It’s not enough for film lovers to just go to the movies. Its as much a part of the experience to discover what’s good ahead of the crowd. One way to do this is by checking out the Sonoma Film Festival.

The Sonoma International Film festival takes place in mid-April in the wine country of Sonoma Valley and the 2012 festival is shaping up to give participants a taste of just about everything. Among the films promised for this year are bipotics “Lady Gaga’s Secret World” and “Charleston Heston and Ben Hur: A Personal Journey”. There’s Sci-Fi Thriller “Pig” a critically acclaimed film about an amnesia sufferer reminiscent of “Memento”, yet with it’s own twist. There’s also lighter flavors, such as the Venezuelan romantic comedy “Habana Eva” about a seamstress who dreams of becoming a fashion designer, and socially conscious films like “Teached” a compilation of short films and interviews about the challenges of the US educational system, or animal inspired films like “Dolphinboy” about a young Arab boy who finds healing power after an attack by spending time with dolphins in the Red Sea, and “Entre Lobos” about another boy who grows up among wolves.

Many more selections are yet to be finalized, but tickets for the 2012 Sonoma International Film Festival are available. If you’re a film buff near the Sonoma Valley, it’s something you won’t want to miss.