About
Come together for great films by talented filmmakers at one awesome festival.
Welcome to PJIFF
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is fourteen days of online film screenings, speaker panels, awards, gala’s, food and fun! We meet in the historic downtown districts of Morgan Hill and Gilroy, California. Our two cities are known for their vibrant arts scene, award-winning wineries and restaurants, and welcoming small-town vibe. The 2023 event will be held from April 12th to April 19th.
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is an annual event produced by volunteers as part of Poppy Jasper, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you believe in the essential nature of independent films, please consider supporting our work.
“As a family with deep roots in South County, we view the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival as an important annual tradition with incredible promise and relevance in the years ahead. Not only that, but the festival organizers have the vision and passion to grow this event into a film festival to rival California’s best.”
Chris and Larry Mickartz, Publishers of GMH Today Magazine
“The Granada and PJIFF are a good fit. The film arts attract an international audience and our region attracts international tourism. High quality dining and entertainment play a big role in providing them with a sense of excitement and memorable experiences that will inspire their return visit.”
Frank Leal
“A film festival brands a place or city and opens windows to tourism, trade and cultural diplomacy. This is what Mattie Scariot has accomplished in her short tenure as the director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. Under her able leadership, she has placed the South Santa Clara Valley on the global map and opened its windows to friendship beyond borders. Mattie has transformed the PJIFF into a truly international destination event that now draws of hundreds of film enthusiasts from all over the world. The stellar lineup of distinguished guests and participants that I witnessed last year, the high quality films that were screened and the professionalism of execution is a testament to the leadership integrity that Mattie has brought to this film festival and it is clear that she has it on course to becoming a global force.
“Recently, I had the pleasure of inviting Mattie to join me on a trip to Africa as a guest of the Zuma Film Festival, the foremost film festival in Nigeria presented by the Nigerian Film Corporation. As she networked with high level government officials and African film industry stakeholders, Mattie used every opportunity to promote PJIFF and the cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill and the entire South Santa Clara Valley as a warm, welcoming place and people, open and ready to engage with the world. In Mattie, the South Santa Clara Valley has a true gem and cultural ambassador and I look forward to many more years of continued partnership between my film festival and PJIFF.”
Chike Nwoffiah, Founder/Executive Director of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival
“FestForums receives many submissions for the coveted ‘Best of the Fest’ award each year. Together with our Advisory Board, we carefully review each entrant to be sure they warrant the award. We loved that Poppy Jasper included young people, seniors and the overall community. It’s clear that very quickly Poppy Jasper has put itself on the festival map, in no small part due to Mattie Scariot and her team.”
Laura Kirby, Co-Founder/President of FestForum
“It is wonderful to have a film festival here in South County. Welcoming visitors for arts and entertainment is what we do best. The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival helps talented independent filmmakers showcase their work and connects our community to film and digital media arts. We’re proud to support their efforts.”
Gary Walton, Chair, Gilroy Downtown Business Association
“Thank you PJIFF for naming ‘Sorry for Your Loss’ Best Comedy of 2019! We are thrilled to now be part of the Poppy Jasper family! I definitely recommend this festival to future filmmakers. There is such a strong arts community that comes out in full force for this festival. We met so many wonderful locals who welcomed us with open arms — and wine 😉 Festival Director Mattie Scariot is *AMAZING* and answers all your questions and makes you feel like you’ve always known her. And it’s not every festival where you’re greeted at an opening nite sit-down-dinner gala with a glass of champagne. Class act all the way. Looking forward to returning, as PJIFF enjoys continued success!”
Lauren Bair, “Sorry for Your Loss” USA