International Film Festival Summit (December 4–6, 2011), held in Austin, Texas, is the largest international organization representing the film festival industry. The IFFS mission is to promote and strengthen the global film festival industry through education, networking, dissemination of information, and the cultivation of high standards. This year's featured topics include Anatomy of a Festival: South by Southwest, Programming: The Fine Art of Film Selection, Marketing Strategies: Integrating Social Media and Technology, The Festival Mission, Sponsorship Strategy, Box Office Technology Solutions, among others. Notable speakers include Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset), as well as SFFS' very own Steve Jenkins, Sarah Cathers, and Linda Butler. DEADLINE: Register by September 25, 2011 to receive discounted rate. WEBSITE: filmfestivalsummit.com/iffshome.html.
SF360.org represents a nearly six-year experiment in philanthropically funded film journalism, covering films and filmmaking in the Bay Area and beyond. Published by the San Francisco Film Society, the website debuted February 27, 2006 and was created in a unique collaboration between SFFS and Indiewire, with Susan Gerhard as editor. While SF360.org is no longer publishing feature stories, the SF360 Archive remains the most comprehensive collection of articles about the Bay Area film community, with more than 1,000 feature stories and reviews as well as Indie Toolkit's informative columns about the basics of creating a film and delivering it to audiences. Articles by some of the Bay Area’s most notable voices will remain at your fingertips for the foreseeable future.
SF360.org represents a nearly six-year experiment in philanthropically funded film journalism, covering films and filmmaking in the Bay Area and beyond. Published by the San Francisco Film Society, the website debuted February 27, 2006 and was created in a unique collaboration between SFFS and Indiewire, with Susan Gerhard as editor. While SF360.org is no longer publishing feature stories, the SF360 Archive remains the most comprehensive collection of articles about the Bay Area film community, with more than 1,000 feature stories and reviews as well as Indie Toolkit's informative columns about the basics of creating a film and delivering it to audiences. Articles by some of the Bay Area’s most notable voices will remain at your fingertips for the foreseeable future.
The California Story Fund, presented by California Council for the Humanities (CCH), supports public humanities programs that bring light to compelling stories from California's diverse communities and provide opportunities for collective reflection and public discussion. ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must have California tax-exempt organizational status or partner with a California tax-exempt organization that will serve as a fiscal sponsor, not have an open grant with CCH, and be in good standing with CCH. Projects should be based on stories gathered from community members, include a public discussion component and at least one humanities expert. Film/video projects should not exceed a total budget of $50,000. AWARDS: Applicants may request up to $10,000, which must be matched by at least an equivalent contribution of non-federal funds or in-kind services. DEADLINE: November 15, 2011. WEBSITE: calhum.org/guidelines/guidelines_csf.htm.
San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) Cultural Equity Grants provide "financial support for the enrichment of San Francisco's multicultural landscape." ELIGIBILITY: Organization Project Grants provide up to $15,000 to support the presentation of high quality works of art and arts activities, including film and video screenings and arts festivals. All art forms will be considered. To be eligible, organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or use a fiscal sponsor. Grant Period: June 15, 2012 - December 31, 2013. AWARDS: Grants awards are up to 15,000 to support the enhancement of arts facilities in the city. DEADLINE: November 10, 2011. WEBSITE: sfartscommission.org/ceg/grants/index.html#opg.
Catapult Film Fund provides early development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell. It supports powerful stories, and moving storytelling, across a broad spectrum of issues and perspectives. ELIGIBILITY: Applicant must be 18 or older. Catapult Film Fund does not award grants for student films. Documentary projects must be 28 minutes or longer. Development funds must specifically be used to complete early writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place. Applicants must be independent producers. They must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary and editorial control of their project. Applicants must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role as demonstrated by submitting previously completed work sample. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have successfully fund-raised for an independent documentary film, in line with its original budget. AWARDS: Catapult Film Fund development grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. DEADLINE: November 7, 2011. WEBSITE: catapultfilmfund.org/.
"Bodega, a New York-based content creation/production company, has extended its reach Westward with the opening of a San Francisco shop headed by executive producer/partner Clint Goldman." More at shootonline.com.
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
Since its first event in 1998, Midnight Mass has become an SF institution, and Peaches Christ, well, she's its peerless warden and cult leader.
Since its first event in 1998, Midnight Mass has become an SF institution, and Peaches Christ, well, she's its peerless warden and cult leader.
Since its first event in 1998, Midnight Mass has become an SF institution, and Peaches Christ, well, she's its peerless warden and cult leader.
Durfee Foundation Artists' Resource for Completion Grants give individual artists money to complete work for a specific, imminent opportunity that may significantly benefit their career. AWARDS: up to $3,500. ELIGIBILITY Artists must be Los Angeles County residents, 21 years or older and have secured an invitation from an established organization to present the work. Full-time students are ineligible. Current DEADLINE: Quarterly, current November 1, 2011. WEBSITE: durfee.org/programs/arc/index.html.
Rough Cuts is a series of work-in-progress documentary screenings that are produced at a variety of locations throughout San Francisco. The next event (November 14, 2011; 7:30 p.m.) features one rough cut of a feature-length documentary and then a conversation about the film. The post-screening discussion is designed to give the filmmaker a better, more objective sense of what is working and not working with the film, with particular attention paid to improving the film's structure and narrative clarity. ELIGIBILITY: Rough Cuts is currently accepting submissions for the next event. If you are editing a documentary that is over 40 minutes long and are seeking feedback, they encourage you to submit. Principal photography should have been completed, and filmmakers tare encouraged to submit films that are in the later stages of post-production. AWARDS: Invaluable feedback and constructive criticism. DEADLINE: November 1, 2011. Submissions must arrive by 5:00 p.m. WEBSITE: sfroughcuts.com/index.html.
"After whetting local appetites through a successful soft launch last year, 91 films are now listed in the 2011 Napa Valley Film Festival program guide. Those films—many of them short—will be played on 12 screens throughout the Napa Valley, including screenings in Calistoga, Yountville, St. Helena and the city of Napa." More at napavalleyregister.com.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Press release: The San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation announced today that it is partnering with Gary Meyer to keep the City’s historic Balboa Theatre (1926) open and to develop a sustainable long-term plan for the theater. The Theater Foundation also announced it has reached an agreement to lease the theater through 2024—securing the future of one of San Francisco’s oldest operating cinemas. More at sfntf.org.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Press release: The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival announced its new Executive Director: Lexi Leban, who begins working with the festival November 7, 2011. A longtime member of the Bay Area film community, Lexi has worked in all aspects of film, from production to distribution. She’s also worked with numerous film festivals, including the Mill Valley Film Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Global Social Change Film Festival in Bali. Lexi is currently Academic Director of the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Program at the Art Institute of California, where she built the department from its inception. Her most recent feature documentary, Girl Trouble, which follows young girls in San Francisco’s juvenile justice system, aired on PBS’s acclaimed series Independent Lens in January of 2006, and won Best Bay Area Documentary at the San Francisco International Film Festival. More at sfjff.org.
"After their weekend-long Film Independent Forum," reports Sophia Savage, "FIND announced eleven filmmakers and nine projects for their 11th annual Producers Lab, and named Brent Hoff and Malcom Pullinger the winners of the 5th annual $25,000 Sloan Producers Grant." More at indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood.
The San Francisco Film Society joins the New York International Children’s Film Festival to present a three-day kid-ready fest of animated and non-animated shorts and features from around the world. The brief fest kicks off with a child-friendly opening night party on Friday, and for offers another chance to enjoy Alex Law's sweet Hong Kong Film Days entry, 'Echoes of the Rainbow.' More info sffs.org.
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
North America's largest showcase of German-language films enters its 16th year, screening more than 20 films from Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Highlights include fest closing film 'If Not Us, Who' and thriller 'Sennentuntschi.' B&B opens Thursday with a screening of 'Almanya – Welcome to Germany' and a party to follow at the historic Castro Theatre. More info berlinbeyond.com.
"The launch of SF360.org, an online publication devoted to covering the entire Bay Area film community, was one of San Francisco Film Society Executive Director Graham Leggat's first initiatives when he took over the organization," writes Pam Grady. "...in November, a victim of financial realities and organizational changes in the wake of Leggat's recent death, SF360.org will cease publication." More at SFGate.
Press release: San Francisco Film Society announced the appointment of Bingham Ray as its executive director, effective November 7, 2011. Ray comes to the San Francisco Film Society from New York City, where he recently served as the first run programming consultant to the Film Society of Lincoln Center, executive consultant to the digital distribution company SnagFilms and adjunct professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. More at sffs.org.
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
SFFS gives Catherine Breillat's SFIFF-screened fantasy 'The Sleeping Beauty' a short run at Film Society | New People Cinema starting Monday. More info sffs.org.
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
Furthering CAAM's work to nurture Asian American media professionals and advance the field of Asian American media, the second annual CAAM Fellowship Program will connect young, talented individuals with leading professionals in the field. ELIGIBILITY: Participating fellows will have access to the leading Asian American talent in film, television and digital media. Each fellowship will be individually tailored to best fit the needs of the fellows and advisers. Fellowships will range from fully integrated collaborations to regular feedback on current projects to an ongoing dialogue about professional development. AWARDS: The CAAM Fellowship Program Retreat will allow the mentor-mentee pairs to spend two full days together in a quiet and peaceful environment where they can focus on the mentees' career, whether it is a script being developed or an acting career that needs some guidance. DEADLINE: October 17, 2011. WEBSITE: caamedia.org/filmmaker-resources/fellowship/caam-fellowship-program-2011/.
"Star Wars creator George Lucas is betting millions of his own dollars that moviegoers will be drawn to an action movie about African-American fighter pilots in World War II," reports Christopher John Farley. "Mr. Lucas has self-financed a new film entitled Red Tails inspired by the true story of the first organized group of African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. armed forces." More at wsj.com.
SF Indiefest offshoot DocFest kicks off its 10th edition this Friday with a screening of 'Dirty Pictures,' a film about underground ecstasy legend Dr. Alexander Shulgin. Featuring the wildest and wooliest independent docs emerging this year, the fest also boast a number of well-loved parties and one ’80s New Wave sing-along. More info at sfindie.virb.com.
SF Indiefest offshoot DocFest kicks off its 10th edition this Friday with a screening of 'Dirty Pictures,' a film about underground ecstasy legend Dr. Alexander Shulgin. Featuring the wildest and wooliest independent docs emerging this year, the fest also boast a number of well-loved parties and one ’80s New Wave sing-along. More info at sfindie.virb.com.
Expectations defied in Taiwan Film Days. It could be argued that Taiwanese cinema, best known through the work of three auteurs, Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Tsai Ming-liang, is not tied to audience-generating genres. It’s certainly been able to travel more diverse cinematic avenues than some of its neighbors. San Francisco Film Society's Taiwan Film Days running from October 14–16, however, offers evidence for any number of arguments you’d like to make about Asian cinema and Taiwan in particular. On the docket this year are ...
Expectations defied in Taiwan Film Days. It could be argued that Taiwanese cinema, best known through the work of three auteurs, Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Tsai Ming-liang, is not tied to audience-generating genres. It’s certainly been able to travel more diverse cinematic avenues than some of its neighbors. San Francisco Film Society's Taiwan Film Days running from October 14–16, however, offers evidence for any number of arguments you’d like to make about Asian cinema and Taiwan in particular. On the docket this year are ...
PFA finishes a short program of experimental films by teacher, multi-genre artist and Fluxus collaborator Paul Sharits this Thursday with a screening of his later work on Thursday. The Berkeley institution also screens a selection of Sharits' midcareer work this Wednesday. More info bampfa.edu.
PFA finishes a short program of experimental films by teacher, multi-genre artist and Fluxus collaborator Paul Sharits this Thursday with a screening of his later work on Thursday. The Berkeley institution also screens a selection of Sharits' midcareer work this Wednesday. More info bampfa.edu.
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
The TFI Latin America Media Arts Fund supports innovative film and video artists who are living or working in Mexico, Central and South America and working independently in their efforts to reach a larger audience. ELIGIBILITY: Submissions must be animation, documentary and/or hybrid feature-length films with an intended length of at least 70 minutes. Submissions must be in production or post-production and must not have aired on any form of television, been screened publicly or have been distributed in theaters or via the internet. Projects may be in any language or dialect. Applicants must be over 18 years old. Student films and stand-alone short films are not eligible for submission. $25 entry fee. AWARDS: Last year, the Fund administered $10,000 grants to four selected films. In addition to funding, each grantee will receive a U.S. based advisor and guidance from the Tribeca Film Institute. DEADLINE: October 10, 2011. WEBSITE: tribecafilminstitute.org/filmmakers/latin_fund/.
"Netflix Inc. is abandoning its widely panned decision to separate its DVD-by-mail and Internet streaming services," reports Peter Svensson, "because it would make them more difficult to use." More at sfgate.com.
"Fritz Manes, who had a long association with Clint Eastwood, producing, exec producing or associate producing a dozen of the films Eastwood directed between 1977 and 1986," reports Variety, "died of lung and brain cancer on Sept. 27 in Sherman Oaks, Calif." More at variety.com.
Charles Burnett's criminally underseen meditation on urban life in future race flashpoint Watts, CA, 'Killer of Sheep,' screens this Friday as part of Pacific Film Archive's The Outsiders: New Hollywood Cinema in the Seventies. More info at bampfa.edu.
Charles Burnett's criminally underseen meditation on urban life in future race flashpoint Watts, CA, 'Killer of Sheep,' screens this Friday as part of Pacific Film Archive's The Outsiders: New Hollywood Cinema in the Seventies. More info at bampfa.edu.
Mill Valley amps up the star wattage in its annual mix of local, international titles.
Mill Valley amps up the star wattage in its annual mix of local, international titles.
Mill Valley amps up the star wattage in its annual mix of local, international titles.
Fringe Tamil director Bala's mad, mondo tale of a pot-smoking, vengeance-driven holy man plays this week at YBCA. 'Naan Kadavul' screens as part of YBCA mini-program 'Cruel Cinema: New Directions in Tamil Film,' also featuring actor Sasikumar's ambitious first film, 'Subramaniapuram.' More info ybca.org.
Fringe Tamil director Bala's mad, mondo tale of a pot-smoking, vengeance-driven holy man plays this week at YBCA. 'Naan Kadavul' screens as part of YBCA mini-program 'Cruel Cinema: New Directions in Tamil Film,' also featuring actor Sasikumar's ambitious first film, 'Subramaniapuram.' More info ybca.org.
The 34th Mill Valley Film Festival continues at a number of locations, with a number of notable guests, including directors Gaston Kaboré and Luc Besson. See Dennis Harvey's extended preview on SF360 for the full story. More info and film schedule at mvff.com.
The 34th Mill Valley Film Festival continues at a number of locations, with a number of notable guests, including directors Gaston Kaboré and Luc Besson. See Dennis Harvey's extended preview on SF360 for the full story. More info and film schedule at mvff.com.
AP: "Steve Jobs saw the future and led the world to it. He moved technology from garages to pockets, took entertainment from discs to bytes and turned gadgets into extensions of the people who use them," writes Jordan Robertson. "Jobs, who founded and ran Apple, told us what we needed before we wanted it." More at sfgate.com.
In the illusory world of what we call ‘real life’, our beloved friend Graham pursued his practice of keeping his attention fixed firmly on 'the screen.'
In the illusory world of what we call ‘real life’, our beloved friend Graham pursued his practice of keeping his attention fixed firmly on 'the screen.'
In the illusory world of what we call ‘real life’, our beloved friend Graham pursued his practice of keeping his attention fixed firmly on 'the screen.'
The Booksmith and Berkeley Arts & Letters join forces to bring celebrated actor John Lithgow to the Sundance Kabuki for an evening in discussion of his new autobiography, 'Drama: An Actor's Education.' More info/tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
The Booksmith and Berkeley Arts & Letters join forces to bring celebrated actor John Lithgow to the Sundance Kabuki for an evening in discussion of his new autobiography, 'Drama: An Actor's Education.' More info/tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
"Disney has officially announced today that 'on the heels of the phenomenal success' of The Lion King 3D, they're now setting up 3D re-releases of four Disney/Pixar classics over the next two years, starting with Beauty and the Beast in 3D," reports Alex Billington. More at firstshowing.net.
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust present the 10th anniversary edition of Film in the Fog, with pre-show entertainments (’50s-era newsreel, classic cartoon, music) to precede an outdoor screening of San Francisco-shot Humphrey Bogart noir treasure 'Dark Passage.' Film program begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Presidio Main Post Theater; more info at sffs.org.
San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust present the 10th anniversary edition of Film in the Fog, with pre-show entertainments (’50s-era newsreel, classic cartoon, music) to precede an outdoor screening of San Francisco-shot Humphrey Bogart noir treasure 'Dark Passage.' Film program begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Presidio Main Post Theater; more info at sffs.org.
Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.
Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.
Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.
Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.
"After an eight-year tenure as the festival’s director," reports Dan Pine, "[Peter Stein] is stepping down Oct. 3 — and once again becoming a regular film festival fan." More at jweekly.com.
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
ITVS, Global Fund for Women, Spark and Women's Funding Network present a prescreening of issues doc 'Peace Unveiled,' part of a new PBS miniseries, 'Women, War & Peace,' launching this fall. Producer Abigail Disney and guests will be present for post-screening panel discussion. More info at pbs.org.
ITVS, Global Fund for Women, Spark and Women's Funding Network present a prescreening of issues doc 'Peace Unveiled,' part of a new PBS miniseries, 'Women, War & Peace,' launching this fall. Producer Abigail Disney and guests will be present for post-screening panel discussion. More info at pbs.org.
SFFS's bi-monthly forum and industry show-and-tell makes its first appearance at Film Society Cinema this Tuesday. Panel discussion will be moderated by music rights exec Brooke Wentz and feature Kim Aubry of Zoetrope Aubry productions alongside Academy Award-winning soundmen Michael Semanick and Richard Beggs. More info at sffs.org.
SFFS's bi-monthly forum and industry show-and-tell makes its first appearance at Film Society Cinema this Tuesday. Panel discussion will be moderated by music rights exec Brooke Wentz and feature Kim Aubry of Zoetrope Aubry productions alongside Academy Award-winning soundmen Michael Semanick and Richard Beggs. More info at sffs.org.
"The documentary, which aired last season on Independent Lens, reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time." More at beyondthebox.org.
Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.
Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.
After delighting audiences at this year's Frameline festival with its sexy, stylish update on the classic Hollywood screwball formula, 'Run Lola Run' director Tom Tykwer's '3' gets a full run at Sundance Kabuki and other venues around the Bay starting this Friday. More info sundancecinemas.com.
After delighting audiences at this year's Frameline festival with its sexy, stylish update on the classic Hollywood screwball formula, 'Run Lola Run' director Tom Tykwer's '3' gets a full run at Sundance Kabuki and other venues around the Bay starting this Friday. More info sundancecinemas.com.
SF Film Society | New People Cinema screens new films by Johnnie To, Bennie Chan, Alex Law and others in a new program celebrating one of cinema's most prolific cities. The Film Society launches the festival's inaugural year with a party at Superfrog gallery on Friday. More info sffs.org.
SF Film Society | New People Cinema screens new films by Johnnie To, Bennie Chan, Alex Law and others in a new program celebrating one of cinema's most prolific cities. The Film Society launches the festival's inaugural year with a party at Superfrog gallery on Friday. More info sffs.org.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Celebrating the grand opening of the SF Film Society | New People Cinema, a state-of-the-art venue for art, independent and world cinema, San Francisco Film Society offers an open house reception and ribbon cutting with food, drink, musical performances and screenings in the theater itself throughout the night. More info at sffs.org.
Peaches Christ and Dr. Carol Queen host the Sixth Annual Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Festival Short Film Competition this Thursday, boasting a Barbary Coast-themed party featuring food, drinks and an array of appropriately sexed-up performers and a curated screening of sexy short films from this year. Each event costs $10, more info castrotheatre.com.
Peaches Christ and Dr. Carol Queen host the Sixth Annual Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Festival Short Film Competition this Thursday, boasting a Barbary Coast-themed party featuring food, drinks and an array of appropriately sexed-up performers and a curated screening of sexy short films from this year. Each event costs $10, more info castrotheatre.com.
SFMOMA presents an hour-long program of contemporary artist Helga Fanderl's formalist silent Super 8mm shorts this Thursday. More info at sfmoma.org.
SFMOMA presents an hour-long program of contemporary artist Helga Fanderl's formalist silent Super 8mm shorts this Thursday. More info at sfmoma.org.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Dziga Vertov completed the epic documentary 'A Sixth Part of the World' after his ejection from the Cold War-era Soviet documentary film unit Sovkino. The breathtaking and broad-reaching doc, praised by revered experimentalist Chris Marker, screens Wednesday as part of PFA's annual avant-garde film program Alternative Visions. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Dziga Vertov completed the epic documentary 'A Sixth Part of the World' after his ejection from the Cold War-era Soviet documentary film unit Sovkino. The breathtaking and broad-reaching doc, praised by revered experimentalist Chris Marker, screens Wednesday as part of PFA's annual avant-garde film program Alternative Visions. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
"Discovery Communications Inc. said it believes its new deal to distribute its shows over Netflix Inc.'s content-streaming service is an 'economic win,'" reports Maxwell Murphy, "and Discovery will learn from the pact lessons that will help shape its digital strategy." More at online.wsj.com.
"Brad Pitt, Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin were among those on the red carpet at the Paramount Theater in Oakland on Monday evening as Moneyball, the movie based on A's general manager Billy Beane and the 2002 Oakland team, made its national premiere," reports Susan Slusser. More at www.sfgate.com.
"The proposal for the 82,000-square-foot facility made public Wednesday evening comes 15 months after the university-owned institution restarted the effort to build itself a new home on the downtown edge of the UC Berkeley campus at Center and Oxford streets," reports John King. Read more at sfgate.com.
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
SFIFF standout 'Aurora' screens at SF Film Society | New People Cinema starting this Friday. Following the lead set by his highly praised 2005 film, 'The Death of Mr. Lazarescu,' Cristi Puiu's latest is the blackest of comedies, exposing the anatomy of a crime to the smallest, most innocent detail. More info sffs.org.
Unhurried, character-driven story demonstrates the filmmaking finesse that’s brought Romanian cinema to the fore. Though it had made an occasional international impression before—notably with a long history of Cannes entries and prize winners—few could have anticipated the splash Romanian cinema would create in the last few years. Or that the attention paid it would bring a number of often long, difficult, obtuse movies out of their usual habitat (the festival circuit) into theaters around the world. The collapse of Communism and execution of Romania's quarter-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 freed the filmmaking industry from strict governmental control and propagandic content. But it took until the middle...
Unhurried, character-driven story demonstrates the filmmaking finesse that’s brought Romanian cinema to the fore. Though it had made an occasional international impression before—notably with a long history of Cannes entries and prize winners—few could have anticipated the splash Romanian cinema would create in the last few years. Or that the attention paid it would bring a number of often long, difficult, obtuse movies out of their usual habitat (the festival circuit) into theaters around the world. The collapse of Communism and execution of Romania's quarter-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 freed the filmmaking industry from strict governmental control and propagandic content. But it took until the middle...
SF's largest single screen shows a new restoration print of Martin Scorsese's grime classic, 'Taxi Driver.' Playing on the same double-bill is underseen noir 'Blast of Silence', an influence on filmmakers from Scorsese to Lars von Trier. More info at castrotheatre.com.
As a complement to this year's Bay Area Now program, YBCA screens two films about waste and the way it impacts our lives. 'Scrappers,' showing Thursday, tells the story of two scavengers eking out a living salvaging trash from Chicago's dumpsters and 'Waste Land,' playing Sunday, follows artist Vik Muniz to Brazil where he connects with pickers at the world's largest garbage dump. More info: ybca.org.
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.
Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.
Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.
Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
San Francisco loses two of its cinema icons, pioneering 'camp humorist' George Kuchar and seminal experimental filmmaker Jordan Belson. George Kuchar, the beloved San Francisco filmmaker, teacher, mentor and friend, died Tuesday night, September 6, at the age of 69. He passed away at Coming Home Hospice in the Castro, where he resided for the last month. Kuchar had been diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, but the sad news was not conveyed beyond a circle of close friends until recently. Kuchar and his twin brother, Mike, began making movies in their teens in their Bronx neighborhood in the late ’50s. Inspired by the florid emotions of Hollywood melodramas, they made 8mm narratives that were funny...
San Francisco loses two of its cinema icons, pioneering 'camp humorist' George Kuchar and seminal experimental filmmaker Jordan Belson. George Kuchar, the beloved San Francisco filmmaker, teacher, mentor and friend, died Tuesday night, September 6, at the age of 69. He passed away at Coming Home Hospice in the Castro, where he resided for the last month. Kuchar had been diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, but the sad news was not conveyed beyond a circle of close friends until recently. Kuchar and his twin brother, Mike, began making movies in their teens in their Bronx neighborhood in the late ’50s. Inspired by the florid emotions of Hollywood melodramas, they made 8mm narratives that were funny...
San Francisco loses two of its cinema icons, pioneering 'camp humorist' George Kuchar and seminal experimental filmmaker Jordan Belson. George Kuchar, the beloved San Francisco filmmaker, teacher, mentor and friend, died Tuesday night, September 6, at the age of 69. He passed away at Coming Home Hospice in the Castro, where he resided for the last month. Kuchar had been diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, but the sad news was not conveyed beyond a circle of close friends until recently. Kuchar and his twin brother, Mike, began making movies in their teens in their Bronx neighborhood in the late ’50s. Inspired by the florid emotions of Hollywood melodramas, they made 8mm narratives that were funny...
San Francisco loses two of its cinema icons, pioneering 'camp humorist' George Kuchar and seminal experimental filmmaker Jordan Belson. George Kuchar, the beloved San Francisco filmmaker, teacher, mentor and friend, died Tuesday night, September 6, at the age of 69. He passed away at Coming Home Hospice in the Castro, where he resided for the last month. Kuchar had been diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, but the sad news was not conveyed beyond a circle of close friends until recently. Kuchar and his twin brother, Mike, began making movies in their teens in their Bronx neighborhood in the late ’50s. Inspired by the florid emotions of Hollywood melodramas, they made 8mm narratives that were funny...
As an appreciation of George Kuchar's inspired presence, we offer up the filmmaker in his own words, excerpted from 'Radical Light: Alternative Film and Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945–2000.'
As an appreciation of George Kuchar's inspired presence, we offer up the filmmaker in his own words, excerpted from 'Radical Light: Alternative Film and Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945–2000.'
As an appreciation of George Kuchar's inspired presence, we offer up the filmmaker in his own words, excerpted from 'Radical Light: Alternative Film and Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945–2000.'
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
Center for Asian American Media and the Roxie team up to present Sion Sono's madcap masterpiece 'Love Exposure' for a limited run starting Friday. This nearly four-hour long absurdist experiment in maximalism trumps even the director's previous effort 'Suicide Club.' It's succeeded in Sono's bizarre oeuvre by 'Cold Fish,' which opens mid-month. More info at roxie.com.
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.
When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.
When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.
The Roy W. Dean Film and Writing Grants fund shorts, documentaries and low budget independent features. ELIGIBILITY: New film and video projects (including works-in-progress) that are unique and benefit the society. Student filmmakers, independent producers or independent production companies are all welcome. AWARDS: Winner gets a variety of awards including scholarships and cash prizes for different production fields. DEADLINE: August 30, 2011. WEBSITE: fromtheheartproductions.com/grant-lavideo.shtml.
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
Filmmakers find themselves outside the 'buffer' zone as film about graffiti-abaters hits local screens, and streets. Editor's note: Vigilante, Vigilante: The Battle for Expression, a Bay Area-made film on graffiti "abatement," opened with a clamor last weekend at the Roxie, as San Francisco's Department of Public Works made an issue of cleaning up the film's street-art advertising campaign. The filmmakers responded that they've asked that their materials not be posted illegally, but that hasn't stopped DPW requesting them to cease and desist attracting audiences via wheatpaste. What follows is sf360.org's interview...
Filmmakers find themselves outside the 'buffer' zone as film about graffiti-abaters hits local screens, and streets. Editor's note: Vigilante, Vigilante: The Battle for Expression, a Bay Area-made film on graffiti "abatement," opened with a clamor last weekend at the Roxie, as San Francisco's Department of Public Works made an issue of cleaning up the film's street-art advertising campaign. The filmmakers responded that they've asked that their materials not be posted illegally, but that hasn't stopped DPW requesting them to cease and desist attracting audiences via wheatpaste. What follows is sf360.org's interview...
Canonized director John Huston's 'The African Queen,' now mostly remembered for its tumultuous production history, was also the director's biggest grossing film, securing Humphrey Bogart his first Oscar for acting. The Alameda Theatre screens this battle-of-the-sexes classic on film Wednesday and Thursday only. More info at alamedatheatres.com.
The luxurious single-screen represents for its Castro neighbors, screening a mini-retrospective of Pedro Almodovar's sensitive and dynamic arthouse crankers. Viva Pedro opens with Gael García Bernal vehicle 'Bad Education' on Wednesday, finishing off with the excellent, underseen 'The Flower of My Secret' and 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' on Friday. More info at castrotheatre.com.
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
UK Film Council, Emerging Pictures and the Mostly British Film Festival present a selection of new British films curated by Film Society of Lincoln Center. 'From Britain with Love' continues at Smith Rafael Film Center selected dates through September 18. More info at cafilm.org.
Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.
Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.
Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
Thrill ride 'Point Blank' loses nothing in translation—it's a prime example of cinematic globalization.
Thrill ride 'Point Blank' loses nothing in translation—it's a prime example of cinematic globalization.
Thrill ride 'Point Blank' loses nothing in translation—it's a prime example of cinematic globalization.
Disney animation director John Musker, responsible for 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Aladdin' and a number of other contemporary favorites, appears at The Walt Disney Family Museum to give a short demonstration of the craft of animation to youth ages 8-12. Older aficionados of the director's work can head to PFA on Wednesday for a lecture and presentation by Musker. More info at sffs.org and bampfa.berkeley.edu.
SFMOMA's Opera on Film series continues with a screening of Otto Preminger's 'Carmen Jones,' based on George Bizet's 'Carmen' but recast as a WWII-era yarn with an all-black cast featuring Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge, who received an Oscar nom for her performance. Screening will be preceded by an introduction and live performance by entrancing New York artist Kalup Linzy. More info at sfmoma.org.
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
Writes Leah Garchik, "Graham Leggat had said that it probably would be a small group, a gathering of a few friends he'd asked to come to Tosca on Tuesday night to see him. But Leggat, who a month ago stepped down as executive director of the San Francisco Film Society because of illness, has more than a few friends. And it seemed almost all of them wanted to see him, to thank him for what he'd accomplished in six years and, more than that, to embrace him with family-like affection." More at sfgate.com.
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
Smith Rafael presents a pre-release screening of 'Finding Joe,' a new doc centered around the teachings and discoveries of universal mythologist and screenwriter's savior Joseph Campbell, featuring appearances by artists and celebs, including Mick Fleetwood, Catherine Hardwicke, Deepak Chopra and others. Filmmaker Patrick Takaya Solomon and Joseph Campbell Foundation's Robert Walter will be in attendance for a discussion following the screening. More info at cafilm.org.
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’
Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’
Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’
SFFS presents the work of pioneering software artist Marius Watz, who uses digital processes and authored algorithms to “automatically” produce numerous types of media including video, still imagery and sculpture through semi-autonomous software systems, as part of its KinoTek series. Look for sci-fi writer/theorist Bruce Sterling's essay on Watz in Thursday's SF360.org. Events: An exhibition in Super Frog Gallery at New People opens July 22; Artist Talk, July 26; Master Class, July 27. More at sffs.org.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
SF Museum of Modern Art's Opera on Film series screens Jean-Jacques Beineix's under-appreciated 'Diva' on Thursday. The Caesar Award-winning romance/thriller hybrid deftly handles a complex, opera-centric plot littered with brilliant pop-art inspired chase scenes and features a number of standout performances, including those by Jeunet regular Dominique Pinon and real-life opera singer Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez. More info sfmoma.org.
"Balboa Theatre operator Gary Meyer said Wednesday that this summer will be his last at the Richmond District movie house, leaving the future of the scrappy independent theater in doubt," reports Peter Hartlaub. More at sfgate.com.
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
'If Marius Watz programmed it, then it's going to be vivid. It's going to be crisp, spiky and angular. It will be fast, bright and noisy. And there's going to be a whole, whole lot of it.'
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.
San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.
San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
Fascinating SFIFF-screened doc 'Page One: Inside the New York Times' starts its run at Smith Rafael Film Center this Friday. More at cafilm.org. (It also continues at other Bay Area theaters.)
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
Press release: The Ninth Street Independent Film Center announced today five new participants for the Center's Media Arts Incubator Program for 2011-2012. "This is a great group of participants," says Skye Christensen, Executive Director of the Ninth Street Independent Film Center. "Each brings a very dynamic project to the Program, and we're really looking forward to what they'll accomplish during their time here." Ninth Street’s Media Arts Incubator Program is designed to nurture socially relevant independent media projects at Ninth Street Independent Film Center. The Incubator Program supports independent filmmakers, start-up film festivals and small media nonprofits through access to workspace and shared resources, such as cross-promotional opportunities, co-productions, affordable meeting or exhibition space and community connections with established media arts partners (Center for Asian American Media, Frameline, San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and others). Participants are: Rachel Caplan (CEO) and Daniela Rible (Deputy Director) of the annual SF Green Film Festival; Jennifer Tipton and Cary McQueen Morrow, the directors of Art with Impact, which is a platform for the creation of new media on critical social issues; David Evan Harris, Executive Director of the Global Lives Project, a media arts nonprofit that seeks to collaboratively build a video library of human life experience; Scarlett Shepard is Executive Director of the SF Women’s Film Festival; and J.R. Flemming, director and producer of Guarding Dogs, which is a documentary film with a crowd-sourcing model currently in production that makes the case for adopting a dog instead breeding/buying.
Award-winning 2010 doc 'Cultures of Resistance' captures the ways artists, musicians and other cultural producers create political change through art, from Iran to China to other points worldwide. The event features a live interview with director Iara Lee via Skype after screening; ticket sales benefit clean water efforts for children in Gaza. Plays at Berkeley City College. More at mecaforpeace.org.
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
Rick Minnick, oldest son a middle-aged father of five who started a new life after suffering from amnesia, returns to California in an attempt to discover the truth behind his father's disappearance in this haunting doc. Minnick and some film subjects will be present for Q&A at both screenings. More at redvic.com.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...
SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...
SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...
Prolific producer, art-house fave and proponent of "radical banality" Hong Sang-Soo juxtaposes moments from a young woman's relationships with two men, a year apart, in the formalist comedy/romance ‘Oki's Movie.’ Screens at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. More at ybca.org.
Louie Psihoyos' and Roc O'Barry's immersive, award-winning eco-doc 'The Cove' screens with a live performance by Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and post-film discussion with both directors at the Smith Rafael. Ticket sales benefit the Earth Island Institute and Save Japan Dolphins. More at cafilm.org.
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Ilisa Barbash's beautiful 'Sweetgrass' plays during a special event at the Oakland Museum, 1:00 pm, and features a live appearance by the starring species: sheep, who will be sheared by farmer Joe Sanchez, as part of Felt. More at museumca.org.
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
Throughout the month of June, Pacific Film Archive features a half century of alternately feverish, dark, confessional, parodic work from filmmaker brothers George and Mike Kuchar, starting with their 1965 feature, ‘Sins of the Fleshapoids,’ at which Mike Kuchar appears in person. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Arthur Penn is the focus of a monthlong series at Pacific Film Archive, beginning with 1958’s Gore Vidal-written revisionist Western, ‘The Left Handed Gun,’ which features Paul Newman. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
David Meiklejohn’s first feature-length documentary, ‘My Heart Is An Idiot,’ which follows Davy Rothbart as he travels and receives love-life advice from those he encounters, plays at Roxie Theater. Zooey Deschanel, Ira Glass, Newt Gingrich and Davy’s mom are among those contributing thoughts. More at roxie.com.
David Meiklejohn’s first feature-length documentary, ‘My Heart Is An Idiot,’ which follows Davy Rothbart as he travels and receives love-life advice from those he encounters, plays at Roxie Theater. Zooey Deschanel, Ira Glass, Newt Gingrich and Davy’s mom are among those contributing thoughts. More at roxie.com.
Ben Sombogaart’s ‘Bride Flight’ opens at Smith Rafael Film Center. The Dutch feature pursues drama in the stories of three women taking a plane flight to meet their awaiting fiancés. More at cafilm.org.
Press release: Fandor, a new on-demand provider of independent films, along with distributors Kino Lorber and Microcinema International, today announced it is pioneering the coordinated theatrical and digital premier, a first for the industry. The first film to be released under the coordinated theatrical and digital premier paradigm will be the June 15 re-release of 'David Holzman's Diary.' More at microcinema.com and fandor.com.
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
Josh Shelov’s comedy ‘The Best & The Brightest’ plays at Roxie Theater before its wide release this summer. The film features Neil Patrick Harris and Bonnie Somerville as yuppies from New York fighting to get their daughter into an elitist private kindergarten. More at roxie.com.
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
Viz Cinema at New People hosts their third fundraiser event, presenting the Japanese film ‘Kamikaze Girls.’ Proceeds benefit Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Funds. More at newpeopleworld.com.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
The vivid mindscapes of Allen Ginsberg's poems come to radical life in Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's James Franco-fied 'Howl' via the art of Ginsberg collaborator Eric Drooker. The Cartoon Art Museum showcases 'The Art of Howl,' with Drooker's work, storyboards, photos and multimedia. More at cartoonart.org.
John Antonelli finds good news, bad news and plenty of drama in African environmental stories.
John Antonelli finds good news, bad news and plenty of drama in African environmental stories.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
Viz Cinema at New People hosts the Legacy Film Festival on Aging, offering three days of shorts and features from around the world that deal with the difficulties and appreciation of growing older. The program begins with ‘Ruth Awasa: Roots of an Artist,’ a documentary about the famous artist, with director Bob Toy and Ruth’s children in attendance for a Q&A following the screening. More at newpeopleworld.com.
Director Claude Marks participates in a discussion following the screening of his film, ‘COINTELPRO 101,’ which presents the history and impact of the FBI Counter Intelligence Program. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
Castro Theatre hosts the final evening of SFIFF54, which features Mathieu Amalric’s ‘On Tour,’ a film that tells the story of a has-been French TV producer who stages his comeback with burlesque performers. A party follows at The Factory. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
Red Vic Movie House presents ‘William Burroughs: A Man Within,’ a documentary that offers a look into the life of one of the first writers to address queer and drag culture in the '50s. Director Yony Leyser participates in a Q&A following select showings. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.
Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.
Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
San Francisco International Film Festival’s 2011 Centerpiece selection, ‘Terri,’ featuring John C. Reilly as a vice principle who befriends an insecure junior high student, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas with director Azazel Jacobs and actor Jacob Wysocki in attendance. The evening’s after party is at Clift's Velvet Room. More at fest11.sffs.org.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.
Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.
Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
Lynn Hershman Leeson's decades-in-the-making documentary about women artists taking on the establishment debuts at the festival Saturday, April 23, with a San Francisco Museum of Modern Art screening, and plays again Monday, April 25, at the Pacific Film Archive. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Press release: The San Francisco Film Society announced today that Terence Stamp will be the recipient of the Peter J. Owens Award at the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21–May 5). The Owens Award, named for the longtime San Francisco benefactor of arts and charitable organizations and Film Society board member, honors an actor whose work exemplifies brilliance, independence and integrity. The award will be presented to Stamp at Film Society Awards Night, Thursday, April 28 at Bimbo’s 365 Club. More at fest11.sffs.org.
The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival opens with a film about fresh starts, in the form of a 75-year-old living life romantically, possibly for the first time, in Mike Mills' 'Beginners.' One can't go wrong with a cast featuring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent. Better: Mills and McGregor are present. A party follows at Terra Gallery. More at fest.sffs.org.
In celebration of the upcoming Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in Hollywood, Castro Theatre participates in the one-night nationwide Road to Hollywood Tour with a free screening of ‘Elmer Gantry.’ Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz and Academy Award winner Shirley Jones are present. Tickets are acquired through tcm.com/roadtohollywood. More at castrotheatre.com.
Roxie Theater hosts Playback: ATA Film & Video Festival 2006-2010, a one-day event that showcases a selection of short films from the experimental media arts gallery. More at roxie.com.
Reports Peter Knegt: "Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Tim Hetherington has been killed in Libya, it is being reported by Vanity Fair (where Hetherington worked as a contributing photographer)." More at indieWIRE.com.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Pacific Film Archive's Patricio Guzmán series continues with ‘The Pinochet Case’ and ‘Chile, Obstinate Memory.’ Later this month, Guzman's latest, a poignant and provocative reflection called 'Nostalgia for the Light,' closes the collection and screens as part of the San Francisco International Film Festival, April 26 and 28. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu and fest11.sffs.org.
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
Press release: Current TV is launching a new pro-social program, called 'The Current Cause,' which invites both amateur and professional filmmakers to create promotional spots focusing on pro-social themes and organizations. The program focuses on a different theme every quarter, beginning with a sustainability-themed "Earth Fights Back" initiative to commemorate Earth Day 2011. More at current.com/cause.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts and dGenerate Films and Fandor present ‘Fearless: Independent Chinese Documentaries,’ which features six independent Chinese political docs; continuing this week with 'Tape' (April 7), 'Ghost Town' (April 10) and '1428' (pictured, April 14). More at ybca.org.
Mission Cultural Center presents Catherine Murphy’s ‘Maestra,’ a 30-minute documentary that follows female literacy workers in Cuba. Murphy and former literacy campaign teacher Norma Guillard participate in a Q&A with film critic B. Ruby Rich following the film. More at missionculturalcenter.org.
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
Tiffany Shlain keynotes a discussion of education and opportunity, while panelists Mark Decena, Rob Epstein, Barry Jenkins, Lexi Leban and Jenni Olson share their experiences and stories of how they’ve sustained their careers over time. It begins at 7:30 pm at the Lab. More at sffs.org.
IndieWIRE reports: "With the sheer number of arts-related events in San Francisco, one might mistake the city as one of America’s largest metropolises, but in fact it’s California’s fourth largest city. San Francisco has however had a long tradition of embracing arts on the cusp, reflecting its vibrant and diverse citizens." More at indieWIRE.com.
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street
SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street
Behind the Scenes: Art director Patricia Woodbridge introduces ‘I Am Legend’ at Pacific Film Archive with a formal discussion of her work on that film and others on March 31. SFFS hosts Woodbridge at Ninth Street Independent Film Center for a Master Class on April 2, and then she returns to PFA to informally present ‘Shutter Island,’ on April 3. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu and sffs.org.
SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street
SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
New People at Viz Cinema hosts three showings of ‘Hula Girls,’ a 2006 film based in the recently devastated Fukushima, Japan. Showings are free, but donations of $10, which will go directly to Japanese earthquake relief funds, are requested. More at newpeopleworld.com.
Director Taggart Siegel participates in a Q&A at Roxie Theater following the evening showings on March 25, 27 and 28 of his recent documentary, ‘Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?,’ which examines the recent global disappearance of bees. More at roxie.com.
Screenwriter Oscar Torres appears in person at Mission Cultural Center to talk following his award winning film ‘Voces Inocentes,’ based on Torres’ real-life tale of growing up and avoiding mandatory army recruitment in San Salvador. More at missionculturalcenter.org.
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
Xavier Dolan’s ‘Heartbeats,’ the 2010 Winner of Un Certain Regard Youth Prize at Cannes International Film Festival, opens at Landmark Theatres in San Francisco and Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas. The film follows two best friends and their attempt to attain the affection of a charming man they’ve just met. More at landmarktheatres.com.
YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.
YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.
YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Craig Barron and Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burtt reveal the special effects used in 1939s ‘Tarzan Finds a Son!’ and present live audio demonstrations. The event takes place at Smith Rafael Film Center and is presented by Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. More at cafilm.org.
At nearly 30, SF Int’l Asian American Film Festival fulfills a multifacted programming mission. The 29th edition of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival stretches across the Bay Area, from San Francisco to Berkeley to San Jose March 10–20, bringing “Stories to Light” as the Center for Asian American Media's new tagline says. Indeed, both the stories and their potential audiences would be left in the dark without the solid efforts of new festival steward Misashi Niwano and Christine Kwon (festival director and managing director, respectively). In a city privileged with a vast...
At nearly 30, SF Int’l Asian American Film Festival fulfills a multifacted programming mission. The 29th edition of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival stretches across the Bay Area, from San Francisco to Berkeley to San Jose March 10–20, bringing “Stories to Light” as the Center for Asian American Media's new tagline says. Indeed, both the stories and their potential audiences would be left in the dark without the solid efforts of new festival steward Misashi Niwano and Christine Kwon (festival director and managing director, respectively). In a city privileged with a vast...
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Pacific Film Archive offers the latest in their Alternative Visions series with Images of Nature, or The Nature of the Image: Canadian Artists at Work, which explores the techniques and strategies utilized by four decades of Canadian short films as they showcase images of nature and Canadian landscapes. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Castro Theatre present ‘Exposed on Film,’ a three-day series featuring films that explore the themes presented in the concurrent San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s exhibit, Exposed: Voyeurism, Surveillance and the Camera Since 1870, including Warhol's 'The Nude Restaurant,' Antonioni's 'Blow Up' and David Lynch's 'Lost Highway.' More at castrotheatre.com and sfmoma.org.
Press release: The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21 - May 5) today announced its documentaries in competition for the Golden Gate Awards and films in competition for the New Directors Prize. The International will award close to $100,000 in total prizes this year. Sixty thousand dollars will be awarded to winners in three categories: investigative documentary feature ($25,000), documentary feature ($20,000) and Bay Area documentary feature ($15,000). The New Directors Prize of $15,000 is given to a narrative first feature that exhibits a unique artistic sensibility and deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible. Seventeen countries contributed to the production of the 11 films in this year's competition. Click through for titles or visit sffs.org.
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
Reuters: "'Toy Story 3' won the Oscar for animated feature on Sunday, becoming the fourth Pixar release to win the category in as many years." More at reuters.com.
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
As part of Laurel Nakadate: Fever Dreams, photographer and filmmaker Nakadate appears in person at the Roxie Theater for a Q&A following a double-feature of her transfixing, transforming feature-length films, including 2010's 'The Wolf Knife' and 2009's 'Stay the Same Never Change.' More, including info on Nakadate work on display in the Mission, at sffs.org.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
A festival whose curation was called "stupefyingly good" by Dennis Harvey in SF360.org last week, the Noise Pop Film Series complements the live music it's meant to accompany as the likes of Feist, Devendra Banhart and Tom Ze cross the screen. More at 2011.noisepop.com/film.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
Variety: "Marking another acquisition partnership coming out of the Sundance Film Festival, Roadside Attractions will team with Participant Media," handling U.S. theatrical distribution rights of writer and director Maryam Keshavarz's Iranian drama 'Circumstance.' More at variety.com.
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
Roxie Theater hosts the 13th SF Indiefest, which presents 15 raucous days of both feature and short independent films. Opening Night features Gregg Araki’s ‘Kaboom,’ with an afterparty at CELLspace and live music. More at sfindie.com.
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
Reports indieWIRE: "Oprah Winfrey Network has added another member to its Documentary Film Club with Yoav Potash’s “Crime After Crime,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition." More at indiewire.com.
The Roxie showcases filmmaker and educator George Kuchar with ‘By, For and About George Kuchar,’ including a Frankenstein series recently completed with his San Francisco Art Institute students, a selection of his shorts and Jennifer Kroot’s 2009 documentary, ‘It Came From Kuchar.’ More at roxie.com.
Pacific Film Archive Theater hosts the African Film Festival 2011, presenting popular documentary and narrative films from eight African countries. The festival begins with Remi Vaughan-Richards’ 2010 ‘One Small Step.’
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
The final week of Noir City plays at Castro Theatre. Two Film Noir features play nightly through January 30, ending with 1952’s ‘Angel Face’ and 1948’s ‘The Hunted.’ More at castrotheatre.com.
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
Jordan Biren, Tony Labat and Anne McGuire appear in person for the Radical Light program Post-Conceptual Performance: Video, 1977 to 1997, which looks at the artist's body as the medium in works by Biren, McGuire, Labat, Leslie Singer, Doug Hall and Cecilia Dougherty. More at press.bampfa.berkeley.edu/radical.
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts offers the latest by Pedro Costa, what they call a "ravishing, entrancing study of light, shadow and voice" from the Portuguese filmmaker. More at ybca.org.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Pacific Film Archive Theater and UC Berkeley’s Department of Film and Media present Jean Cocteau’s 1946 ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ A lecture by Professor Russell Merritt follows. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
SF Chronicle: "It was creative projects like 'The Revolutionary Optimists'," writes Benny Evangelista, "that helped the nonprofit San Francisco organization, which advocates social change through the integration fo storytelling with the latest media technologies, win a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation." More at sfgate.com.
Press release: The San Francisco Film Society will present Fever Dreams: Laurel Nakadate, a multiplatform presentation of the work of American multimedia artist Laurel Nakadate, February 23–March 2. Fever Dreams kicks off KinoTek 2011–12, an eclectic series of programs dedicated to cross-platform and emergent media, supported by a two-year, $80,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. More at sffs.org.
Roxie Theater presents ‘Genghis Blues,’ Roko Belic’s 1999 Oscar nominated Best Documentary feature about the unlikely throat-singing champion Paul Pena. Current throat-singing artist Kongar-Ol Ondar attends and performs following the feature. More at roxie.com.
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
Castro Theatre hosts the German Gems Film Festival, a three day event showcasing recent German features, shorts and documentaries. It begins on Friday with ‘Mahler On The Couch,' a feature directed by father and son team Percy and Felix Adlon, with an Opening Night after party following. More at castrotheatre.com.
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
The Castro Theatre hosts six days of double features from the unsurpassed master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. The series starts with two of the finest films from Hitchcock’s late British period, ‘The Lady Vanishes’ and ‘The 39 Steps.’ More at castrotheatre.com.
The Film on Film Foundation and Oddball Film and Video offer a little financial advice to start the new year with their program of 16mm ’70s-era shorts, ‘In It For the Money: Short Films You Can Take to the Bank.’ The program plays at 8:00 p.m., Oddball Films, 275 Capp St. More at filmonfilm.org and oddballfilm.com.
'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.
'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.
'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.
The life story of Pakistani politician Benazir Bhutto, the first ever female leader in a Muslim nation, is examined in ‘Bhutto,’ which plays at the Smith Rafael, Clay and Shattuck, with in person filmmaker appearances at select screenings over the weekend. More at caflim.org and landmarktheatres.com.
The Rec Vic hosts a second run of Alex Gibney’s ‘Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer,’ which chronicles the accomplishments and scandals surrounding the once popular New York politician. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
David Lindsay-Abaire adapts his Pulitzer Prize-winning play for the big screen in director John Cameron Mitchell’s ‘Rabbit Hole,’ the story of a husband and wife struggling to gain control over their lives after a devastating accident. More at landmarktheatres.com.
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.
Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.
Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.
Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.
Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.
Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.
SF Chronicle: "To attract more motion pictures and commercials to shoot in the city, the Film Commission today launched the Scene in San Francisco Vendor Discount Program offering participating productions discounts at businesses from restaurants and hotels to fitness clubs and entertainment venues." More at SFGate.
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
This popular Oakland Museum of California exhibition is an all encompassing look at the world’s leading animation studio and includes artwork from 'Ratatouille', 'Wall E', 'Up' and 'Toy Story 3.' More at museumca.org
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
The former Saturday Night Live player was an essential element to some of the most memorable moments in the show’s recent history. In 2009 the actress displayed her versatility in the Sam Mendes-directed ‘Away We Go,’ costarring with John Krasinski. Maya Rudolph discusses her career as a comedienne with Bay Area broadcasting veteran Paul Lancour at Herbst Theater. More at cityarts.net.
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.
The year closes with six weeks of strong foreign and arthouse awards-seekers as well as solid franchise holiday entertainments.
The year closes with six weeks of strong foreign and arthouse awards-seekers as well as solid franchise holiday entertainments.
The year closes with six weeks of strong foreign and arthouse awards-seekers as well as solid franchise holiday entertainments.
The mutli-talented Nora Ephron is credited to some of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time and recently won praise for last year’s ‘Julie and Julia.’ The journalist/screenwriter/director/author discusses life and her latest book, ‘I Remember Nothing: and Other Reflections’ with Bay Area broadcasting veteran Paul Lancour. More at cityarts.net.
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
The story of 17th-century ninja who makes the dangerous decision to run from his own clan, ‘Kamui Gaiden’ is one of Japan’s most expensive movies in history and brings Sampei Shirato’s celebrated '70s comic to the big screen as part of The Red Lantern: Bay Area Asian Cinephiles film series. More at newpeopleworld.com.
San Francisco Film Society celebrates Italy’s freshest film offerings in the New Italian Cinema series at Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema. Films new and old from director Ferzan Ozpetek begin the weeklong festival, which focuses on a diverse group of work from some of Italy’s most gifted filmmakers, many appearing in person. Opening Night is Ozpetek’s most recent, ‘Loose Cannons,’ which precedes a party at Cigar Bar & Grill, 850 Montgomery Street. More at sffs.org.
"Following its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, Lynn Hershman Leeson’s '!Women Art Revolution' has been acquired by Zeitgeist Films for North American distribution," reports Nigel M. Smith. More at indiewire.com.
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
Writer-director Todd Solondz revisits familiar themes and characters in his latest offering, a sequel to 1998’s critically acclaimed ‘Happiness.’ In ‘Life During Wartime’ Solondz proves he is one dark comedy’s most serious players as he further dissects the struggles of the Jordan family. Plays at the Red Vic on $7 night. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
San Francisco Film Society’s New Italian Cinema series wraps up this week at Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema. Upcoming films include Giuseppe Capatondi’s thriller ‘The Double Hour’ and Luis Prieto’s heartfelt drama, ‘I Am Glad You Are Here’ (pictured). The Closing Night film is Paolo Virzì’s ‘The First Beautiful Thing’ with a reception at Fior d’Italia, 2237 Mason Street. More at sffs.org.
From 'Tongues Untied' to 'Black Is.....Black Ain't,' Marlon Riggs' art was a series of radical acts that were both overdue and ahead of their time. Two decades ago, in post-Reagan America, the arts were under fire—one lit by a very particular religious right match. Feeling the heat was the National Endowment for the Arts, a then 25-year-old institution already pretty pitifully funded by comparison with most other developed nations’ governmental arts support. But the small portion of NEA grants that helped avant-garde or otherwise edgy art—as opposed to, say, the local Gilbert & Sullivan society or annual craft fair—provided plenty of opportunities...
From 'Tongues Untied' to 'Black Is.....Black Ain't,' Marlon Riggs' art was a series of radical acts that were both overdue and ahead of their time. Two decades ago, in post-Reagan America, the arts were under fire—one lit by a very particular religious right match. Feeling the heat was the National Endowment for the Arts, a then 25-year-old institution already pretty pitifully funded by comparison with most other developed nations’ governmental arts support. But the small portion of NEA grants that helped avant-garde or otherwise edgy art—as opposed to, say, the local Gilbert & Sullivan society or annual craft fair—provided plenty of opportunities...
From 'Tongues Untied' to 'Black Is.....Black Ain't,' Marlon Riggs' art was a series of radical acts that were both overdue and ahead of their time. Two decades ago, in post-Reagan America, the arts were under fire—one lit by a very particular religious right match. Feeling the heat was the National Endowment for the Arts, a then 25-year-old institution already pretty pitifully funded by comparison with most other developed nations’ governmental arts support. But the small portion of NEA grants that helped avant-garde or otherwise edgy art—as opposed to, say, the local Gilbert & Sullivan society or annual craft fair—provided plenty of opportunities...
From 'Tongues Untied' to 'Black Is.....Black Ain't,' Marlon Riggs' art was a series of radical acts that were both overdue and ahead of their time. Two decades ago, in post-Reagan America, the arts were under fire—one lit by a very particular religious right match. Feeling the heat was the National Endowment for the Arts, a then 25-year-old institution already pretty pitifully funded by comparison with most other developed nations’ governmental arts support. But the small portion of NEA grants that helped avant-garde or otherwise edgy art—as opposed to, say, the local Gilbert & Sullivan society or annual craft fair—provided plenty of opportunities...
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
San Francisco International Animation Festival: Semiconductor's Ruth Jarman and Joseph Gerhardt talk about their work in music, movies and animation. What do you call a duo that considers itself a trio? Or videomakers who call themselves sculptors? Semiconductor has been making video and installation work for over ten years. They consist of Joseph Gerhardt, Ruth Jarman and a computer. They create animations and present live music and visual shows. Everything they do is slightly inside out. The computer is more or less an antagonist in their midst. They haven’t quite broken up the band yet, because the....
San Francisco International Animation Festival: Semiconductor's Ruth Jarman and Joseph Gerhardt talk about their work in music, movies and animation. What do you call a duo that considers itself a trio? Or videomakers who call themselves sculptors? Semiconductor has been making video and installation work for over ten years. They consist of Joseph Gerhardt, Ruth Jarman and a computer. They create animations and present live music and visual shows. Everything they do is slightly inside out. The computer is more or less an antagonist in their midst. They haven’t quite broken up the band yet, because the....
Animated stories from around the world gather at Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema for the fifth SFIAF. Six wide-ranging shorts programs as well as features like Brent Green’s ‘Gravity Was Everywhere Back Then’ and Sunao Katabuchi’s ‘Mai Mai Miracle’ take the screen. Four diverse animators interpret folk rock band The Decemberists’ 2009 concept album in ‘Here Come the Waves: The Hazards of Love Visualized,’ which opens the festival. Opening Night party follows the screening at La Mar Cebichería Peruana at Pier One and One-Half on the Embarcadero. More at sffs.org.
Caitlin Manning takes a look at her cartoon-artist grandfather's life and legacy.
Caitlin Manning takes a look at her cartoon-artist grandfather's life and legacy.
Caitlin Manning takes a look at her cartoon-artist grandfather's life and legacy.
Taking the legendary director of 'Rosemary's Baby,' 'Chinatown' and 'The Pianist' out of headlines and back to his filmmaking and geographic roots, this program pairs a live performance by Warsaw electro-acoustic duo Sza/Za with early Polanski shorts at Letterman Digital Arts Center’s Premier Theater. More at sffs.org.
Olivier Assayas’s five-and-a-half hour masterpiece about Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal continues on SFFS Screen at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. A 15-minute intermission divides the epic. More at sffs.org.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.
Olivier Assayas's 'Carlos' chases after a notorious phantom. Since premiering out of competition at Cannes, nearly all the write-ups of Olivier Assayas’s Carlos have located the film amidst the post–War on Terror flurry of dramatizations of the self-styled revolutionaries of the 1960s and ’70s (e.g. Che, United Red Army, The Baader Meinhof Complex and locally produced documentary The Weather Underground). This is as it should be: it’s often noted that Assayas wrote for Cahiers du Cinéma before he became a filmmaker, but more than his other movies Carlos works as criticism. In particular, it’s clear that Assayas is having....
Olivier Assayas's 'Carlos' chases after a notorious phantom. Since premiering out of competition at Cannes, nearly all the write-ups of Olivier Assayas’s Carlos have located the film amidst the post–War on Terror flurry of dramatizations of the self-styled revolutionaries of the 1960s and ’70s (e.g. Che, United Red Army, The Baader Meinhof Complex and locally produced documentary The Weather Underground). This is as it should be: it’s often noted that Assayas wrote for Cahiers du Cinéma before he became a filmmaker, but more than his other movies Carlos works as criticism. In particular, it’s clear that Assayas is having....
SF360.org profiles the 2011 roster of Essential SF, an ongoing compendium of the film community’s vital figures and institutions.
Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.
Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.
Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.
Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.
Rick Prelinger’s efforts at preserving ephemeral films have made him indispensable to the cinema of San Francisco—and the world.
Rick Prelinger’s efforts at preserving ephemeral films have made him indispensable to the cinema of San Francisco—and the world.
Poet turned novelist Nicole Krauss, whose international bestseller ‘The History of Love’ was optioned before completion as a project for Alfonso Cuaron to direct, discusses art and process with bestselling author Andrew Sean Greer. More at cityarts.net.
Katie Aselton stars in her heartfelt and humorous directorial debut as one half of a married couple struggling with fading desire. They decide that a ‘freebie,’ a guilt-free night with a stranger, may serve as a sexual reawakening and help save their relationship. More at landmarktheatres.com.
The latest finds from France's national cinema play in an SFFS showcase.
The latest finds from France's national cinema play in an SFFS showcase.
The latest finds from France's national cinema play in an SFFS showcase.
"Ten Bay Area filmmakers got good news this month when the San Francisco Film Society and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation announced that they had narrowed their choices to a short list of contenders competing for $225,000 in cash," writes Hugh Hart. "The awards will go toward funding projects that explore civil rights, discrimination, gender and sexual identity. Winners will be named in November." More at SFGate.
With Eadweard Muybridge's motion experiments and Niles Essanay's early productions, the San Francisco Bay Area brought the silent film to life.
With Eadweard Muybridge's motion experiments and Niles Essanay's early productions, the San Francisco Bay Area brought the silent film to life.
With Eadweard Muybridge's motion experiments and Niles Essanay's early productions, the San Francisco Bay Area brought the silent film to life.
Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'
Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'
Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival's series "Tough Guys: Images of Jewish Gangsters In Film" concludes with Paul Sloane's 'Straight Is the Way' at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Franchot Tone stars as the morally conflicted Benny Horowitz, an ex-con struggling to steer clear of old accomplices as he tries to make a fresh start in New York's Lower East Side. More at ybca.org.
New stories emerge from a storied cinema nation in the second year of the Taiwan Film Days showcase.
New stories emerge from a storied cinema nation in the second year of the Taiwan Film Days showcase.
New stories emerge from a storied cinema nation in the second year of the Taiwan Film Days showcase.
At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.
At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.
At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.
SF Docfest continues through October 28 with its reliable blend of eccentricity and outrage. Films screening during week two include 'Trampoline' and 'Vanishing of the Bees.' More at sfindie.com.
SF Docfest continues through October 28 with its reliable blend of eccentricity and outrage. Films screening during week two include 'Trampoline' and 'Vanishing of the Bees.' More at sfindie.com.
Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.
Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.
Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.
What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.
What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.
What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.
Space Gallery hosts the official release of ‘Left in the Dark: Portraits of San Francisco Movie Theatres’ featuring over 50 full color photographs by R.A. McBride, who was granted access to many of the city’s vanished venues as well as its cinema survivors. Events continue all month, all over, from City Lights to Pacific Film Archive to the Exploratorium. More at leftinthedark.info.
A film about the legendary band Fishbone brings California's past 25 years into close relief.
A film about the legendary band Fishbone brings California's past 25 years into close relief.
A film about the legendary band Fishbone brings California's past 25 years into close relief.
Peter Meaney’s thorough documentary focuses on the eccentric and prolific Scottish comic book writer Grant Morrison, with insight from several of Morrison’s closest collaborators including Phil Jimenez, Frank Quitely, and Jill Thompson. ‘Talking With Gods’ plays at the Roxie Theater.
The Bay Area's best first-person documentaries take us through a lens, darkly.
The Bay Area's best first-person documentaries take us through a lens, darkly.
The Bay Area's best first-person documentaries take us through a lens, darkly.
Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.
Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.
Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.
Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.
Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.
Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.
Learn to hone your movie pitch with help from industry professionals Jennifer Chaiken, Megan Gelstein and Jacob Kornbluth in this panel discussion at Mezzanine moderated by SFFS director of filmmaker services Michele Turnure-Salleo. Three lucky filmmakers will be pitching live; the "laptop shop" film-sharing continues after the program.
YBCA shows its programming breadth, moving from Charles Ludlam and Robert Gardner to this celebration of the iconic children's show as part of a series highlighting the legendary Jim Henson.
MacArthur "genius" grant recipient (2008) Will Allen is featured in this documentary about the building a healthier American food system, which also features 'Omnivore's Dilemma' author Michael Pollan. Director Ana Joanes will be present for an opening night Q&A at the San Francisco premiere of the film at the Red Vic Movie House.
The latest Deborah Scranton film takes another look at the Rwandan genocide.
The latest Deborah Scranton film takes another look at the Rwandan genocide.
The latest Deborah Scranton film takes another look at the Rwandan genocide.
A special screening of Deborah Scranton'’s searing documentary about two Rwandan genocide survivors' quest for truth features a Phil Bronstein–moderated panel discussion with director Scranton; Robert Rosenthal, executive director of the Center for Investigative Reporting; and Mathilde Mukantabana, president of Friends of Rwanda, at Landmark's Embarcadero Center Cinema.
Bay Area filmmakers find a platform at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
Bay Area filmmakers find a platform at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
Bay Area filmmakers find a platform at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
San Francisco narrative filmmakers offer nuanced visions of their city.
San Francisco narrative filmmakers offer nuanced visions of their city.
San Francisco narrative filmmakers offer nuanced visions of their city.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
Three decades of Robert Gardner films scrutinize the human condition.
The NY/SF International Children's Film Festival offers a mix of animation, live action, fantasy, entertainment and insight.
The NY/SF International Children's Film Festival offers a mix of animation, live action, fantasy, entertainment and insight.
The NY/SF International Children's Film Festival offers a mix of animation, live action, fantasy, entertainment and insight.
After seeing one of Charles Ludlam's early plays, theater critic Brendan Gill famously remarked, "This isn't farce. This isn't absurd. This is absolutely ridiculous!" Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents two of Ludlam's rarely seen films: a digitally remastered version of 'The Sorrows of Dolores' (September 24–25) and 'The Impostors' (September 26), where Ludlam stars as a gay magician.
Pacific Film Archive offers the first of three excerpts from its monumental new book, 'Radical Light.'
Pacific Film Archive offers the first of three excerpts from its monumental new book, 'Radical Light.'
Pacific Film Archive offers the first of three excerpts from its monumental new book, 'Radical Light.'
There's no better better place to see 'The Parking Lot Movie,' about the physical-spiritual life of an attended lot, than in . . . a parking lot! ITVS offers this unique opportunity at the Good Hotel parking lot, Seventh and Minna, SF, at 7:00 pm, to celebrate the global Park(ing) Day (where metered spaces are turned into art worldwide) and to launch the ninth season of the Independent Lens series on PBS. Find out more at www.itvs.org.
Edward Yang died too soon, but his work remains: An uncut and newly restored version of Yang's intense and epic portrait of life in '60s Taiwan plays at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.
A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.
A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.
A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.
A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.
A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.
A new film/photography website offers compelling characters, bold artistry and innovative storylines.
A new film/photography website offers compelling characters, bold artistry and innovative storylines.
A new film/photography website offers compelling characters, bold artistry and innovative storylines.
SF Chronicle: "Masashi Niwano, who most recently was executive director of the Austin Asian American Film Festival in Austin, Texas, has been named festival and exhibitions director for the San Francisco International Asian American Festival." More at SFGate.
Danièle Thompson's film offers comedy from the lives of fortysomethings on a post-dinner party collision course.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
Local digital media artist Tim Roseborough presents a feature-length video in homage to Shirley Clarke's 1967 documentary, 'Portrait of Jason,' one last time at Scenius Gallery on 18th Street.
An animator collaborates over the ether to bring 'Them Greeks....!' to life.
An animator collaborates over the ether to bring 'Them Greeks....!' to life.
An animator collaborates over the ether to bring 'Them Greeks....!' to life.
The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts' design and architecture series, Something From Nothing, draws to a close with Faythe Levine's 'Handmade Nation,' a documentary about the politics, aesthetics, and ethos of D.I.Y craft in North America that played SF360 Film+Club this past year.
Surprising themes and high profile documentaries are among the highlights of the Telluride 2010 lineup.
Surprising themes and high profile documentaries are among the highlights of the Telluride 2010 lineup.
Surprising themes and high profile documentaries are among the highlights of the Telluride 2010 lineup.
A Greek film incriminates the viewer.
A Greek film incriminates the viewer.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
When filming a public figure, the rights to privacy as well as publicity need to be considered.
When filming a public figure, the rights to privacy as well as publicity need to be considered.
When filming a public figure, the rights to privacy as well as publicity need to be considered.
The stories of an assassinated soccer star and the nation's most notorious criminal merge in a portrait of '80s-'90s Colombia.
The stories of an assassinated soccer star and the nation's most notorious criminal merge in a portrait of '80s-'90s Colombia.
The stories of an assassinated soccer star and the nation's most notorious criminal merge in a portrait of '80s-'90s Colombia.
Rare vampire films, including Kathryn Bigelow's Near Dark and Carl Dreyer's unsettling Vampyr, come out of the dark for a weekend at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Three vampire films capture more than the imagination. That the vogue for vampire melodramas may have run its course is clear enough from the appearance of Vampires Suck (in theaters as of this writing, though not likely much past it) and the news that the American redo of the 2008 Swedish indie hit, Let the Right One In, will be titled "Let Me In." Just like that, a lovely slice of pop-baroque gets reprocessed as a pathetic whine. No matter: as long there is cinema, the vampire will reemerge. Ever since the twin pinnacles of Nosferatu (1922) and Vampyr (1932), in which two of early cinema’s. . .
Three vampire films capture more than the imagination. That the vogue for vampire melodramas may have run its course is clear enough from the appearance of Vampires Suck (in theaters as of this writing, though not likely much past it) and the news that the American redo of the 2008 Swedish indie hit, Let the Right One In, will be titled "Let Me In." Just like that, a lovely slice of pop-baroque gets reprocessed as a pathetic whine. No matter: as long there is cinema, the vampire will reemerge. Ever since the twin pinnacles of Nosferatu (1922) and Vampyr (1932), in which two of early cinema’s. . .
Dolissa Medina uncovers more ashes in a new, historical piece on San Francisco and its many great fires.
Dolissa Medina uncovers more ashes in a new, historical piece on San Francisco and its many great fires.
Dolissa Medina uncovers more ashes in a new, historical piece on San Francisco and its many great fires.
The Clay theater in San Francisco's Pacific Heights became the latest neighborhood movie theater to announce it would go dark. Wednesday's KQED Forum offered multiple takes on the fight to save the city's remaining historic single-screen theaters; listen to the podcast here.
Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'
Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'
Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'
SF Chronicle: "One of San Francisco's oldest movie houses plans to shut the lights for good this month. Landmark Theatres will walk away from the Clay on Sunday, leaving the Pacific Heights neighborhood without its single-screen theater. More at SFGate.
Jimmy Stewart becomes ensnared in a Moroccan-set assassination plot in 'The Man Who Knew Too Much.' One of Hitchcock's most suspenseful films, it screens at Oakland's gilded movie palace, the Paramount Theatre.
A filmmaker offers a script excerpt in appreciation of Jules Laforgue on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
A filmmaker offers a script excerpt in appreciation of Jules Laforgue on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
A filmmaker offers a script excerpt in appreciation of Jules Laforgue on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Chronicle of a Death Foretold screens at the Pacific Film Archive as part of the Modernist Masters series on August 12. Gabriel García Marquez' novella, which unfolds around uncertain crimes of passion, is faithfully adapted by Francesco Rosi, who focuses on his own recurring theme, motives behind violence.
Scott Kirschenbaum's 80-minute doc aims to convey the experience of Alzheimer’s from the patient’s point of view.
Scott Kirschenbaum's 80-minute doc aims to convey the experience of Alzheimer’s from the patient’s point of view.
Scott Kirschenbaum's 80-minute doc aims to convey the experience of Alzheimer’s from the patient’s point of view.
H.P. Mendoza (Colma: The Musical) has redirected his interests from the Peninsula to San Francisco with his latest, and we couldn't be happier: The cast from Fruit Fly, about a Filipina woman who arrives in the city and moves into a Mission District Artists’ commune, will be on stage for a Q & A at the Castro Theatre on Wednesday, August 11, at 8:30 p.m.
A few simple ideas can help nervous fundraisers take the leap.
A few simple ideas can help nervous fundraisers take the leap.
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Think summer's almost over? In the Bay Area, think again: Outdoor screenings are just getting started.
Think summer's almost over? In the Bay Area, think again: Outdoor screenings are just getting started.
Think summer's almost over? In the Bay Area, think again: Outdoor screenings are just getting started.
The looming prospect of a two-tiered internet may compromise the ability of independent filmmakers to fund, exhibit and distribute their films.
The looming prospect of a two-tiered internet may compromise the ability of independent filmmakers to fund, exhibit and distribute their films.
The looming prospect of a two-tiered internet may compromise the ability of independent filmmakers to fund, exhibit and distribute their films.
Memorable lines of dialogue are like the tips of icebergs, floating above vast, submerged mountains of character history, and more.
Memorable lines of dialogue are like the tips of icebergs, floating above vast, submerged mountains of character history, and more.
Memorable lines of dialogue are like the tips of icebergs, floating above vast, submerged mountains of character history, and more.
Shooting for Moneyball, with Brad Pitt playing the part of thrifty Oakland Athletic's owner Billy Beane, has drawn thousands of Bay Area residents for extra roles and provided a source of revenue for Oakland. More at KTVU.com.
The engrossing seascapes of 'Alamar' bring a deeper understanding of a father-son bond.
The engrossing seascapes of 'Alamar' bring a deeper understanding of a father-son bond.
The engrossing seascapes of 'Alamar' bring a deeper understanding of a father-son bond.
Three Bay Area documentaries correct the historical record.
Three Bay Area documentaries correct the historical record.
Every film needs one person devoted to the distribution and marketing of the film from the start, just as they have a line producer, assistant director, or editor.
Every film needs one person devoted to the distribution and marketing of the film from the start, just as they have a line producer, assistant director, or editor.
Bob Ray brings his Down & Dirty Austin Film Tour to the Bay Area. And you can't stop him.
Bob Ray brings his Down & Dirty Austin Film Tour to the Bay Area. And you can't stop him.
Three films document essential chunks of San Francisco's tragic and mythic past, told in empathetic but non-hagiographic testimony.
Three films document essential chunks of San Francisco's tragic and mythic past, told in empathetic but non-hagiographic testimony.
Tom Shepard and Andy Abrahams Wilson are redefining activist filmmaking with educational films, such as their documentary on the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.
Tom Shepard and Andy Abrahams Wilson are redefining activist filmmaking with educational films, such as their documentary on the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.
Tom Shepard and Andy Abrahams Wilson are redefining activist filmmaking with educational films, such as their documentary on the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.
The maker of Bomb It offers hard-won advice on the marketing of film in the 2010s.
The maker of Bomb It offers hard-won advice on the marketing of film in the 2010s.
The maker of Bomb It offers hard-won advice on the marketing of film in the 2010s.
Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.
Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.
Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.
A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.
A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.
A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.
Deborah Koons Garcia's latest film explores the mystery and complexities of one of the earth's most valuable resources.
Deborah Koons Garcia's latest film explores the mystery and complexities of one of the earth's most valuable resources.
Charlotte Buchen’s Bay Area Street Portraits take us on a ride with the everyday bicycling citizen of Berkeley and Oakland.
Charlotte Buchen’s Bay Area Street Portraits take us on a ride with the everyday bicycling citizen of Berkeley and Oakland.
Resnais remains elusive and detached, his films beautiful abstracts of intellectual rather than emotional impact.
Resnais remains elusive and detached, his films beautiful abstracts of intellectual rather than emotional impact.
Tamara Perkins' The Trust is intended to provide a rare lens into the lives of incarcerated men and their families.
Tamara Perkins' The Trust is intended to provide a rare lens into the lives of incarcerated men and their families.
Choosing and implementing the right motif can help convey a narrative documentary's theme.
Now…what exactly is a motif? And why would you want to edit one into a documentary film?
During one of my recent group coaching calls, we addressed these questions. . . .
Maren Ade’s second feature is striking for what it doesn't do as it follows ordinary lives through a failing relationship.
Maren Ade’s second feature is striking for what it doesn't do as it follows ordinary lives through a failing relationship.
Jennifer Preissel examines the film and the court case that could redefine a journalist’s protection under First Amendment rights.
Jennifer Preissel examines the film and the court case that could redefine a journalist’s protection under First Amendment rights.
Storytelling took center stage at the U.S.'s pre-eminent documentary film festival, Silverdocs, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Storytelling took center stage at the U.S.'s pre-eminent documentary film festival, Silverdocs, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Hirokazu Kore-eda's Air Doll is a conceptual gamble pulled off with a master’s grace and subtlety.
Hirokazu Kore-eda's Air Doll is a conceptual gamble pulled off with a master’s grace and subtlety.
Frameline34 brought together a wide array of programs following the retrospective impulse.
Scott Boswell’s marvelous debut feature, The Stranger In Us, plays out on Polk Street and in the Tenderloin, far from the oft-photographed glamour spots of San Francisco.
Screens are getting smaller. From the cineplex to TV to the computer or iPhone screen, surfaces have shrunk but creativity and resourcefulness have expanded.
Two graduate students at Stanford University have won an Academy Award for their latest documentary short, "Dreams Awake," about a campus custodian.
With a new book, gallery exhibition, appearances on local radio and stages, John Waters is quickly becoming a Bay Area fixture, a welcome addition to the film and cultural landscape.
With a new book, gallery exhibition, appearances on local radio and stages, John Waters is quickly becoming a Bay Area fixture, a welcome addition to the film and cultural landscape.
Charles Koppelman's documentary in progress, Zero Day, exposes each of three threats to the Internet: cybercrime, cyberespionage and cyberwarfare.
Ondine finds Neil Jordan back on personal terra firma with a story (his own, in conception and screenplay) that sits exactly on the thin line separating reality and fantasy.
San Francisco-based video production company recognized for work for Adobe Systems and Izze Sparkling Juice.
San Francisco filmmaker Jon Bowden brings a second comic feature, The Full Picture, to screens.
By any measure, the long-awaited release of Have You Heard from Johannesburg? shapes up to be one of the major documentary events of 2010.
Maria Breaux, deep in the heart of production on Mother Country talks about politics, process and her existential road movie.
Moving past genre distinctions may help some filmmakers find the best dramatic arc and the most powerful truths.
It s not a laugh-out-loud film, but Looking for Eric can be considered a comedy…in comparison to just about any other Ken Loach movie you could name.
A literary adaptation filled with first-class actors in sumptuous settings, City doesn't fall too far from the familiar Merchant-Ivory tree.
Frameliine 34 presents a Beat movement mini-theme and 10 gay-themed films from South America.
Emiko Omori s upcoming documentary, Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World, a collaboration of sorts between the two artists, grew out of a friendship that dates to 1974.
Former San Franciscan Jack Stevenson returns from Denmark to promote the U.S. publication of Scandinavian Blue: The Erotic Cinema of Sweden and Denmark in the 1960s and 1970s.
Laura Poitras speaks during SFIFF53 about the process of creating The Oath from the stories of Osama Bin Laden's former bodyguard and driver.
Gary Hustwit s Helvetica turned a font into a fascination, and Justine Nagan's Typeface takes the topic of type one step further by moving into the past.
Gary Hustwit s Helvetica turned a font into a fascination, and Justine Nagan's Typeface takes the topic of type one step further by moving into the past.
Gary Hustwit s Helvetica turned a font into a fascination, and Justine Nagan's Typeface takes the topic of type one step further by moving into the past.
I sat down for a chat with Festival Director and cofounder Carlton Evans, Art Director Rebecca Bortman, and Jessica Meek, project coordinator for a fest sponsor.
I sat down for a chat with Festival Director and cofounder Carlton Evans, Art Director Rebecca Bortman, and Jessica Meek, project coordinator for a fest sponsor.
If you re making a short narrative, foundations give you no respect. Financiers turn a cold shoulder. Government grantors snort. And festivals slot your film Sunday at midnight.
Bruce Conner, the sculptor, painter, photographer and filmmaker who loomed large in the Bay Area's shifting avant-garde currents for 50 years, resurfaces with Three Screen Ray.
Bruce Conner, the sculptor, painter, photographer and filmmaker who loomed large in the Bay Area's shifting avant-garde currents for 50 years, resurfaces with Three Screen Ray.
Documentary film footage is caught in the middle of a court battle between Chevron and Ecuadorian plaintiffs over pollution of the Amazon rain forest.
Almost $300,000 was given out Wednesday night for awards and grants honoring documentary winners.
We caught up with several Bay Area makers, fresh off their high-energy screenings at SFIFF53 and primed to keep the momentum rolling.
Judging from Saturday night s festivities, half the capacity Castro Theatre audience had worked on or otherwise invested in Joshua Grannell a.k.a. Peaches Christ s debut feature.
Few would argue that a good movie often starts with a good story. Yet it has been the screenwriter s lot to be underappreciated.
Poet, essayist, environmentalist, Buddhist, public intellectual and teacher Gary Snyder speaks on life and the making of 'The Practice of the Wild.'
Poet, essayist, environmentalist, Buddhist, public intellectual and teacher Gary Snyder speaks on life and the making of 'The Practice of the Wild.'
Don t let Hollywood crow about The Hurt Locker and the year of the woman until more filmmakers of the sort featured at this year s festival benefit.
Through most of its history, the Festival has featured revivals of restored classics and little-known gems. This year s selections run an unusually wide gamut.
Live & Onstage thought globally and drafted locally with Sam Green and musician Dave Cerf s live Utopia in Four Movements, which never takes the exact same form.
You are awesome. Spectacular, incredible, interesting, accomplished and generally just way awesome. Everyone wants to hear every possible thing there is to know about you.
Writer Jim Harrison offers thoughts about his relationship to Gary Snyder and his contributions to 'The Practice of the Wild.'
Writer Jim Harrison offers thoughts about his relationship to Gary Snyder and his contributions to 'The Practice of the Wild.'
Writer Jim Harrison offers thoughts about his relationship to Gary Snyder and his contributions to 'The Practice of the Wild.'
Writer Jim Harrison offers thoughts about his relationship to Gary Snyder and his contributions to 'The Practice of the Wild.'
How many foreign stars do U.S. moviegoers know? Not many, alas. My favorite living French actor, André Dussollier, appears prominently in two high-profile festival films.
The Statton era has begun. Kate and Chris Statton have officially assumed the positions of co-executive directors of the venerable Mission District cinema.
I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.
If you imagine the S.F. International Film Festival as an circus tent, with Opening and Closing nights the main supports, the other tent poles are interactive live experiences.
If you imagine the S.F. International Film Festival as an circus tent, with Opening and Closing nights the main supports, the other tent poles are interactive live experiences.
First-time filmmaker Christina Yao is soft-spoken and exceedingly polite, but it s apparent that very little intimidates her.
Inuit peoples—the indigenous cultures rooted in Arctic regions from Alaska to Greenland—have an honored place in film history, dating to Flaherty's Nanook of the North.
The new law reforming the Federal student loan program will save billions and help millions. But it won t make Serge Bakalian s debt expos‚ superfluous.
Beware of Save the Day My Way Syndrome. Now, learn from your mistakes.
With opening night approaching, Rachel Rosen talked about her L.A. Rolodex, the function of festivals in a broadband world and her favorites in the festival.
ViewChange.org, a digital-media hub on global development, offers news about microeconomics and innovative web technology that enables users to contribute to the causes they re learning about.
Pedestrians have always propelled cinema narratives, but the bicycle has rarely had a starring role.
Pedestrians have always propelled cinema narratives, but the bicycle has rarely had a starring role.
Director of Programming Rachel Rosen and programmers Rod Armstrong, Audrey Chang and Sean Uyehara shared thoughts on 177 films from 46 countries.
San Francisco has a variety of excellent soundstages, but one is trying to save the earth.
YBCA s month-long, six-part Human Rights and Film series closes with two documentaries on the Arab-Israeli conflict made 35 years apart.
Tens of thousands of artists, aficionados and businesspeople flock to Austin for a festival that is part online conference, part film festival, and more than part music.
There's so much about this product called milk that we think we know everything about, declares Jed Riffe with his usual blend of enthusiasm and amazement.
When a child assumes center stage on film, the potential for both thematic richness and unexpected plot directions increases exponentially.
Think of U.S. public television and science fiction or any type of fiction doesn't spring to mind. ITVS aims to change that perception with a series of mini-features.
A theme that emerged in this year s SFIAFF was the importance of archives in the film world.
A theme that emerged in this year s SFIAFF was the importance of archives in the film world.
One of the heroes of South Korean cinema's recent renaissance wisely sticks to home terrain with his follow-up to The Host.
The culture war is over, and the reactionaries have won. In this climate, Jerome Hiler and Owsley Brown III s Music Makes a City is a revelation,
Muayad Alayan, a 24-year-old filmmaker from the only remaining Arab neighborhood in West Jerusalem, was not even aware there was such a thing as Palestinian cinema until, as a teenager, he came to the Bay Area to visit his brother and sister.
There will probably never be a theatrical release for James Benning's landscape movies. Amazingly, Ilisa Barbash and Lucien Castaing-Taylor have scored distribution and made a splash.
Cementing its status as the preeminent animation company of the 00s, Pixar won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for the third time in seven years.
William Hurt didn't fulfill the promise of major stardom in the 80s, but it's become clearer that he probably didn't want that.
If Kimberly Reed took a not particularly unique path into filmmaking, she certainly took an interesting road out of it.
If Kimberly Reed took a not particularly unique path into filmmaking, she certainly took an interesting road out of it.
When Laos revised its visa structure to allow visitors to stay for more than one week, Westerners with digital cameras surged over the border.
From his modest start as a staff writer at 20th Century Fox, Sid Ganis has built an uncommonly long and successful career in Hollywood.
Wasn't it just yesterday that Cinequest was the scrappy upstart amongst Bay Area festivals? Apparently not: San Jose's annual cinematic blowout is entering its third decade.
With its comfortable suburban setting, flashback structure and mystery-suspense framework, My Son, My Son is, by Herzogian standards, almost mainstream-conventional. I said almost.
YBCA has sustained a major place in S.F.'s cultural landscape without receiving the due it would have had its mission been narrower and more easily defined.
YBCA has sustained a major place in S.F.'s cultural landscape without receiving the due it would have had its mission been narrower and more easily defined.
Transformation, of any kind, an ephemeral, elusive thing to capture on film. One advisor told Nancy Kelly she'd never do it. Difficult, sure, but impossible?
Steve Buscemi is one of those actors people are instantly happy to see on screen, even if their recall stretches no farther than, Hey, it's that guy!
The spring edition of the Cinematheque calendar is making the rounds, and my copy is dog-eared with wishful thinking. Grab your datebook for a rundown.