Welcome to the Mill Valley Film Festival! Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, we want to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at the festival.

The 2024 schedule of films will be available on September 12, 2024.

Bronze, Silver & Donor Circle – Sept. 12, 2024 • Noon
Premier Patron members and Above – Sept. 14, 2024 • Noon
Directors Circle members and Above – Sept. 15, 2024 • Noon
All CAFILM Members – Sept. 16, 2024 • Noon
General Public – Sept. 18, 2024 • 4:00pm

Physical box office locations will be available during the Festival dates only and are open one hour before the first screening each day to 15 min after the last show starts. Tickets are also available here at mvff.com.

Schedule & Program:

Check our online festival schedule and program to see this year’s list of films, panels, and special events. Plan your days around the screenings and events you don’t want to miss.

Festival Map:


 

Passes & Tickets:

Decide whether a festival pass or individual tickets work best for you. Passes offer the best value and flexibility, while individual tickets allow you to pick and choose specific screenings. Passes or Pass Packages allow you to choose your films before the general public. Early Bird Purchase options here.  

Accommodation:

If you’re coming from out of town, we recommend booking your accommodations early. We have partnered with local hotels offering special rates for festival attendees. Check out options here

Transportation:

Mill Valley is accessible by car, public transit, and bike. Consider using rideshare services to avoid parking hassles. Check out options here.

Parking:

Venues:

Familiarize yourself with our screening venues. 

Badge Pick-Up:

If you have arranged for a Festival Badge, we greatly encourage you to pick-up that badge before the Festival starts. All Badges will be available for pick-up at MVFF HQ during the specified location and time frames below

SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER
1118 Fourth St. • San Rafael

PRE-FEST

Sunday, SEPT 29 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Monday SEPT 30  through Wednesday, OCT 2: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

 

Metered street parking is available on streets surrounding Smith Rafael Film Center. You can find more info about nearby Public Parking Garages here.

DURING FEST

OUTDOOR ART CENTER

1 W Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

 

Thursday, OCT 3 – Sunday, OCT 13:  

Standard box office hours

 

Arriving at Screenings:

Lines open one hour before each scheduled screening. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find a seat and avoid missing the start of the film. Queueing is a part of the festival experience, so this is a great time to meet fellow film enthusiasts.

Rush Lines:

If a screening is sold out, you may still be able to purchase a space-available seat via the rush line. Rush tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis just before the screening starts.

Festival Etiquette:

Be courteous to other attendees. Silence your phone, avoid using it during screenings, and respect our ‘no talking’ rule. Please read CAFILM’s  Code of Conduct here.

What Browser are you using?

We have heard from many of our ticket purchasers that sometimes content or tickets are not showing up.  This is often depending on what Browser they are using.  If you are using Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox you can quickly clear cache with a keyboard shortcut. While in your browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.


How to purchase or redeem tickets?

  1. Visit the Website:  Go to the MVFF Ticketing page https://www.mvff.com/attend/
  2. Find the Event: Navigate the Now Showing header on the affiliated venues page or browse through the screening program and events listings to find the event for which you want to reserve tickets.
  3. Select Your Tickets:  Select the “GET TICKETS” button under the correct event listing. Choose the correct date and time for the event you would like to attend, then click the “BUY TICKETS” button. 
  4. Add to Cart: Once you have chosen the date and time for the event, a window will pop up. Select your ticket quantity here. To add to cart, you will then press the “ADD” button below the ticket types. If you are purchasing a companion ticket for ADA seating, please add the ticket to your cart now.
  5. Review Your Order:  Check your cart to ensure you have the correct tickets and quantities. Make any necessary adjustments. You can proceed to checkout at this time, or select “CLOSE” to add additional tickets. If continuing to checkout, select the “CHECKOUT” button on the following page.
  6. Log In or Create an Account:  You may need to log in to your existing account or create a new one if you haven’t already. This helps with managing your reservations and receiving confirmation.
  7. Enter Payment Information:  Provide your payment details to complete the purchase. Input your payment information, we accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Billing information will also be prompted.
  8. Voucher Codes [Optional]: If you have a voucher or promotional code, the steps on how to redeem your voucher are here
  9. Confirm Your Reservation: Review all the details one last time and confirm your reservation by selecting “MAKE PAYMENT”. You should receive a confirmation email or notification with your ticket details and a reference number.
  10. Print or Download Tickets: You will be receiving your tickets electronically through your email. These tickets may be saved, printed, or downloaded onto your smartphone.

ARE YOU A Member?

How to log into Membership Account: 

  1. Visit the Ticketing Home Page: Go to the MVFF Ticketing page https://www.mvff.com/attend/
  2. Locate the Login Section: Look for the member icon on the top right hand corner of the window screen.
  3. Enter Your Credentials: You will be prompted to enter your login details. This typically includes:
    1. Username or Email Address: The email address or username associated with your account.
    2. Password: The password you created when you registered your account.
  4. Click “Log In”: After entering your credentials, click the “Log In” or “Sign In” button to access your account.
  5. Access Your Account: Once logged in, you should be directed to your account dashboard or home page, where you can view your account information, view your orders, view e-delivery items (tickets), and access account settings.

How To Locate/Check Your Tickets:

  1. Visit the Website: Visit the Website: Go to the MVFF Ticketing page https://www.mvff.com/attend/
  2. Locate the Login Section: Look for the member icon on the top right hand corner of the window screen.
  3. Enter Your Credentials: You will be prompted to enter your login details. This typically includes:
    1. Username or Email Address: The email address or username associated with your account.
    2. Password: The password you created when you registered your account.
  4. Click “Log In”: After entering your credentials, click the “Sign In” button to access your account.
  5. Access Your Account Dashboard:Once logged in, navigate to your account dashboard by selecting “MY E-DELIVERY ITEMS” or “MY ORDERS” to view Purchased Tickets. Note, this can also be accessed through the “MY CALENDAR” Function.
  6. View Purchased Tickets:Click on the relevant section to view details of your purchased tickets, including event information, seat assignments, and ticket status.
  7. Print or Download Tickets: If you need to print or download your tickets, there may be options available within the ticket details view. Look for buttons or links labeled “Print Tickets,” “Download PDF,” or “View Ticket.”

How to Redeem your Voucher/Discount Code:

  1. During Checkout: Ensure all requested tickets for events of your choosing are in your cart.
  2. Apply Voucher Code: Look for a field labeled “KNOW A PROMOTION CODE?” Enter your voucher code in this field.
  3. Apply the Voucher: Click on the “APPLY” button to apply the voucher code. The system should update your total to reflect the discount or value of the voucher.
  4. Review the Discount: Ensure that the voucher has been applied correctly and that the discount is reflected in your order total.
  5. Complete the Transaction: Proceed with the checkout process. If you’re using a voucher for a partial payment or discounts, you might need to provide additional payment information to cover the remaining balance. 
  6. Confirmation: After completing the transaction, you should receive a confirmation email or notification with the details of your purchase and the applied voucher.

If you encounter any issues or if the voucher isn’t being accepted, check the following:

  • Voucher Expiry: Ensure the voucher hasn’t expired.
  • Terms and Conditions: Verify that the voucher terms match the items you’re trying to purchase (e.g., specific events, ticket types, voucher allotments).
  • Correct Code: Double-check that the voucher code is entered correctly without extra spaces or errors.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Check Email: If you have trouble finding your tickets, check your email for a confirmation message that might contain a link to view or manage your tickets.
  • Search Function: Use any search or filter functions within your account dashboard to locate specific tickets or events.

Noon Ticket Releases:

At 12:00 PM on the day of the screening, additional tickets for sold-out shows may become available for purchase. These noon release tickets can be bought online on the specific show’s page if they are released.

Rush Tickets:

When advance tickets sell out, "At Rush!" will appear on the online ticketing page. This doesn't mean we're sold out. A limited number of tickets may be released at noon on the day of the program online, or at the theater very close to showtime. For in-person rush tickets, join the rush line 45 minutes before showtime. Tickets are first-come, first-served.

 

 

 

The Mill Valley Film Festival is non-competitive, ensuring no antagonism or rivalry, with every film and filmmaker treated equally and quality being paramount. Attendees vote after each screening, influencing the MVFF Audience Awards, which reflect the people's choice favorites at the festival.

Digital Ballot Voting: 

  • All films at MVFF will be balloted and made eligible for the MVFF Audience Awards. Starting this year, ballot votes are submitted digitally using the ticket associated with the screening you wish you cast a vote for.

Voting Access by Digital Ticket:

  • After watching a film, open your digital ticket on your mobile device, and you will find an option to rate the film from 1 to 5 stars directly within the ticket interface.

Voting Access by Logging In:

  • Go to the MVFF/Vote page and log into your Agile Ticketing account either using your email and password or Member Number and last name.
  • Once logged in, navigate to the voting section, where you will see a list of films you have attended.  Click on the film you want to vote for, select your rating (1 to 5 stars), and click “submit”.

Q&A Sessions:

Many screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers, actors, and industry experts. Stay after the film to gain insights and ask your questions. 

Panels & Summits:

Participate in a panel to learn more about filmmaking, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes stories. Consider participating in our Mind The Gap Summit.  Click here for detail.

Special Events:

Don’t miss the special events, including opening and closing night parties, award ceremonies, and themed events. These are great opportunities to socialize and network. Search for our Tributes, Centerpieces and Special Screenings to find our more.

What is a Big Night?

These are nights that bring in Directors, Actors, Writers and other talent that are connected to each film, most of these nights have additional opportunities to meet and learn more about the story of the film like brunch’s, dinners, talkbacks and more.  Check them out here

What is Active Cinema

A forum for films united in their commitment to explore the world and its issues, engage audiences, and transform ideas into action for positive change.

Join us for screenings throughout the Festival, support the grassroots activism of the filmmakers, and engage with the admirable work of special guests, co-presenters, and partners. Check it out here

What is VIVA EL CINE:

VIVA EL CINE celebrates the richness of Ibero-American cinema, encompassing films in Spanish and Portuguese languages and Latinx and Latin American cinema from around the world. Our initiative curates a selection of films that resonate deeply with these communities, bringing the finest international and independent films to the screen. We create a space through cinema where history, culture, and identity come alive. Check it out here

On-Site Options: 

Screening venues offer concessions, including snacks and beverages. 

Local Dining:

Explore Mill Valley and San Rafael’s vibrant dining scenes. Our website lists recommended restaurants and cafes offering discounts to festival-goers. Mill Valley San Rafael

Social Media:

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads  for the latest news, behind-the-scenes photos, and festival highlights. Use the hashtag #MVFF47 and/or tag us @MilValleyFilmFestival on Facebook, and @millvalleyfilmfest on Instagram to share your experiences.

Supporting the Festival

Volunteering:

Interested in getting involved? Join our team of volunteers. It’s a great way to meet people and get a behind-the-scenes look at the festival. Sign up here

Donate Housing for out of town staff:

Do you live in Marin?  One way to get connected to our Festival is to donate a room during our festival for our out of town staff, Sign up here.

Membership:

Consider becoming a festival member to enjoy year-round benefits, including early ticket access, discounts, and exclusive events. Check out here

Your Experience Matters:

We value your feedback. After the festival, take a moment to fill out our survey and let us know how we can improve.

We hope this guide helps you navigate and enjoy the Mill Valley Film Festival to the fullest. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to celebrating the magic of cinema with you!