Building on this cinematic and artistic heritage, as well as our remarkable setting, an intrepid group of film aficionados and the legendary director Sydney Pollack helped found the Mendocino Film Festival in 2006. In the years since the Mendocino Film Festival has established a reputation for presenting award-winning international and independent films. We have become renowned on the festival circuit, drawing filmmakers, celebrity guests, and attendees from around the world while maintaining our commitment to the local community.