"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.
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.'
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.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
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.
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 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.
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.
‘The Double Hour (La Doppia Ora),’ an Italian thriller from first-time director Giuseppe Capotondi that The New York Times touted as “the best movie of its kind,” plays at Smith Rafael Film Center. More at cafilm.org.
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.
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.
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
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.'
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
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.'
Lionel Rogosin's 1956 Oscar-nominated film, 'On the Bowery,' blends documentary and fiction in its look at three days of New York’s skid row; it's followed by an archival 'making-of' look at the project by Rogosin's son, Michael. More at roxie.com.
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 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.
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.
An early example of Jim Jarmusch’s thorough craftsmanship and characteristic sense of humor, ‘Stranger than Paradise’ stars John Lurie as a young New Yorker obligated to look after his visiting Hungarian cousin for ten days. This seminal ‘80s independent production plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
'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...
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.'
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.
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.
Charles Ferguson offers intel on the world financial crisis with 'Inside Job.'
Charles Ferguson offers intel on the world financial crisis with 'Inside Job.'
Charles Ferguson offers intel on the world financial crisis with 'Inside Job.'
Two filmmakers examine the justice system in the U.S. post-Sept. 11.
Two filmmakers examine the justice system in the U.S. post-Sept. 11.
San Francisco producer and director Tom Shepard, along with New York filmmakers Tina DiFeliciantonio and Jane C. Wagner, present their new documentary, 'Whiz Kids,' about ambitious teenagers who compete in the Intel Science Talent Search, in person at the Balboa Theatre.
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.
San Francisco Film Society and the New York International Children's Film Festival offer three days of films for kids, teens and their families, from 'Turtle—the Incredible Journey' (pictured) to Santosh Sivan's Kashmir story, 'Tahaan,' to shorts and animated films, kicking off Friday, September 24, with a kid-friendly opening night party at the Punch Line Comedy Club.
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.
Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.
Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.
Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.
A filmmaker shows environmentalists who are changing the way we as Americans relate to nature.
A filmmaker shows environmentalists who are changing the way we as Americans relate to nature.
A filmmaker shows environmentalists who are changing the way we as Americans relate to nature.
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.
The makers of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work speak about their latest, as well as the state of documentary filmmaking.
From chilling to dangerous to horrendous, local reactions to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan s ruling in favor of Chevron in New York on May 6 ran an unsurprisingly narrow gamut.
A letter from Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami speaks out against Ministry of Guidance and Islamic Cutlure and in solidarity with detained director Jafar Panahi.
A Federal Judge has ordered documentary producer and director Joe Berlinger to turn over to Chevron 600 hours of footage used to create Crude: The Real Price of Oil.
Documentary film footage is caught in the middle of a court battle between Chevron and Ecuadorian plaintiffs over pollution of the Amazon rain forest.
Along with selfless sacrifices and random luck, low-budget independent films often depend on the timely intervention of an angel.
Leland Orser saw his first movie at the Alexandria, and Joshua Grannell initially established himself as a S.F. character via his alter ego Peaches Christ.
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.
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.
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.
The Oscar nomination for The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a validation of the doc's right-now relevance.
Michael Fox shows independent filmmakers who are thriving in the Bay Area.
After ripping it up at various genre fests, the Bay Area indie horror flick settles in for a theatrical run at the Red Vic.
With the Netherlands-based filmmaker's latest portrait in resilience, Oblivion, opening Friday, it's a good time to celebrate one of documentary's most engaging storytellers.
Joe Berlinger speaks about the making of an environmental disaster in the Amazon, as seen in his new film, Crude.
Franny Armstrong talks about the moral imperative of her films, the importance of Hopenhagen, and the unexpected magnitude of her success.
The movies of William Klein are suffused with the same impudence, social commentary and aesthetic surprise found in his photos.
The release of Woodstock provides an opportunity to look back on Ang Lee and Schamus's very impressive, diverse screen resume.
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival arrives with an expansive program spotlighting the Jewish tradition of social justice and human rights.
A festival full of drama finds no more emotional screening than the homophobia-in-sports double bill of Training Rules and Claiming the Title: Gay Olympics on Trial.
Tom Shepard revisits the overachieving, hyper-ambitious world of science-obsessed high school seniors in his new film, Whiz Kids.
Bruce Goldstein recalls his adventures in film land as he prepares to host the Con Film Festival at the Film Forum in New York.
Bringing Rainer's work to a larger audience: Feelings Are Facts: The Life of Yvonne Rainer, a feature-length documentary about the choreographer and experimental filmmaker.
National Film Preservation Foundation, Treasures IV: American Avant-Garde Film, 1947-1986, is a splendid package of 26 films, drawn from New York and San Francisco.
SF Sketchfest pays tribute to Bud Cort with a live Q&A and screening of Harold and Maude.
Dennis Harvey reviews some of 2008's year-end sobering dramas.
Bay Area filmmaker Jennifer Kroot talks about her inspiration to make a documentary on legendary, underground filmmaking twins George and Mike Kuchar.
The Sixth Screen: Here are some browser-based legal zones for free online feature film viewing pleasure. No installation required.
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.
What do women want to watch? With Diane English’s recent unfunny and product placement-filled re-make of The Women hitting theaters last week, Hollywood’s answer, predictably, is more of the same.
Woody Allen's latest is a superb travel guide in addition to being an amusing, intelligent if not exactly profound meditation on fate, chance, and romance.
SF360.org looks at the making of a documentary about the controversial leak of the Pentagon papers.
SF360.org looks at the making of a documentary about the controversial leak of the Pentagon papers.
A conversation with the executive director of an experimental/avant-garde film distribution company, who both runs a profitable business and creates dynamic art.
On curating the Robert Flaherty Film Seminar, a social Petri dish that annually brings together a different programmer, a captive and engaged audience, and filmmakers.
Unlike most experimental filmmakers, Sonbert's collected works have had the benefit of full retrospectives at major museums (SFMOMA, NYMOMA, Guggenheim) and a strong preservation effort.
Bodies of work have emerged from the intersections of performance, film and electronic art. Cinematograph 7ÑLive Cinema: A Contemporary Reader, edited by Thomas Beard's provides thoughtful writing on the subject.
Small-town "heartland" America that once held our majority populace is now seldom seen on screen. Jeff Nichols debut feature Shotgun Stories is an exception.
Longtime San Francisco Chronicle film critic Judy Stone offers her top ten picks from the 2008 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival.
Mitchell Lichtenstein's directorial debut has made Jess Weixler the newest "it girl" on the indie scene.
Yu's latest doc centers on four rather damaged individuals, applying the dramatic structure of Greek playwright Euripedes to contemporary life.
SFFS programmer Sean Uyehara gives some perspective on the shifting dimensions of animated filmmaking.
Although it's too early to write Allen off, it's also clear that he hasn't connected with younger audiences in a long time, so who's the next Woody Allen?
The '05 feature imagines a 21-year-old Indian American returning to India to visit her family and discover where she was born.
Sunshine tells the story of the eight astronauts aboard the ominously named "Icarus II," a vessel bound to kick-start the sun, Earth's last hope for survival.
George Ratliff talks about his first feature narrative Joshua, described by Sundance as a "horror story disguised as a sophisticated family drama."
Sicko's story of the mismanagement of U.S. healthcare takes Michael Moore from the U.S. to Canada to Europe, and most notably, to Cuba.
The story of literary sensation and media darling J.T. Leroy, a persona created by Laura Albert, took another dramatic turn Friday in New York.
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.
Changes in Hal Hartley's geography and work styles have put distance between his early films and also given the director a chance to experiment with form.
The Unbelievable Truth helped jumpstart the independent film movement in the U.S. in 1989, followed by eight more Hartley features in the next decade.
The editor and actor, known for his frequent work with Todd Haynes, died in New York. His friends share their thoughts.
An interview with documentary and narrative filmmaker Philip Haas upon the release of his latest film, The Situation.
Boasting dozens upon dozens of homegrown events anchored by the country's most visible festivals, San Francisco has evolved into the quintessential festival town.
The Pacific Film Archive's standing as a cinema-centric educational institution brings the avant-garde into conversation with a broad program of film history.
The language of film may be universal, as the Landmark trailer reminds us, but the critics in major U.S. cities speak their own dialects.
Ramin Bahrani's debut feature follows a solitary, quiet immigrant struggling to make a go of it in New York City.
One month ago today, the maverick filmmaker was at the Hamptons International Film Festival reflecting upon his career at a tribute in his honor.
It doesn't seem like a stretch to group Janus with those American institutions which have represented a vision of what art is and can be.
Eric Steel's disturbing, controversial documentary, The Bridge, focuses on people who end their lives at the famous landmark at the edge of the continent.
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.
The director of The Business of Strangers talks about his second feature, starring Robin Williams.
The List: ZeroOne San Jose Global Festival of Art on the Edge presents an array of = augmented realities, artificial intelligences, and interactive pieces.
Danielle Beverly, director of Learning to Swallow, offers some backstory on her filmmaking relationship with artist Patsy Desmond.
Matthew Barney: Drawing Restraint opens at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Barney talks to SF360 about his film and gallery project.
Marc Huestis talks about his latest film,
Al Gore's documentary keeps the viewer thoroughly engaged while offering what may be the most comprehensive explanation of global warming for the layperson that exists.
Newly appointed S.F. Cinematheque executive director Caroline Savage discusses the state of experimental film.
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 conversation with director Michael Glawogger on his film, Workingman's Death, which screens at the 2006 SFIFF.
For people who know their rock trivia, or saw Gimme Shelter, Altamont represents one of the most infamous moments in Bay Area cultural history.
With American Movie Critics: An Anthology From the Silents Until Now, N.Y. essayist Phillip Lopate compiles nearly a century of groundbreaking and entertaining criticism.
A conversation with David Kipen about his book, The Schreiber Theory, which reclaims the contribution of screenwriters to motion pictures.