Mill Valley Film Festival Opens with Chloe Zhao's Oscar-Winning 'Hamnet'

The 48th Mill Valley Film Festival, running through October 12, 2025, features a diverse lineup of films with a focus on independent filmmaking and international perspectives. It opened with the screening of Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet," a historical drama about William and Agnes Shakespeare, which has garnered critical acclaim and several awards, setting it on course for the Academy Awards. Actor Jessie Buckley, a star of "Hamnet," was honored with the MVFF Award during the festival. The festival includes films from over 30 countries, showcasing a variety of cinema from major awards contenders to smaller independent projects, including several films from the Cannes Film Festival's award winners. NEON, a prominent distribution company, has a strong presence at the festival, screening multiple acclaimed films including Cannes winners. The festival emphasizes community engagement, with opportunities for attendees to interact with filmmakers and celebrate cinematic art in an intimate setting.