Sarah Silverman as Laney in 'I Smile Back.' (Broad Green Pictures) ( Broad Green )

The Mill Valley Film Festival first began in 1978, in support of independent and foreign filmmakers with a mission to expose films about education and art. This is the 28th year of the Festival which features an enormous amount of work, over 200 films and begins on October 8th. Actor Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Directors, Tom Hooper and Catherine Harwicke are some of the luminaries featured this year.

You can preview the seasons most exciting films before the Academy Awards season is upon us. Running for 11 days the festival is not as hyped as Sundance and so has a more relaxed atmosphere. Many attendees take advantage of the nearby hiking in the Tennessee Valley.

Sarah Silverman will be in attendance for her film "I Smile Back" about a woman battling mental illness and on Oct. 11th, Sir Ian McKellen will be at the the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, to accept a Lifetime Achievement tribute. Other featured actors are Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in the 50's era romance "The Price of Salt" and Meryl Streep in "Suffragette".

Several of the films have Bay area connections like "Dogtown Redemption", a film about 3 people who make a living off recylcling and a few films have already won prizes at Cannes. Check out the line-up, it's stellar and enjoy the festival!

When: October 8- 18t

Where: CineArts@Sequoia, 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley; Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael and other venues

Cost: $15 unless otherwise noted

Tickets and additional info: www.mvff.com or 877-874-683