Kelly, Pickert Interpret ‘Cherokee’ Words

Michael Fox
Oct 12, 2011

A film on Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller bucks biopic formula and concentrates on a pivotal moment in the leader's life.

Kelly, Pickert Interpret ‘Cherokee’ Words

Michael Fox
Oct 12, 2011

A film on Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller bucks biopic formula and concentrates on a pivotal moment in the leader's life.

Kelly, Pickert Interpret ‘Cherokee’ Words

Michael Fox
Oct 12, 2011

A film on Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller bucks biopic formula and concentrates on a pivotal moment in the leader's life.

What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

Karen Everett
Aug 15, 2011

Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

Karen Everett
Aug 15, 2011

Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

Karen Everett
Aug 15, 2011

Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

Cinematographer Cardiff's Eye Prized in 'Cameraman' Doc

Dennis Harvey
Jul 29, 2011

'Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff' is a lovely portrait of an innovator and consummate craftsman.

Cinematographer Cardiff's Eye Prized in 'Cameraman' Doc

Dennis Harvey
Jul 29, 2011

'Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff' is a lovely portrait of an innovator and consummate craftsman.

Cinematographer Cardiff's Eye Prized in 'Cameraman' Doc

Dennis Harvey
Jul 29, 2011

'Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff' is a lovely portrait of an innovator and consummate craftsman.

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

The Roxie's new leaders offer notes on their unique vision for the rep house.

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

The Roxie's new leaders offer notes on their unique vision for the rep house.

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

The Roxie's new leaders offer notes on their unique vision for the rep house.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Susan Gerhard
Apr 29, 2011

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Susan Gerhard
Apr 29, 2011

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Susan Gerhard
Apr 29, 2011

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Dennis Harvey
Apr 28, 2011

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Dennis Harvey
Apr 28, 2011

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Dennis Harvey
Apr 28, 2011

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

54th San Francisco International Film Festival Will Present Founder’s Directing Award to Oliver Stone

Apr 7, 2011

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society announced today that Oliver Stone will be the recipient of the Founder’s Directing Award at the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21–May 5). The FDA will be presented to Stone at Film Society Awards Night, Thursday, April 28 at Bimbo’s 365 Club. The Film Society’s Youth Education program will be the beneficiary of the fundraiser honoring Stone. The soon-to-be-announced recipient of the Peter J. Owens Award for excellence in acting and Frank Pierson, recipient of the Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting will also be honored. More at sffs.org.

YBCA Brings Attention to Embattled Iranian Artists

Max Goldberg
Mar 17, 2011

YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.

YBCA Brings Attention to Embattled Iranian Artists

Max Goldberg
Mar 17, 2011

YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.

YBCA Brings Attention to Embattled Iranian Artists

Max Goldberg
Mar 17, 2011

YBCA rallies behind Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof with its ‘Iran Beyond Censorship’ series.

Sundance Awards 'Circumstance,' 'Another Happy Day'

Susan Gerhard
Jan 30, 2011

Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.

Sundance Awards 'Circumstance,' 'Another Happy Day'

Susan Gerhard
Jan 30, 2011

Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.

Sundance Awards 'Circumstance,' 'Another Happy Day'

Susan Gerhard
Jan 30, 2011

Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.

Sundance Awards 'Circumstance,' 'Another Happy Day'

Susan Gerhard
Jan 30, 2011

Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

Dennis Harvey
Jan 7, 2011

'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

Dennis Harvey
Jan 7, 2011

'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

Dennis Harvey
Jan 7, 2011

'The Strange Case of Angelica' finds Manoel de Oliveira, at 102 years old, in fine form.

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

Jessica Sapick
Nov 29, 2010

A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

Jessica Sapick
Nov 29, 2010

A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

Jessica Sapick
Nov 29, 2010

A first-team non-fiction feature filmmaker hits it big with miniatures story.

Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

Fernanda Rossi
Oct 12, 2010

What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

Fernanda Rossi
Oct 12, 2010

What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

Fernanda Rossi
Oct 12, 2010

What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

Polk Street Lures Boswell's 'Stranger'

Michael Fox
Jun 23, 2010

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.

A Short Guide to Funding Short Narratives

Holly Million
May 11, 2010

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.

SFIFF53 Reports: California Dreamin' at Film Society Awards Night

Susan Gerhard
Apr 30, 2010

San Francisco itself took a lead role at Film Society Awards Night, the dinner and awards program benefiting the Film Society s year-round Youth Education initiative.

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mother' Pleases

Dennis Harvey
Mar 18, 2010

One of the heroes of South Korean cinema's recent renaissance wisely sticks to home terrain with his follow-up to The Host.

Soulful "35 Shots of Rum" Gently Intoxicating

Dennis Harvey
Dec 17, 2009

Claire Denis proves her unpredictability and versatility as a director with the 2008 release 35 Shots of Rum.

Carmen Madden on Watching People, Writing Characters

Lisa Rosenberg
Nov 16, 2009

Writer/director Carmen Madden's writing reflects just how intimately she comes to see and know a screenplay's world and the characters that inhabit it.

SFIFF52 Blogs: Coppola & Lucas at the Castro

Dennis Harvey
May 3, 2009

An Evening with Francis Ford Coppola & Friends honored Coppola with the Founder Directing Award and included a moderated discussion with editing/sound design genius Walter Murch, director Carroll Ballard, scenarist-turned-director Matthew Robbins, and George Lucas.

SFIFF52 Blogs: Five Reasons why SF Loves Coppola

Justin Juul
May 1, 2009

The San Francisco Film Society awarded Francis Ford Coppola the Founder & Directing Award this week. Justin Juul offers us five reasons why San Francisco loves Coppola.

Film Society Awards: Ballard, Coppola, Redford and Toback

Susan Gerhard
May 1, 2009

The San Francisco Film Society honored Francis Ford Coppola, Carroll Ballard, Robert Redford and James Toback. Coppola surprised the audience by turning over the Founder's Directing Award he received to longtime colleague Carroll Ballard.

Michael Jacobs 'Audience of One' at the Roxie

Susan Gerhard
Mar 30, 2009

Michael Jacobs talks about his documentary, which follows Pentecostal Pastor Richard Gazowsky engaged in the creation of an ambitious, multi-million dollar sci-fi-feature on God.

SXSW: From the Producer's Chair

Holly Million
Mar 17, 2009

Holly Million reviews some of the documentaries shown at this year's festival: It Came >From Kuchar, MIne and Motherland.

Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy World

Dennis Harvey
Apr 29, 2008

SF Film Society’s Founder’s Directing Award winner Mike Leigh's work has created a distinctive insider’s portrait of working-to-middle class English life.

SFIFF51: Eddie Muller's Muses

Jennifer Preissel
Apr 26, 2008

A self-described "cultural archeologist," the noir expert's debut short, The Grand Inquisitor, pays homage to the Dashiell Hammett-style detective story.

SFIFF51: The Miller Brothers on writing, pitching, acting, directing, and hitting one out of the ballpark

Susan Gerhard
Apr 16, 2008

Touching Home by Bay Area-raised identical twins Logan and Noah Miller is a largely autobiographical coming-of-age film that radiates sincerity.

"2 Days in Paris" with Julie Delpy

Michael Fox
Aug 24, 2007

Delpy, who studied film at NYU in the early '90s, spoke fluent, rapid-fire English during a late-July visit to San Francisco.

Jeffrey Blitz and Reece Thompson on "Rocket Science"

Michael Guillen
Aug 8, 2007

A conversation with the Oscar-nominated Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound) on his new feature, which screened at the S.F. International Film Festival.

Spike Lee

Dennis Harvey
May 3, 2007

When then-unknown Spike Lee premiered She's Gotta Have It at the SF International in 1986, there was an instance of filmus interruptus.

SFIFF50-philes

Susan Gerhard
Apr 11, 2007



Just a week out of the SFIFF50 press conference at the Westin St. Francis, and the buzz has already had a chance to build. SF360.org checked in with a few friends in the San Francisco filmmaking scene to see what they’re looking forward to in the 50th edition of the SF International Film Festival. Big winners: Guy Maddin’s “Brand Upon the Brain!” and, of course, the live and in-person tribute to Spike Lee, who — as Strand Releasing’s Marcus Hu reminds us — returns to the Bay Area to receive his Film Society Directing Award in spite of the fact the projector broke during the premiere of “She’s Gotta Have It” at the SFIFF more than 20 years ago.



I’m eager to see Camila Guzman Urzula’s documentary “The Sugar Curtain” for perspectives on life in Cuba from those in their twenties and thirties. I’m curious about how a savvy film critic like Wesley Morris will interview Spike Lee. It will be a welcome occurrence to see two Black men talking on a US festival stage about film.
Cornelius Moore
California Newsreel



“Audience of One:” I know this year the festival is honoring Lucas and Coppola and those guys as local heroes, but really. Hollywood North? What happened? Now here is a group of makers, Pentacostals no less, working on a gargantuan bible epic right down on Ocean Avenue in the old El Rey Theatre. Now that’s hot!
Christian Bruno
Strand, A Natural History of Cinema



Although I’ve already seen it, I look forward to attending the one-off screening of Guy Maddin’s “Brand Upon the Brain!” since each live performance, by design, differs somewhat from the last. No self-respecting (or, for that matter, self-deprecating) cineaste should miss it. Beyond that, I’m particularly interested in Alain Resnais’ latest, “Coeurs” (i.e., “Private Fears in Public Places,” which, due to timing conflicts, I missed in Toronto), reuniting the director with the exceptional playwright Alan Ayckbourn. I remain quite fond of his recent films even if most folks in this country seem to disregard his work after “Mon oncle d’Amerique,” released over a quarter-century ago.
Jonathan Marlow
GreenCine



I love that SFIFF is honoring Spike Lee, I saw “She’s Gotta Have It” when it had its world premiere at SFIFF and remembered what an amazing experience that was when the projector broke!
Marcus Hu
Strand Releasing



I first started attending SFIFF in 1964 while still in high school. I saw the independent “The Luck of Ginger Coffey,” directed by Irvin Kershner and starring Robert Shaw, a fascinating documentary look at a country

Phillip Haas on "The Situation"

Michael Fox
Mar 26, 2007

An interview with documentary and narrative filmmaker Philip Haas upon the release of his latest film, The Situation.

A Royal Family

Susan Gerhard
Feb 21, 2007

It's a big week for Peter Morgan, partly because the SFFS announced he'll receive the Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting at the 50th SFIFF.

Werner Herzog, Setting the Record Straight

Robert Avila
May 9, 2006

The 2006 recipient of the Film Society Directing Award was full of raised-finger pronouncements, self-effacing demurrals, and unsolicited rebuttals at a Q&A preceding his film.

49th Annual SFIFF Lineup

Susan Gerhard
Mar 28, 2006

San Francisco International Film Festival announces lineup for the 49th annual festival.