The Mill Valley Film Festival returned in luminous fashion this October, marking the start of its 48th year with an opening night that balanced cinematic prestige with Northern California charm. Guests arrived under a crisp autumn sky and stepped onto the red carpet as the evening began. The atmosphere was celebratory yet understated, true to Mill Valley’s signature blend of sophistication.
A Poetic Beginning
The festival’s first screening, Hamnet, directed by Academy Award–winner Chloé Zhao, set the tone for the days ahead: thoughtful, moving, and visually exquisite. Centered on love, grief, and the origins of artistic legacy, the film unfolded with the emotional precision audiences have come to expect from Zhao’s work. Lead actress Jessie Buckley delivered a performance of rare depth and grace, anchoring the film’s meditative rhythm and earning a standing ovation.
Following the screening, Zhao and Buckley took the stage for a post-film conversation, reflecting on storytelling as both art and responsibility. The exchange, heartfelt and spontaneous, captured the intimacy that has long defined MVFF’s connection with its audience.
An Evening of Connection
After the screening, guests made their way to the Opening Night Gala at Marin Country Mart, where the celebration continued in true Mill Valley style. The outdoor event brought together filmmakers, patrons, and friends of the festival for an evening of exceptional food, fine wine, and conversation. Guests enjoyed tasting stations from local restaurants and vendors, each offering small bites that showcased the region’s vibrant culinary scene. The evening embodied the artistic camaraderie and community that have long defined the festival.
Continuity and Change
This year’s opening also carried a sense of transition, honoring the enduring vision that has shaped MVFF’s global reputation. For decades, the festival has championed independent storytelling and inclusive voices, curating programs that reflect not just art but the evolving consciousness of cinema itself. As it embarks on its next chapter, the festival remains firmly rooted in its original ethos: that meaningful stories told with integrity, empathy, and imagination have the power to move culture forward.
The Days Ahead
With its elegant opening and meaningful tributes, the 2025 Mill Valley Film Festival began on a confident note, setting the stage for an inspiring week of film and conversation. Over the next eleven days, audiences will experience premieres, panels, and discussions that bridge artistry and impact. If opening night is any indication, this year’s festival will once again prove that cinema, at its finest, is not simply watched but felt.