The Mendocino Film Festival presents independent films organized in three main categories: documentaries, narrative works, and shorts. There are also two special categories: Films for Our Future, featuring environmentally and spiritually themed films geared toward "changing the world, one film at a time," and Films on the Arts, focusing the lenses of world-class filmmakers on outstanding artists, dancers and musicians. A special afternoon program of short films for children will be presented, as well as Shadow Puppet Theater, an interdisciplinary film and arts event program for all ages coordinated with the Mendocino Art Center and funded by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.

The majority of films screened at the Mendocino Film Festival are represented by their visiting directors. Because of the intimate venues and high number of attending filmmakers, there is ample opportunity to engage with screenwriters, directors, producers and celebrities from across the industry.

In its third year, the Mendocino Film Festival has garnered praise for the high quality of its selections and its beautiful setting. Jim McCullough, San Francisco Film Commissioner, said “The Mendocino Film Festival has an image which is small town and charming while being at the same time world class and progressive. I'm very proud to be a part of it."

This year's festival is proud to have as Presenting Sponsors two visionary organizations: the Spiritual Cinema Circle (SpiritualCinemaCircle.com) and Earth Cinema Circle (EarthCinemaCircle.com). Both bring independent films of inspirational or environmental significance to an international audience through subscription DVD clubs, and are a perfect match for the themes of the Mendocino Film Festival.