” “Taken” and “Karate Kid” franchises.
This year’s festival — which will present over 100 films — will open with Joachim Trier’s Jesse Eisenberg-starring drama “Louder Than Bombs” and conclude with the French romantic comedy “The Sense of Wonder.” Other highlights include a presentation of Sonoma Valley High School student films, a filmmaker panel, a jury of key industry figures and a screenwriting class led by Kamen.
“Every year we set out to bring unique films with new, provocative and inspiring ideas, accompanied by their filmmakers which add a certain pizzazz to our five-day festival,” said SIFF executive director Kevin McNeely. “We are thrilled to present fresh films that have not been seen at many of the world’s festivals, unique entertainment and celebrities, all adding to the mix of our welcoming and entertaining festival.”
SIFF runs March 30 to April 3.