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.
John Turturro 's 'Passione' illuminates the history of Neapolitan music for a second week at SF Film Society | New People Cinema. Compared favorably to Wim Wenders' beloved 'Buena Vista Social Club,' the film is the actor-director's first foray into the documentary form. More info at sffs.org.
John Turturro 's 'Passione' illuminates the history of Neapolitan music for a second week at SF Film Society | New People Cinema. Compared favorably to Wim Wenders' beloved 'Buena Vista Social Club,' the film is the actor-director's first foray into the documentary form. More info at sffs.org.
John Turturro 's 'Passione' illuminates the history of Neapolitan music for a second week at SF Film Society | New People Cinema. Compared favorably to Wim Wenders' beloved 'Buena Vista Social Club,' the film is the actor-director's first foray into the documentary form. 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.
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.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
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.
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.’
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.’
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.
The SF institution returns to the Castro Theatre with 18 rediscovered films and live musical accompaniment. Highlights include a collection of Disney's Laugh-O-Grams, a travelogue of an expedition to the Antarctic and a film once cited as "the single greatest masterwork in the history of cinema" by stately film journal Cahiers du Cinema. More info castrotheatre.com.
The Modern Lovers frontman and man-about-town Jonathan Richman presents Tony Gatlif's 'Vengo', a Spanish gitano drama/musical featuring performances by noteworthy modern flamenco fixtures. Richman and flamenco master Kenny Parker will perform at screening. More at redvic.com.
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.
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.
Wim Wenders' gorgeous time capsule 'Wings of Desire,' later remade as 'City of Angels,' features striking views of Berlin from the air and an electrifying musical performance by Nick Cave. Wenders regular, master thesp Bruno Ganz stars. Plays at Red Vic, more info Redvic.com
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.
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
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.
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.
Filmmaker Lisa and Zen Priest Tai Sheridan are in person for a benefit screening of ‘My Brother Mike,’ a documentary on the impact that music and a loving support system has on a family struggling with mental illness. More at cafilm.org.
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.
The San Francisco premier of ‘The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry,' Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala’s documentary presenting the life of the Jamaican musician, plays at Red Vic Movie House. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
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.’
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.
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.
The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21 - May 5) announced that Clifton Collins Jr. will be honored at the fourth Midnight Awards, 10:30 pm, Saturday, April 23 at the W San Francisco. The Midnight Awards takes the form of a late night talk show, hosted by Beth Lisick, New York Times best-selling author and coorganizer of the Porchlight Storytelling Series, with live musical accompaniment by the Darren Johnston Trio. Lisick will interview Collins and his previously announced Midnight Award corecipient Zoe Saldana. Clips of their work will be shown prior to the presentation of the awards. More at fest11.sffs.org.
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.
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.
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
'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.
Pacific Film Archive hosts ‘Film and Video Makers at Cal,’ which offers an array of short narratives, documentaries and music videos by UC Berkeley student filmmakers. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Press Release: The Audience Award winners for the 13th San Francisco Independent Film Festival include ‘Kaboom,’ named as Best Narrative Feature, ‘Bathing and the Single Girl’ for Best Narrative Short, ‘Free Radicals’ for Best Documentary, ‘Burning Wigs of Sedition’ for Best Music Video and ‘Mars’ for Best Animated Film. More at sfindie.com.
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.
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.
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.
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
The San Francisco Silent Film Festival's Winter Event, a one-day affair to showcase silent films, returns to the Castro. Features include Charlie Chaplin shorts, Marcel L’Herbier’s 1928 ‘L’Argent’ and King Vidor’s 1926 ‘La Boheme,' each accompanied with live music. More at silentfilm.org and castrotheatre.com.
The Castro Theatre hosts as SF Sketchfest and Midnight Mass present Idol Worship: An Evening with Cloris Leachman, which will offers a screening of Mel Brooks’ ‘High Anxiety’ and drag queen music performances including exchanges with Cloris Leachman. More at castrotheatre.com.
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.
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.
‘Lemmy,’ Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski’s 2010 documentary exploring the over 40-year music career of lead singer of Motörhead, Lemmy Kilmister, plays at Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
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.
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.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
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.
'The Sound of Music' stretches its music empire into a new century with popular sing-alongs and a new home-entertainment release. When we look back at the 1960s, the phenomenon that was—and still somewhat is—The Sound of Music seems like an anomaly. But at the time it was more like the solid rock of reassuring constancy that masses clung to as waters of bewildering change rose all around them, a three-hour oasis of clean living and cheerful melody that wouldn't go away—no matter how many antiwar protesting, unisex...
'The Sound of Music' stretches its music empire into a new century with popular sing-alongs and a new home-entertainment release. When we look back at the 1960s, the phenomenon that was—and still somewhat is—The Sound of Music seems like an anomaly. But at the time it was more like the solid rock of reassuring constancy that masses clung to as waters of bewildering change rose all around them, a three-hour oasis of clean living and cheerful melody that wouldn't go away—no matter how many antiwar protesting, unisex...
'The Sound of Music' stretches its music empire into a new century with popular sing-alongs and a new home-entertainment release. When we look back at the 1960s, the phenomenon that was—and still somewhat is—The Sound of Music seems like an anomaly. But at the time it was more like the solid rock of reassuring constancy that masses clung to as waters of bewildering change rose all around them, a three-hour oasis of clean living and cheerful melody that wouldn't go away—no matter how many antiwar protesting, unisex...
'The Sound of Music' stretches its music empire into a new century with popular sing-alongs and a new home-entertainment release. When we look back at the 1960s, the phenomenon that was—and still somewhat is—The Sound of Music seems like an anomaly. But at the time it was more like the solid rock of reassuring constancy that masses clung to as waters of bewildering change rose all around them, a three-hour oasis of clean living and cheerful melody that wouldn't go away—no matter how many antiwar protesting, unisex...
Of the countless musical compositions inspired by ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc,’ Richard Einhorn’s ‘Voices of Light’ is the only one featured as an audio option on the film’s Criterion Collection release. Einhorn’s oratorio accompanies Carl Theodor Dreyer’s masterpiece live at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. More at silentfilm.org.
This Roxie Theater double feature rejoices in ‘80s punk cinema with ‘Surf II,’ a sequel to a film that was never made, and the outrageous story of a young geek who seeks to destroy surfers by turning them into zombies, plus the classic ‘Times Square,’ which tells of The Sleaze Sisters, two insane asylum runaways who become heroes of New York’s disenchanted youth and features music by Talking Heads and Roxy Music. Presented by editors of the book ‘Destroy All Movies!!!: The Complete Guide to Punks on Film’ and Alamo Drafthouse programmers Zack Carlson and Bryan Connolly. More at roxie.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.
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.
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
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....
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.
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.
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.'
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.
A look at Phil Spector brings back memories, if not that loving feeling.
A look at Phil Spector brings back memories, if not that loving feeling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making a film called Stagecoach in the Sky as part of the 48 Hour Film Project requires planning, as well as a flying boat.
The documentary Simonal: No One Knows How Tough it Was explores the polemic surrounding a man considered by many to be the greatest singer in Brazilian history.
The documentary Simonal: No One Knows How Tough it Was explores the polemic surrounding a man considered by many to be the greatest singer in Brazilian history.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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,
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.
Olga Samaroff, the path-breaking 20th-century concert pianist, critic and teacher, was born Lucy Hickenlooper in San Antonio, Texas. That's right, she reinvented herself.
Olga Samaroff, the path-breaking 20th-century concert pianist, critic and teacher, was born Lucy Hickenlooper in San Antonio, Texas. That's right, she reinvented herself.
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.
As soon as the silent era hit sound circa 1927, musicals became a leading genre worldwide. How could their appeal possibly die out?
As soon as the silent era hit sound circa 1927, musicals became a leading genre worldwide. How could their appeal possibly die out?
Stephen Talbot left PBS s Frontline World to create and develop original media properties, including a globe-trotting TV series about world music.
Stephen Talbot left PBS s Frontline World to create and develop original media properties, including a globe-trotting TV series about world music.
Once known primarily as the co-founder and bassist of the influential punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees, Steven Severin now follows his muse in many directions.
Catherine Galasso talks about her performance piece Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice, which features dance, theater and projected video.
Marin County filmmaker John Antonelli talks about his documentary on influential late singer-songwriter Sam Cooke for PBS's "American Masters" series.
Marin County filmmaker John Antonelli talks about his documentary on influential late singer-songwriter Sam Cooke for PBS's "American Masters" series.
Dennis Harvey weighs in on the upcoming films of the holiday season.
Ask the Documentary Doctor: The Doc examines patience in filmmaking.
A conversation on Walt Disney's Alice Comedies with a lively raconteur and Professor of Film Studies at UC Berkeley.
Bay Area locals Jonathan Parker and Catherine di Napoli discuss (Untitled), a hilarious romp through the world of conceptual art and atonal music.
It’s hard to imagine a venue where the new documentary Holding On to Jah will sound better than it did at Mezzanine last Wednesday night.
It’s hard to imagine a venue where the new documentary Holding On to Jah will sound better than it did at Mezzanine last Wednesday night.
Anne McGuire finds the beauty in the strange, and the strangeness in the beautiful. That's not perversity, people; that's poetry.
Anne McGuire finds the beauty in the strange, and the strangeness in the beautiful. That's not perversity, people; that's poetry.
Fans of the San Francisco festival, now in its eighth year, have developed a well-honed appreciation for the eccentric.
The program offers a surprisingly potent mainstream industry presence, with tributes to A-list types more frequently seen at the multiplex than at the art house.
Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling's documentary-in-progress, tentatively titled No Mouse Music! The Story of Chris Strachwitz and Arhoolie Records, pays tribute to an underappreciated artist.
Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling's documentary-in-progress, tentatively titled No Mouse Music! The Story of Chris Strachwitz and Arhoolie Records, pays tribute to an underappreciated artist.
Franny Armstrong talks about the moral imperative of her films, the importance of Hopenhagen, and the unexpected magnitude of her success.
High-concept cabaret-act favorite in the Bay Area who sidelines as a filmmaker, Cory McAbee (The American Astronaut) speaks about his latest, Stingray Sam.
High-concept cabaret-act favorite in the Bay Area who sidelines as a filmmaker, Cory McAbee (The American Astronaut) speaks about his latest, Stingray Sam.
Chilean director Pablo Larraín offers insight into his sophomore feature, Tony Manero, on a man obsessed with the idea of impersonating John Travolta.
The story of teenagers living like a savage, roaming pack of animals, The Beautiful Person locates a classic in a contemporary setting.
The release of Woodstock provides an opportunity to look back on Ang Lee and Schamus's very impressive, diverse screen resume.
Veteran filmmakers Pablo Trapero and Jia Zhang-ke complicate their genres with Lion's Den and 24 City.
Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell's documnetary, Until the Light Takes Us examines the dark intersection of local Norwegian history and Death Metal.
A revealing portrait of veteran local singer-songwriter-guitarist with a cult following investigates existential questions about fame with respect, empathy and self-reflection.
A series at the Castro marks 1939 as the high-water mark of cinema.
Avoiding Disaster: Clearing music is one of those horrible, arduous, frustrating tasks that needs to be done in order to show or sell a film.
Avoiding Disaster: Clearing music is one of those horrible, arduous, frustrating tasks that needs to be done in order to show or sell a film.
Fados, about a Portuguese musical genre, reveals Carlos Saura as an effortless master at weaving together disparate performances.
Philippe Garrel sticks to his highly-personal aesthetic in Frontier of Dawn.
Marc Capelle's ode to Westerns and Buddy films as well as noteworthy festival scores.
Marc Capelle's ode to Westerns and Buddy films as well as noteworthy festival scores.
The Lost World, the 1925 silent fantasy
On May Day Eve, Travis Wilkerson performed Proving Ground, probably the first multimedia Leninist rant to have ever graced the Sundance Kabuki.
Marc Capelle meets and greets with actress Gena Rowlands, composer Bo Harwood and other film mavens and mavericks at a post-screening party for Cassavette's A Woman Under the Influence and the Mission Awards
Marc Capelle meets and greets with actress Gena Rowlands, composer Bo Harwood and other film mavens and mavericks at a post-screening party for Cassavette's A Woman Under the Influence and the Mission Awards
Local filmmaker Jim Granato, whose movie D tour follows the band Rogue Wave and its ailing drummer Pat Spurgeon, on tour and on dialysis, is competing for the San Francisco International Film Festival's Golden Gate Award in Documentary.
Zac Holtzman scores The Lost World with Dengue Fever, creating a sound that has been described as a psychedelic version of vintage Cambodian rock'n'roll, fueled by Cambodian singer Chhom Nimol's vocal stylings and Ethan Holtzman's organ and accordion shadings.
Fans, Friends & Followers, focuses on strategies artists can use to support their careers in the digital age.
Sound design: in a documentary can be a great ally in bringing real life to the screen, and the dilemma is not whether to use this wonderful story device but rather how and in what context.
Sound design: in a documentary can be a great ally in bringing real life to the screen, and the dilemma is not whether to use this wonderful story device but rather how and in what context.
H.P. Mendoza talks about being a filmmaker in the Bay Area and the opening of his last musical, where he is both director and composer of the film 19 original songs.
H.P. Mendoza talks about being a filmmaker in the Bay Area and the opening of his last musical, where he is both director and composer of the film 19 original songs.
For many narrative filmmakers, hiring a lawyer is either an afterthought or not a financial reality, but moving forward with a film without considering legal is a huge mistake.
About as far from the ever-increasing corporatization of popular music as you can get is the annual dose from the Noise Pop Festival.
About as far from the ever-increasing corporatization of popular music as you can get is the annual dose from the Noise Pop Festival.
With films that focus a patient eye on common human conditions, Belgian-born auteur Chantal Akerman is a formalist with heart–and global interests.
The S.F. Silent Film Festival's Winter Event allows you to spend hours in the dark with the madcap movie entertainments of 80-plus years ago.
Michael Fox looks behind the scenes of a film on the maverick Seattle composer-performer-inventor Trimpin.
In this documentary, Walker tells the tale of his delayed popularity the ever-more adventurous music with which he feeds his latterday cult.
In this documentary, Walker tells the tale of his delayed popularity the ever-more adventurous music with which he feeds his latterday cult.
First-Person: A program officer at the San Francisco Foundation has a sobering experience making a documentary.
Sebastopol-based screenwriter Pamela Gray's approach to screenwriting is the literary equivalent of the slow food movement.
Michael Tully's 51-minute documentary Silver Jew proves semi-revealing as it records the Jews' tour dates in the Holy Land itself.
Wayne Coyne's Flaming Lips movie extends a long, lately rising number of narrative features made by musicians.
Marilyn Mulford collaborated with Quique Cruz on the pensive, humanistic, and inspiring Archaeology of Memory: Villa Grimaldi.
Marilyn Mulford collaborated with Quique Cruz on the pensive, humanistic, and inspiring Archaeology of Memory: Villa Grimaldi.
Whether you dig jazz or not, O'Day's charisma and story make this movie riveting.
Matt Wolf's biodoc is a remarkably affecting portrait that's a remembrance for those who knew the composer/vocalist/cellist and an introduction for potential fans.
Matt Wolf's biodoc is a remarkably affecting portrait that's a remembrance for those who knew the composer/vocalist/cellist and an introduction for potential fans.
SF360.org talks to the senior director of original programming at Link TV, which provides an antidote to the standard television news mix.
Those attracted to the new film CSNY: Deja Vu simply expecting an opportunity to recall the old days might be in for a surprise.
Those attracted to the new film CSNY: Deja Vu simply expecting an opportunity to recall the old days might be in for a surprise.
Back at the Castro this weekend for the 13th year, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival presents a variety of titillating titles.
Bruce Conner, the great, irascible, and ever-evolving San Francisco-based artist known for his assemblages, films, drawings, and interdisciplinary works, passed away on July 7, 2008.
The Gits offers both an appreciation of a unique quartet's too-brief career and consideration of Mia Zapata's death.
Having just spent three invigorating days in Niles watching crowds cheering to films from the years between 1903 and 1917, I can report that silent films are alive and well.
In 'Surfwise', documentarian Doug Pray examines the eccentric Paskowitz clan, whose patriarch and nine children have been legends in the surfing world for decades.
'Love Songs', a truly gay musical utterly devoid of camp, causes critic Dennis Harvey to reassess France's take on the genre.
'Love Songs', a truly gay musical utterly devoid of camp, causes critic Dennis Harvey to reassess France's take on the genre.
Katznelson, a co-founder of the Dawn festival at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, sat down to talk about Judaism, culture, film and the festival.
Katznelson, a co-founder of the Dawn festival at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, sat down to talk about Judaism, culture, film and the festival.
Looking for something meaningful to do Sunday at 2 a.m.? Try the all-night Dawn festival.
In addition to bringing a host of worldwide performers to the Bay Area for the first time, the San Francisco International Arts Festival (May 2-June 8), now in its fifth year, has become an indispensable showcase for collaborative work by leading Bay Area artists and their peers across all manner of geographical, cultural and disciplinary borders. The more than 40 performances in this year’s lineup, taking place at 14 separate venues across the city and in Berkeley, span the worlds of dance, music, opera, theater, visual arts and multidisciplinary work. The following four highlights are all hybrid productions with strong film and/or video components.
"There are no movies without music," Kevin Kelly asserted last Saturday in his State of Cinema address.
"There are no movies without music," Kevin Kelly asserted last Saturday in his State of Cinema address.
The final installment in the San Francisco composer and musician's blog from the 2008 SFIFF.
The final installment in the San Francisco composer and musician's blog from the 2008 SFIFF.
Back to music.
I have some friends that were in a Sub Pop band that pre-dated Nirvana. They were known as the Dwarves. Their music is and was a snotty suburban unholy mixture of the Sonics, the Orlons, the Stooges and a vat of amphetamines. Their record covers usually featured midgets and half-naked woman covered in either blood or some sort of Nestle syrup of some sort. Here is one of their lines.
[Editor’s note: For the San Francisco Internationals 51st edition, SF360.org has asked Bay Area musician/composer/cineaste Marc Capelle to blog his thoughts on movies, music, and the films showing in the Festival. This is the third of three installments.]
Back to music.
I have some friends that were in a Sub Pop band that pre-dated Nirvana. They were known as the Dwarves. Their music is and was a snotty suburban unholy mixture of the Sonics, the Orlons, the Stooges and a vat of amphetamines. Their record covers usually featured midgets and half-naked woman covered in either blood or some sort of Nestle syrup of some sort. Here is one of their lines.
[Editor’s note: For the San Francisco Internationals 51st edition, SF360.org has asked Bay Area musician/composer/cineaste Marc Capelle to blog his thoughts on movies, music, and the films showing in the Festival. This is the third of three installments.]
Errol Morris has a giant brain. Anybody who wants to argue against that thesis does not have a giant brain. So let's move on.
Errol Morris has a giant brain. Anybody who wants to argue against that thesis does not have a giant brain. So let's move on.
Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts is a very close-quartered and loving documentary, a year in the life of the composer.
Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts is a very close-quartered and loving documentary, a year in the life of the composer.
The longtime Bay Area resident, who recently relocated to Brooklyn, screens Woodward's Gardens in the shorts program "In A Lonely Place: New Experimental Cinema."
Think of it as The Sound of Music meets Quest for Fire, or Jesus Christ Superstar rocks Land of the Lost.
Think of it as The Sound of Music meets Quest for Fire, or Jesus Christ Superstar rocks Land of the Lost.
Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie dig through the rubble of Hurricane Katrina to tell the story of Faubourg TremŽ, which was home to African Americans and fertile ground for political activism, music and literary life.
Cachao: Uno Mas documents acclaimed bassist and cuban music innovator Israel "Cachao" Lopez's work and San Francisco concert at Bimbo's
Cachao: Uno Mas documents acclaimed bassist and cuban music innovator Israel "Cachao" Lopez's work and San Francisco concert at Bimbo's
Girls Rock watches a few select 8-18 -year-olds overcome the obstacles to claim their rightful place on Earth and wail away.
Girls Rock watches a few select 8-18 -year-olds overcome the obstacles to claim their rightful place on Earth and wail away.
In Honeydripper it will no doubt be pleasure to see Danny Glover play a familiar character: The good man trying to gain a leg-up when fortune has rained on his hopes.
In addition to practically every extant band you’d want to see, an art exhibit, and comedy shows, there are movies at Noise Pop.
In addition to practically every extant band you’d want to see, an art exhibit, and comedy shows, there are movies at Noise Pop.
Way back in 1998, Jeff Ross founded the San Francisco Independent Film Festival to showcase iconoclastic, grassroots moviemakers locked out of the standard channels of distribution. As the 10th SF Indiefest kicks off tonight, Ross and his rotating cast of programmers remain as idealistic as ever, but the indie landscape has largely changed for the worse.
Galison, whose film is competing at Sundance '08, answers questions about the world of hidden national security policy.
Anton Corbijn's Control is a dramatization of the book written by the frontman's widow, chronicling their romance and marriage, his eventual infidelity, and his mental health issues.
Susan Gerhard enjoys an hour or so inside the wilds of Gondry's brain at the Apple Store, SF.
His enthusiasm practically radiates from the screen; he doesn't seem to be interviewing or investigating his subjects so much as amiably hanging out with them.
His enthusiasm practically radiates from the screen; he doesn't seem to be interviewing or investigating his subjects so much as amiably hanging out with them.
The List: A commentary-filled list of the lineup at the silent film festival, which consists of three separate programs and an evening mixer with live music.
Todd Haynes' I'm Not There both replicates and examines the hazy landscape of fact, fiction, art and myth comprising Dylanology.
Todd Haynes' I'm Not There both replicates and examines the hazy landscape of fact, fiction, art and myth comprising Dylanology.
The List: We take the opportunity to link you to four short films from the Big Ugly Review, an online publication that includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more.
Meet Phil Chambliss, a 54-year-old, recently retired gravel pit nightwatchman who makes what might be termed cinematic folk art.
There are a lot of Strummer stories to tell, and a good share of them are in Julien Temple's terrific new documentary.
There are a lot of Strummer stories to tell, and a good share of them are in Julien Temple's terrific new documentary.
"In Search of Mozart" is a comprehensive overview of the composer's generous genius and one of the finest examples of the PBS-style, talking heads-and-cutaways documentaries in recent memory.
The freshing thing about Susan Dynner's new documentary ÔPunk's Not Dead' Ñ beyond the fact that it's not the 9,482nd recap of The Early Years (circa 1976-85) Ñ is its unabashed if not uncritical acknowledgment that punk is here to stay.
Michael Fox interviews director and Mission District icon George Kuchar
SF360.org speaks with Edward Millington Stout, III, who is undoubtedly the world's foremost theatrical organ restorationist.
The List: Frozen Film Festival is a small festival that hopes to capitalize on the fact that San Franciscans like to stay indoors in the summer.
Jasmine Dellal's affinity for Roma (or Gypsy) and new film, Gypsy Caravan is a spectacular portrait of five top-drawer Roma acts.
Muppets, Music, and Magic, a Jim Henson career retrospective pleases not only Muppet-lovers but also people whose tastes stretch beyond.
Roadside Pictures signed Colma: The Musical for national release. A sort of anti-"High School Musical," "Colma" follows three friends in their new post-high school freedom.
Strangely enough, perhaps the most compelling reason to attend the Jackson Hole fest is precisely the reason not to see a film: Jackson Hole itself.
Despite the best efforts of method actors, methodical directors, and talented costume designers, biopics can usually be relied upon to disappoint.
Walking in to interview John Carney and actors/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the frenetic edge to their on-the-road exhaustion is apparent.
Walking in to interview John Carney and actors/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the frenetic edge to their on-the-road exhaustion is apparent.
While the SF International Film Festival has always had celebrity guests, the 50th edition featured a particular concentration of unique one-offs.
Daniel Wu and fictitious boy band Alive from his directorial debut The Heavenly Kings on Cantpop, the Bay Area, and Hong Kong film.
Wonders Are Many: The Making of Doctor Atomic blends World War II history with composer John Adams and director Peter Sellars’ staging of a new opera on the subject.
Thinking about the upcoming SFIFF, music may not be the first thing that pops into your head. It may not even be the second.
Thinking about the upcoming SFIFF, music may not be the first thing that pops into your head. It may not even be the second.
An interview with documentary and narrative filmmaker Philip Haas upon the release of his latest film, The Situation.
Von Donnersmarck talks about his Lola-winning and Oscar-nominated debut during a visit to San Francisco.
Von Donnersmarck talks about his Lola-winning and Oscar-nominated debut during a visit to San Francisco.
Tears of the Black Tiger is Thai eye candy, an exercise pastiche where color just about leaps off the screen, and a star-crossed love story.
The Pacific Film Archive retrospective on Ernst Lubitsch encompasses 21 features, including many seldom-seen silent movies.
Hailed as one of the best films of 2005 without distribution, Becker's doc hits theaters nearly two years after it debuted at Sundance.
Rock&Roll, romantic comedy, fantasy and adventure, among the themes of this year's festival.
MTV's boat has long since sailed, but music videos are as ubiquitous on YouTube and Myspace as YBCA brings music videos to its downstairs gallery.
MTV's boat has long since sailed, but music videos are as ubiquitous on YouTube and Myspace as YBCA brings music videos to its downstairs gallery.
Half of Illbilly Productions and 1/45th of Killing My Lobster, Bancroft has made claymation shorts and perhaps the quintessential rap video, Maximum Wage.
Half of Illbilly Productions and 1/45th of Killing My Lobster, Bancroft has made claymation shorts and perhaps the quintessential rap video, Maximum Wage.
Mark Andrews and Andrew Jimenez co-wrote and co-directed the unexpected, surprisingly funny short about two musicians vying for a young girl's lone coin.
By the youth-rhetoric standards of another era, this is the last year we can trust the Mill Valley Film Festival. Next year, it turns 30.
John Cameron Mitchell's latest film: A bright, sexually explicit ensemble piece featuring American friends and acquaintances who might have made good primetime TV.
A panel discussion yields insights into the presentÑand futureÑof indie distribution.
Through Asphodel Records and RML, Humon pursues his fascination with sound's spatial properties.
Through Asphodel Records and RML, Humon pursues his fascination with sound's spatial properties.
The co-director talks about his provocative fictional documentary about conjoined twins groomed for rock Ôn' roll stardom.
Back at the Castro this weekend for the 13th year, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival presents a variety of titillating titles.
16 filmmakers from the Bay Area find at least 15 minutes of fame in the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival this year.
Wong weighs in on the hardest song to bring to life in Colma: The Musical, a story about a city in which the dead outnumber the living.
Wong weighs in on the hardest song to bring to life in Colma: The Musical, a story about a city in which the dead outnumber the living.
Highlights of San Francisco Black Film Festival's eighth annual edition.
San Francisco Cinematheque guest curator Jenni Olson reflects on her show, Kees Kino: The Film Work of Weldon Kees.
Songbirds is a "documentary musical" Ñ something that sounds like a pure contradiction-in-terms until you actually see it.
Songbirds is a "documentary musical" Ñ something that sounds like a pure contradiction-in-terms until you actually see it.
A conversation with John Peterson on his unusual farming practices, and the documentary that captures them.
Newly appointed S.F. Cinematheque executive director Caroline Savage discusses the state of experimental film.
Rodney Ascher and Syd Garon are only two people whose works curator Danny Plotnick would show sight unseen.
A list of the 24 reasons why to find yourself in the Mission this Sunday and the rest of the week for the 10th annual Music and Arts Festival.
A list of the 24 reasons why to find yourself in the Mission this Sunday and the rest of the week for the 10th annual Music and Arts Festival.
If you haven't yet found your repurpose in life, SFIFF's International Remix site might be of use.
For people who know their rock trivia, or saw Gimme Shelter, Altamont represents one of the most infamous moments in Bay Area cultural history.
San Francisco International Film Festival announces lineup for the 49th annual festival.
The documentary Persian Garden chronicles the grandest art exhibition in Iran since the 1979 Revolution.
The Oppenheimer Cine Rental New Filmmaker Equipment Grant Program supports new filmmakers in producing their first serious film project. The grant awards the use of Grant Program Arriflex 16SR2 camera package to senior and graduate thesis students and to independent filmmakers for a scheduled period of time. ELIGIBILITY: Students, media arts center members and unaffiliated independents are encouraged to apply. Proposed projects may be of any noncommercial nature: dramatic, narrative, documentary, experimental, etc. (Commercial projects, music videos and PSAs will not be considered.) DEADLINE: Ongoing. WEBSITE: oppenheimercinerental.com/grant.html.