"Answer Man," "Food Inc." Among 2009 Sonoma International Film Festival Selections

A scene from John Hindman's "The Answer Man," which will kick off the 2009 Sonoma International Film Festival.

John Hindman's romantic comedy "The Answer Man" will kick off the 12th annual Sonoma International Film Festival, taking place April 1 - 5. The film, which stars Jeff Daniels as a reclusive author, had its premiere earlier this year at Sundance under the title "Arlen Faber."

This year's festival will showcase over 75 features, documentaries and shorts from around the world with an emphasis on films addressing larger themes of social responsibility, including "Food Inc.," a documentary examining health and safety standards in the American food industry, and "Under My Skin," a documentary about the growing Lyme disease epidemic. Other highlights include the Canadian feature "The Necessities of Life," Slamdance entry "Spooner," and the world premiere of "The Story of Wine" from South Korea.

In addition, local Bay Area film makers will also be showing their latest works at the festival, including "Full Picture" by Bay Area resident Jon Bowden and "Calendar Confloption" produced by Sonoma native AJ Riebli and showcased in the fest's shorts program. Additionally, the festival program director, Cevin Cathell, has put together a documentary program including "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison," "Prom Night in Mississippi," "Under Our Skin" and "Speed Angels" along with "Food Inc." The festival will feature an array of films assembled from the Sundance, Toronto and Slamdance Festivals.

Sonoma will also be honoring Bruce Willis with a lifetime achievement award and a special screening of "Mortal Thoughts." The festival is a program of the Sonoma International Film Society, which presents year-round events and programs in film, food, wine, music and art in California's Sonoma Valley.

The complete list of films can be found here.