Hindsight Festival Offers Bite-Sized Drama in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Gears Up for Global short Play Festival: “Hindsight” Explores Tyranny in 10 Minutes

Santa Rosa, CA – The California Theater in downtown Santa Rosa is set to transform into a global stage for the fifth annual Hindsight Short Play Festival, presented by the Left edge company. from July 19-20,audiences will witness the power of concise storytelling as ten brand-new,ten-minute plays tackle the multifaceted theme of tyranny.

This year’s festival promises a truly international flavour, having received over 300 submissions from playwrights across the globe. The selected works represent a diverse range of perspectives, with finalists hailing from locations as varied as New York, New Jersey, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and new Zealand in previous years. This global reach underscores the universal resonance of the chosen theme.

“Hindsight” offers a unique platform for exploring complex societal issues through the distilled art form of the short play. The festival’s director, Jenny Hollingsworth, emphasizes that the staged readings require minimal elaborate staging, allowing the power of the text and performances to take center stage. This format not only highlights the playwright’s craft but also makes the festival accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

The theme of “tyranny” will be interpreted through numerous lenses, encompassing everything from familial and political oppression to workplace dynamics, domestic spheres, and even the chilling potential of future technological overreach. As Hollingsworth notes, “It allows us to take a theme and show different aspects. Ideally, it makes us think twice.” This approach encourages critical reflection on how power imbalances manifest in our lives and the world around us.

The ten featured plays and their playwrights are:

“Abscission” by Brian C. Petti
“Sanitized” by Nicolas Bompart
“Story of Zoo” by Brett Hursy
“Staying” by deborah Zoe Laufe
“Emeline Pettifogs” by Ivan Faute
“Tig & izzy” by Katelin Wilcox
“A Noodle in Every Pot” by David Simpatico
“Our Holy Leader on Trial” by Hank Kimmel
“Ponce de León and the Old dog” by Alexis Kozak
“A Well-Regulated Militia” by Lisa dellagiarino Feriend

Each of the ten plays will be performed on both Saturday, July 19th, and Sunday, July 20th. The festival not only celebrates new dramatic voices annually but also serves as a vital incubator for conversations that matter, offering timely insights into enduring human struggles. The enduring relevance of exploring themes like tyranny lies in its ability to foster awareness and encourage dialog about justice, freedom, and the nature of power across different societies and eras.

What makes Hindsight Festival different from traditional film festivals?

What is Hindsight festival?

Hindsight Festival, a unique event held annually in Santa Rosa, California, isn’t your typical large-scale music festival. It’s a curated celebration of short-form cinema – think films under 20 minutes – offering a refreshing alternative to multi-day commitments. This sonoma County festival focuses on showcasing innovative and compelling storytelling in a concentrated format. Expect a diverse range of genres, from animation and documentary to experimental and narrative shorts.

Festival Highlights & Program Details (2025)

The 2025 Hindsight Festival, running July 18-20, boasts a packed schedule across multiple venues in downtown Santa Rosa.Here’s a breakdown of what attendees can expect:

Film Screenings: The core of the festival. Programs are grouped thematically,making it easy to discover films aligned with your interests. Expect around 70-80 short films screened throughout the weekend.

Venue Variety: Hindsight utilizes several Santa Rosa locations, including the Charles M. Schulz Museum and research Center, the Luther Burbank center for the Arts, and local bars and galleries. This creates a walkable and immersive festival experience.

Q&A Sessions: Many screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, offering a rare prospect to gain insight into their creative process.

Workshops & Panels: Industry professionals lead workshops covering topics like screenwriting, filmmaking techniques, and distribution strategies. These are valuable for aspiring filmmakers.

Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow film enthusiasts.

Ticket Options & Pricing for Hindsight 2025

Hindsight Festival offers several ticket tiers to suit different budgets and levels of access:

1. All-access pass: Grants entry to all screenings, workshops, and events. (Approx. $150)
2. Day Pass: Provides access to all events on a single day. (Approx. $60)
3. Individual Screening Tickets: Available for purchase for specific film programs. (Approx. $15-20)
4. Workshop Tickets: Sold separately, prices vary depending on the workshop.

Tickets are available for purchase online thru the official Hindsight Festival website. Early bird discounts are often available, so it’s advisable to purchase in advance.

Why Choose Hindsight Festival? – Benefits for Film Lovers

Hindsight offers a distinct experience compared to larger film festivals. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

Discover Emerging Talent: The festival is a platform for showcasing up-and-coming filmmakers and innovative storytelling.

Concise & Engaging: short films offer a focused and impactful viewing experience.No need to commit hours to a single movie.

Community Atmosphere: The smaller scale fosters a more intimate and connected community of film lovers.

Santa Rosa Exploration: Enjoy the vibrant arts and culinary scene of Santa Rosa while attending the festival.

Affordability: Compared to major film festivals, Hindsight is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Santa Rosa: Beyond the Festival – Things to Do

Extend your hindsight Festival experience by exploring the attractions of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County:

Wine Country Tours: Sonoma county is renowned for its wineries. Numerous tours are available, ranging from casual tastings to in-depth vineyard explorations.

Charles M.Schulz Museum: A must-visit for Peanuts fans, showcasing the life and work of Charles M. Schulz.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens: Explore the former home and gardens of the renowned horticulturist.

russian River Activities: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in the scenic Russian River.

Local Dining: Santa Rosa boasts a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to casual cafes.

Getting to Hindsight Festival & Parking in Santa Rosa

Santa rosa is easily accessible by car, train (Amtrak), and plane (Sonoma County Airport – STS).

Driving: Santa Rosa is located approximately 55 miles north of San Francisco.

Parking: parking in downtown Santa Rosa can be limited, especially during events. Utilize public parking garages or consider ride-sharing services.

Public Transportation: santa Rosa CityBus provides service throughout the city.

A Note on “On” vs. “In” Hindsight

Interestingly, discussions around prepositions and the phrase “hindsight” are common. While some traditionally used “on hindsight,” the more accepted and widely used phrasing is “in hindsight,” aligning with expressions like “in retrospect.” This subtle linguistic shift reflects evolving language norms.

Resources for Hindsight Festival Attendees

Official Website: https://hindsightfestival.com/

Santa Rosa Visitors Bureau: https://www.santarosava.com/

* Sonoma County Tourism: https://www.sonomacounty.com/