SF360

Deadlines

Opportunities: International Film Festival Summit
Dec 4, 2011
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.
Home

Welcome to SF360
Nov 15, 2011
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.
November 15, 2011

Welcome to SF360
Nov 15, 2011
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.
Deadlines

Funding: California Story Fund
Nov 15, 2011
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.
Deadlines

Funding: San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) Cultural Equity Grants
Nov 10, 2011
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.
Events

Essential SF: Nov. 6
Nov 6, 2011
Essential SF shines a light on the Bay Area’s legendary, idiosyncratic and multifaceted contributions to the filmmaking world at SF Film Society | New People Cinema, 7:00 pm. An outgrowth of SF360.org’s Essential SF column, the event this year also pays tribute to the half-decade-plus SF360.org project.
Featured

Essential SF: Nov. 6
Nov 6, 2011
Essential SF shines a light on the Bay Area’s legendary, idiosyncratic and multifaceted contributions to the filmmaking world at SF Film Society | New People Cinema, 7:00 pm. An outgrowth of SF360.org’s Essential SF column, the event this year also pays tribute to the half-decade-plus SF360.org project.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Nov. 6
Nov 6, 2011
Essential SF shines a light on the Bay Area’s legendary, idiosyncratic and multifaceted contributions to the filmmaking world at SF Film Society | New People Cinema, 7:00 pm. An outgrowth of SF360.org’s Essential SF column, the event this year also pays tribute to the half-decade-plus SF360.org project.
Home

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
Michael Fox
Nov 3, 2011
With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
In Depth

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
Michael Fox
Nov 3, 2011
With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
Michael Fox
Nov 3, 2011
With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
News & Blogs

Shoot Online: "Bodega Goes Bicoastal, Opens San Francisco Office Under Exec Producer/Partner Clint Goldman"
Nov 3, 2011
"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.
Home

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 2, 2011
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
In Depth

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 2, 2011
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 2, 2011
Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.
Home

Essential SF: Joshua Grannell
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 1, 2011
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.
In Depth

Essential SF: Joshua Grannell
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 1, 2011
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.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Joshua Grannell
Johnny Ray Huston
Nov 1, 2011
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.
Deadlines

Funding: Durfee Foundation Artists' Resource for Completion Grants
Nov 1, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Napa Register: "Napa Goes Big Right out of Film Fest"
Nov 1, 2011
"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.
News & Blogs

Daily News: "Animator John Lasseter to Recieve Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame"
Nov 1, 2011
"John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, will receive the 2,453rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today," reports Daily News Wire Services. More at dailynews.com.
Home

Essential SF: Karen Larsen
Michael Fox
Oct 31, 2011
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
In Depth

Essential SF: Karen Larsen
Michael Fox
Oct 31, 2011
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Karen Larsen
Michael Fox
Oct 31, 2011
Universally warm sentiment is attached to the Bay Area's hardest working indie/art film publicist.
Home

Joshua Moore, on Location
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’
October 28, 2011

Joshua Moore, on Location
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’
Q & A

Joshua Moore, on Location
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’
Home

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'
October 28, 2011

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'
Reviews

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'
Michael Fox
Oct 28, 2011
The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'
News & Blogs

Balboa Theatre Saved: SFNTF Partners With Gary Meyer to Keep Theatre Open
Oct 27, 2011
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.
Home

Essential SF: Canyon Cinema
Michael Fox
Oct 26, 2011
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
In Depth

Essential SF: Canyon Cinema
Michael Fox
Oct 26, 2011
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Canyon Cinema
Michael Fox
Oct 26, 2011
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
October 28, 2011

Essential SF: Canyon Cinema
Michael Fox
Oct 26, 2011
For 50 years, Canyon Cinema has provided crucial support for a fertile avant-garde film scene.
Home

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now
Dennis Harvey
Oct 25, 2011
Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.
October 28, 2011

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now
Dennis Harvey
Oct 25, 2011
Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.
Reviews

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now
Dennis Harvey
Oct 25, 2011
Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.
Home

Signs of the Times
Adam Hartzell
Oct 24, 2011
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
October 28, 2011

Signs of the Times
Adam Hartzell
Oct 24, 2011
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
Q & A

Signs of the Times
Adam Hartzell
Oct 24, 2011
Director Mina T. Son talks about the creation of ‘Making Noise in Silence,’ screening the United Nations Association Film Festival this week.
News & Blogs

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Announces New Executive Director
Oct 24, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Thompson on Hollywood: "Film Independent Names Lab Participants, Sloan Award Winners"
Oct 24, 2011
"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.
Home

In Orbit with ‘An Injury to One’
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 21, 2011
Accompanied by a program of solar system shorts, Travis Wilkerson’s 2003 look at ruthless union-busting and the rise and fall of Butte, Montana, offers eerie resonance.
October 20, 2011

In Orbit with ‘An Injury to One’
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 21, 2011
Accompanied by a program of solar system shorts, Travis Wilkerson’s 2003 look at ruthless union-busting and the rise and fall of Butte, Montana, offers eerie resonance.
Reviews

In Orbit with ‘An Injury to One’
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 21, 2011
Accompanied by a program of solar system shorts, Travis Wilkerson’s 2003 look at ruthless union-busting and the rise and fall of Butte, Montana, offers eerie resonance.
Events

NY/SF International Children's Film Festival
Oct 21, 2011
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.
Festivals

Children’s Film Festival Moves in and out of Shadows
Adam Hartzell
Oct 20, 2011
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
Home

Children’s Film Festival Moves in and out of Shadows
Adam Hartzell
Oct 20, 2011
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
October 20, 2011

Children’s Film Festival Moves in and out of Shadows
Adam Hartzell
Oct 20, 2011
Without marketing tie-ins, plastic toys or corn-syrup confections, a children’s film festival brings energy to the screen.
News & Blogs

Wired: "At Popcorn Hackathon, Coders Team With Filmmakers to Supercharge Web Video"
Oct 20, 2011
"Filmmakers and coders hunkered down for two days of creative collaboration here during a first-of-its-kind hackathon that explored the future of web video — specifically Popcorn.js, Mozilla’s HTML5 media toolkit designed to amp up interactivity" reports Angela Watercutter. More at wired.com.
News & Blogs

San Francisco Chronicle: 'Online publication sf360.org closing down"
Oct 19, 2011
"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.
Home

Essential SF: Irving Saraf and Allie Light
Michael Fox
Oct 19, 2011
Saraf and Light's work is marked by an unwavering appreciation for underdogs and outsiders.
In Depth

Essential SF: Irving Saraf and Allie Light
Michael Fox
Oct 19, 2011
Saraf and Light's work is marked by an unwavering appreciation for underdogs and outsiders.
November 3, 2011

Essential SF: Irving Saraf and Allie Light
Michael Fox
Oct 19, 2011
Saraf and Light's work is marked by an unwavering appreciation for underdogs and outsiders.
October 20, 2011

Essential SF: Irving Saraf and Allie Light
Michael Fox
Oct 19, 2011
Saraf and Light's work is marked by an unwavering appreciation for underdogs and outsiders.
First Person

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos
Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
Home

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos
Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
October 20, 2011

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos
Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011
Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?
Home

Where Are their Stories?
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 17, 2011
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
October 20, 2011

Where Are their Stories?
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 17, 2011
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
Reviews

Where Are their Stories?
Johnny Ray Huston
Oct 17, 2011
The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.
Deadlines

Opportunities: Cinequest Screenwriting Competition
Oct 17, 2011
Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, held in conjunction with the Cinequest Film Festival (February 28-March 11, 2012), is accepting submissions. ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to screenplays of all genres and lengths up to 140 pages that have not been optioned, purchased, produced, or put into production. Scripts should be in English, properly formatted, and submitted in PDF format. Scripts written as adaptations of other works must have secured rights before being submitted. Entry fee $45-65. AWARDS: Finalists receive non-cash prizes, including exposure to literary agents, film studios, and producers. Top prize is $5,000. DEADLINE: September 26, 2011 (early); October 17, 2011 (late). WEBSITE: cinequest.org/sp_agent.php.
Deadlines

Opportunities: Center for Asian American Media Fellowship Program
Oct 17, 2011
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/.
News & Blogs

Wall Street Journal: "George Lucas Self-Finances Action Movie About Tuskegee Airmen"
Oct 17, 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.
Events

DocFest 2011
Oct 14, 2011
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.
October 11, 2011

DocFest 2011
Oct 14, 2011
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.
Home

Changes You Can Believe In at SF DocFest
Robert Avila
Oct 13, 2011
Nonfiction films offer view to revolutions. DocFest has a well-earned reputation for knocking the stuffiness out of a pretty sober word. The 10-year-old festival founded by IndieFest’s Jeff Ross has taken pride in equating “documentary” with the unconventional and idiosyncratic—fare that celebrates the offbeat, the weird, the wondrous. I’m thinking of wiener-dog races, yes, but that’s just the tip of the beast. This year’s festival (October 14–27), which opens at the Roxie with a profile of the creator of MDMA (Etienne Sauret’s Dirty Pictures) and ends with a look at a comic-book super-author (With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story), provides another...
October 14, 2011

Changes You Can Believe In at SF DocFest
Robert Avila
Oct 13, 2011
Nonfiction films offer view to revolutions. DocFest has a well-earned reputation for knocking the stuffiness out of a pretty sober word. The 10-year-old festival founded by IndieFest’s Jeff Ross has taken pride in equating “documentary” with the unconventional and idiosyncratic—fare that celebrates the offbeat, the weird, the wondrous. I’m thinking of wiener-dog races, yes, but that’s just the tip of the beast. This year’s festival (October 14–27), which opens at the Roxie with a profile of the creator of MDMA (Etienne Sauret’s Dirty Pictures) and ends with a look at a comic-book super-author (With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story), provides another...
Home

Unbound by Genre, Taiwan's Films Travel Unique Paths
Adam Hartzell
Oct 13, 2011
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 ...
Home

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.
In Production

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.
October 14, 2011

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.
Funding

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?
Adrianne Anderson
Oct 11, 2011
San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.
Home

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?
Adrianne Anderson
Oct 11, 2011
San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.
October 14, 2011

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?
Adrianne Anderson
Oct 11, 2011
San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.
Home

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall
Susan Gerhard
Oct 10, 2011
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
October 14, 2011

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall
Susan Gerhard
Oct 10, 2011
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
Q & A

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall
Susan Gerhard
Oct 10, 2011
Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.
Deadlines

Funding: TFI Documentary Fund
Oct 10, 2011
The TFI Documentary Fund provides grants and guidance to exceptional filmmakers developing engaging feature-length documentaries which emphasize character and that allow audiences to consider history, culture and society through the experiences of extraordinary individuals. ELIGIBILITY: Submissions must be non-fiction motion pictures with an intended length of at least 70 minutes and should creatively document unique character(s); submissions can be in the advanced stages of development, production or post-production and must not have aired on any form. Foreign language documentaries are eligible, but must be subtitled and suitable for an American audience. Applicants must be over 18-years old. $25 entry fee. AWARDS: Grants of at least $10,000 will be awarded in 2012. DEADLINE: October 10, 2011. WEBSITE: tribecafilminstitute.org/tfi_documentary/.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: "Netflix Kills Plan to Split Off DVD Rentals"
Oct 10, 2011
"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.
News & Blogs

Variety: "Fritz Manes Dies at 79"
Oct 10, 2011
"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.
Events

An Evening with Susan Orlean & Rin Tin Tin
Oct 9, 2011
Author and journalist Susan Orlean ('The Orchid Thief') appears in person at SF Film Society Cinema | New People to celebrate the release of her new book on American cinema's greatest animal actor, Rin Tin Tin. One of the canine's classics, 'Clash of the Wolves,' will screen following an illustrated introduction by Orlean. Q&A to follow. More info and tickets at sffs.org.
October 4 2011

An Evening with Susan Orlean & Rin Tin Tin
Oct 9, 2011
Author and journalist Susan Orlean ('The Orchid Thief') appears in person at SF Film Society Cinema | New People to celebrate the release of her new book on American cinema's greatest animal actor, Rin Tin Tin. One of the canine's classics, 'Clash of the Wolves,' will screen following an illustrated introduction by Orlean. Q&A to follow. More info and tickets at sffs.org.
Home

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
In Production

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
October 14, 2011

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
Events

'American Teacher'
Oct 7, 2011
The Matt Damon-narrated SFIFF hit 'American Teacher' follows the lives of a few edu-system stars, one based in San Francisco, forced by low wages and crumbling job security to reconsider their chosen profession. Filmmaker Vanessa Roth and producers Dave Eggers and Nînive Calegari will be present for Q&A following Friday's screening; special reception Tuesday, October 11. More info at roxie.com.
October 4 2011

'American Teacher'
Oct 7, 2011
The Matt Damon-narrated SFIFF hit 'American Teacher' follows the lives of a few edu-system stars, one based in San Francisco, forced by low wages and crumbling job security to reconsider their chosen profession. Filmmaker Vanessa Roth and producers Dave Eggers and Nînive Calegari will be present for Q&A following Friday's screening; special reception Tuesday, October 11. More info at roxie.com.
Home

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
In Production

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
October 14, 2011

‘New Environmentalists’ Salutes Gutsy Grassroots Guerillas
Michael Fox
Oct 7, 2011
Goldman Prize-winning environmentalists' work highlighted in short-form pieces by Parrinello, Antonelli and Dusenbery.
News & Blogs

AP: "Steve Jobs told us what we needed before we knew"
Oct 6, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

CNN: "Steve Jobs Led the Way in Pop Culture"
Oct 6, 2011
"As chairman and chief executive officer of Pixar," reports Lisa Respers France, "Jobs led the way in marrying the endless possibilities of technology with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry." More at cnn.com.
Home

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement
Peter Coyote
Oct 5, 2011
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 Depth

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement
Peter Coyote
Oct 5, 2011
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.'
October 6, 2011

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement
Peter Coyote
Oct 5, 2011
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.'
Home

The Facts Behind Great Fiction
Lisa Rosenberg
Oct 4, 2011
The path to authentic storytelling lies in research.
October 6, 2011

The Facts Behind Great Fiction
Lisa Rosenberg
Oct 4, 2011
The path to authentic storytelling lies in research.
Screenwriting

The Facts Behind Great Fiction
Lisa Rosenberg
Oct 4, 2011
The path to authentic storytelling lies in research.
News & Blogs

First Showing: "Disney Re-Releasing More Pixar/Disney Classics in 3D in 2012/2013"
Oct 4, 2011
"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.
Home

Goldmacher IDs Perps Behind Financial Crisis
Michael Fox
Oct 3, 2011
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
October 6, 2011

Goldmacher IDs Perps Behind Financial Crisis
Michael Fox
Oct 3, 2011
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
Q & A

Goldmacher IDs Perps Behind Financial Crisis
Michael Fox
Oct 3, 2011
An East Bay filmmaker takes another look at U.S. financial woes with 'Heist,' which world premieres at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
Events

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'
Oct 1, 2011
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.
September 27 2011

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'
Oct 1, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Just Out: " 'We Were Here' Opens Portland Lesbian & Gay Film Fest"
Sep 30, 2011
"The 15th annual Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Fest opens tonight," reports Amanda Schurr, "with a screening of David Weissman’s latest documentary, We Were Here." More at justout.com.
Home

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'
Max Goldberg
Sep 29, 2011
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
Reviews

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'
Max Goldberg
Sep 29, 2011
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
September 29 2011

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'
Max Goldberg
Sep 29, 2011
John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.
Events

'Lola'
Sep 29, 2011
YBCA screens Brillante Mendoza's 'Lola,' a drama tracking the consequences of a crime on two grandmothers, one related to the victim, another the suspect. Infrequently seen on western screens, Mendoza is regarded in his native Philippines as a cinematic master and the leading light of Kapampangan film. More info at ybca.org.
September 27 2011

'Lola'
Sep 29, 2011
YBCA screens Brillante Mendoza's 'Lola,' a drama tracking the consequences of a crime on two grandmothers, one related to the victim, another the suspect. Infrequently seen on western screens, Mendoza is regarded in his native Philippines as a cinematic master and the leading light of Kapampangan film. More info at ybca.org.
Events

'The Hungry Wolves'
Sep 29, 2011
PFA series Anatolian Outlaw: Yilmaz Güney, showcasing the work of the Turkish actor-director cum revolutionary dubbed the "Ugly King" for his unique combination of charisma and rough-hewn looks, continues with the realist western riff 'The Hungry Wolves.' Series runs through October 9. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
September 27 2011

'The Hungry Wolves'
Sep 29, 2011
PFA series Anatolian Outlaw: Yilmaz Güney, showcasing the work of the Turkish actor-director cum revolutionary dubbed the "Ugly King" for his unique combination of charisma and rough-hewn looks, continues with the realist western riff 'The Hungry Wolves.' Series runs through October 9. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
News & Blogs

J Weekly: "Executive Director Stepping Down But Not Away From S.F. Jewish Film Fest"
Sep 29, 2011
"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.
Home

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’
Michael Fox
Sep 28, 2011
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
In Production

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’
Michael Fox
Sep 28, 2011
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
September 29 2011

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’
Michael Fox
Sep 28, 2011
Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.
Events

'Shaolin'
Sep 28, 2011
Fresh from screening his wacky 'City Under Seige' in the SFFS Hong Kong Cinema program, the Cinema gives a short run to mainstay Benny Chan's more "serious" 2011 blockbuster, 'Shaolin,' with HK superstars Andy Lau, Jackie Chan and Nicholas Tse. More info at sffs.org.
September 27 2011

'Shaolin'
Sep 28, 2011
Fresh from screening his wacky 'City Under Seige' in the SFFS Hong Kong Cinema program, the Cinema gives a short run to mainstay Benny Chan's more "serious" 2011 blockbuster, 'Shaolin,' with HK superstars Andy Lau, Jackie Chan and Nicholas Tse. More info at sffs.org.
Home

On Chronicling Criminals
George Rush
Sep 27, 2011
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
Legal

On Chronicling Criminals
George Rush
Sep 27, 2011
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
September 29 2011

On Chronicling Criminals
George Rush
Sep 27, 2011
Though it's legal to film illegal acts, crime can certainly complicate your filmmaking process.
News & Blogs

UC Berkeley: " ‘Presumed Guilty’ Wins Emmy for Best Investigative Journalism"
Sep 27, 2011
“Presumed Guilty was nominated for three Emmys — outstanding investigative journalism (long form), best documentary and best research — and has received some 20 festival awards," reports Cathy Cockrell. More at berkeley.edu.
News & Blogs

Beyond the Box: " 'Art & Copy' Wins News and Doc Emmy Award"
Sep 27, 2011
"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.
Home

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence
Dennis Harvey
Sep 26, 2011
Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.
Reviews

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence
Dennis Harvey
Sep 26, 2011
Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.
September 29 2011

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence
Dennis Harvey
Sep 26, 2011
Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.
News & Blogs

USA Today: "Netflix Snatches Dreamworks Rights From HBO"
Sep 26, 2011
"The multiyear deal announced Monday," reports Michael Liedtke, "will give Netflix's streaming service the exclusive rights to show the latest content from DreamWorks, the studio behind a list of popular franchises that includes Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar." More at usatoday.com.
Home

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds
Johnny Ray Huston
Sep 23, 2011
Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.
Q & A

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds
Johnny Ray Huston
Sep 23, 2011
Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.
Festivals

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen
Adam Hartzell
Sep 22, 2011
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Home

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen
Adam Hartzell
Sep 22, 2011
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
september 22 2011

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen
Adam Hartzell
Sep 22, 2011
Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.
Events

IXFF Indie Erotic Film Festival
Sep 22, 2011
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.
September 20, 2011

IXFF Indie Erotic Film Festival
Sep 22, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Below the Line: "SPY Delivers Visual Effects, DI and Stereo Conversion for Coppola's 'Twixt' "
Sep 22, 2011
"San Francisco-based visual effects and post house SPY, a FotoKem company, recently contributed hundreds of visual effects shots, the digital intermediate and 3D conversion services for Francis Ford Coppola’s latest feature film, Twixt," reports Below the Line. More at btlnews.com.
Home

Weimberg, Ryan Pick Berkeley ‘Brain’
Michael Fox
Sep 21, 2011
Two Berkeley filmmakers tap vitality of 84-year-old neuroscientist Dr. Marian Diamond.
In Production

Weimberg, Ryan Pick Berkeley ‘Brain’
Michael Fox
Sep 21, 2011
Two Berkeley filmmakers tap vitality of 84-year-old neuroscientist Dr. Marian Diamond.
september 22 2011

Weimberg, Ryan Pick Berkeley ‘Brain’
Michael Fox
Sep 21, 2011
Two Berkeley filmmakers tap vitality of 84-year-old neuroscientist Dr. Marian Diamond.
News & Blogs

Wall Street Journal: "Discovery CEO Calls Netflix Pact a 'Win'"
Sep 21, 2011
"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.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: "Oakland Shines for 'Moneyball' Premiere'"
Sep 21, 2011
"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.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: "Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive Plan"
Sep 21, 2011
"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.
Home

Identifying Your Documentary’s Signature Style
Karen Everett
Sep 20, 2011
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
september 22 2011

Identifying Your Documentary’s Signature Style
Karen Everett
Sep 20, 2011
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
Story Structure

Identifying Your Documentary’s Signature Style
Karen Everett
Sep 20, 2011
Developing a style that sets your film apart is key to capturing audience attention in nonfiction.
Festivals

Dark Thoughts Fill TIFF’s Lightbox
B. Ruby Rich
Sep 18, 2011
Sex-filled fictions dominate Toronto International Film Festival; eclectic docs inspire action.
Home

Dark Thoughts Fill TIFF’s Lightbox
B. Ruby Rich
Sep 18, 2011
Sex-filled fictions dominate Toronto International Film Festival; eclectic docs inspire action.
september 22 2011

Dark Thoughts Fill TIFF’s Lightbox
B. Ruby Rich
Sep 18, 2011
Sex-filled fictions dominate Toronto International Film Festival; eclectic docs inspire action.
Home

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots
Michael Read
Sep 16, 2011
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
January 27, 2011

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots
Michael Read
Sep 16, 2011
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
January 31, 2011

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots
Michael Read
Sep 16, 2011
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
Q & A

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots
Michael Read
Sep 16, 2011
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
Home

‘Aurora’ Startles, Subtly
Dennis Harvey
Sep 15, 2011
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...
September 15, 2011

‘Aurora’ Startles, Subtly
Dennis Harvey
Sep 15, 2011
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...
Festivals

Mill Valley Announces Titles in 34th
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 14, 2011
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
Home

Mill Valley Announces Titles in 34th
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 14, 2011
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
September 15, 2011

Mill Valley Announces Titles in 34th
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 14, 2011
North Bay world, independent showcase ready to screen wide range of films in early October.
Home

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’
Susan Gerhard
Sep 10, 2011
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
Q & A

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’
Susan Gerhard
Sep 10, 2011
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
September 15, 2011

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’
Susan Gerhard
Sep 10, 2011
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
Sep 6 2011

'Puzzle'
Sep 9, 2011
Week two of San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema features Argentinian Natalia Smirnoff’s first feature, a delicate character portrait in which a middle-aged housewife, cherished by her husband and two sons but nevertheless taken for granted, discovers an aptitude for jigsaw puzzles. More at sffs.org.
Home

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life
Jonathan Kiefer
Sep 9, 2011
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
Reviews

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life
Jonathan Kiefer
Sep 9, 2011
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
September 15, 2011

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life
Jonathan Kiefer
Sep 9, 2011
Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.
Home

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu
Michael Fox
Sep 8, 2011
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...
September 8 2011

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu
Michael Fox
Sep 8, 2011
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...
Home

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’
George Kuchar
Sep 7, 2011
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.'
In Depth

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’
George Kuchar
Sep 7, 2011
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.'
September 8 2011

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’
George Kuchar
Sep 7, 2011
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.'
Home

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going
Dennis Harvey
Sep 6, 2011
Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.
Reviews

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going
Dennis Harvey
Sep 6, 2011
Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.
September 8 2011

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going
Dennis Harvey
Sep 6, 2011
Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.
Home

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game
Michael Fox
Sep 6, 2011
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
In Production

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game
Michael Fox
Sep 6, 2011
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
September 8 2011

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game
Michael Fox
Sep 6, 2011
Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.
Festivals

Telluride’s 38th Festival Underway in Colorado
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 2, 2011
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
Home

Telluride’s 38th Festival Underway in Colorado
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 2, 2011
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
September 8 2011

Telluride’s 38th Festival Underway in Colorado
Jackson Scarlett
Sep 2, 2011
Berkeley-programmed Festival is a favorite for cinephiles; features Caetano Veloso as 2011 Guest Director.
August 30, 2011

'Film Socialisme'
Sep 2, 2011
San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema sets sail with Jean-Luc Godard's 2010 provocation, 'Film Socialisme.' As Robert Avila writes in SF360.org later this week, the "playful, somber meditation on where history has brought us is brimming with ideas and aesthetic pleasures." Screenings begin September 2. More info on the new SFFS venue at Post Street (between Webster and Buchanan) in sffs.org.
Home

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure
Robert Avila
Sep 1, 2011
The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.
Reviews

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure
Robert Avila
Sep 1, 2011
The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.
September 1, 2011

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure
Robert Avila
Sep 1, 2011
The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.
Home

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma
Michael Fox
Aug 31, 2011
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
In Production

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma
Michael Fox
Aug 31, 2011
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
September 1, 2011

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma
Michael Fox
Aug 31, 2011
Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.
Home

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember
Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember
Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011
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.
September 1, 2011

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember
Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011
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.
Deadlines

Funding: The Roy W. Dean LA August Grant
Aug 30, 2011
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.
Home

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed
Susan Gerhard
Aug 26, 2011
Leggat’s eventful six-year tenure with the San Francisco Film Society changed an institution as well as the filmmaking landscape in the Bay Area and beyond.
In Depth

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed
Susan Gerhard
Aug 26, 2011
Leggat’s eventful six-year tenure with the San Francisco Film Society changed an institution as well as the filmmaking landscape in the Bay Area and beyond.
September 1, 2011

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed
Susan Gerhard
Aug 26, 2011
Leggat’s eventful six-year tenure with the San Francisco Film Society changed an institution as well as the filmmaking landscape in the Bay Area and beyond.
Home

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011
Susan Gerhard
Aug 25, 2011
Graham Leggat (b. March 12, 1960), executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, died at his San Francisco home on August 25, 2011, after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 51.
News & Blogs

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011
Susan Gerhard
Aug 25, 2011
Graham Leggat (b. March 12, 1960), executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, died at his San Francisco home on August 25, 2011, after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 51.
September 1, 2011

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011
Susan Gerhard
Aug 25, 2011
Graham Leggat (b. March 12, 1960), executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, died at his San Francisco home on August 25, 2011, after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 51.
August 25, 2011

PFA Animates with Bay Area Works
Jonathan Kiefer
Aug 24, 2011
SF State professor Karl Cohen’s animation collection investigates the nature of pictorial movement itself.
Home

PFA Animates with Bay Area Works
Jonathan Kiefer
Aug 24, 2011
SF State professor Karl Cohen’s animation collection investigates the nature of pictorial movement itself.
Reviews

PFA Animates with Bay Area Works
Jonathan Kiefer
Aug 24, 2011
SF State professor Karl Cohen’s animation collection investigates the nature of pictorial movement itself.
August 25, 2011

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World
Michael Fox
Aug 24, 2011
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
Home

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World
Michael Fox
Aug 24, 2011
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
News & Blogs

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World
Michael Fox
Aug 24, 2011
Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.
August 25, 2011

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Home

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
In Depth

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
November 24, 2010

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
November 3 2010

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Reviews

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Aug 23, 2011
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
August 25, 2011

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 22, 2011
The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.
Home

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 22, 2011
The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.
Q & A

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 22, 2011
The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.
August 25, 2011

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates
SF360 Staff
Aug 20, 2011
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
Home

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates
SF360 Staff
Aug 20, 2011
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
News & Blogs

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates
SF360 Staff
Aug 20, 2011
The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.
Home

'Vigilante, Vigilante' Opens Can of Worms
Michael Fox
Aug 18, 2011
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...
News & Blogs

'Vigilante, Vigilante' Opens Can of Worms
Michael Fox
Aug 18, 2011
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...
August 16, 2011

'The Makioka Sisters'
Aug 18, 2011
Pacific Film Archive screens 'The Makioka Sisters,' Kon Ichikawa's gorgeous and understated women's drama based on Tanizaki's novel of the same name. Lush color sequences of beautiful kimonos and cherry blossoms falling make this subtle masterpiece a joy to view on the large screen. New 35mm print shows Wednesday and Friday only. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
August 16, 2011

'Ugetsu' & 'Kwaidon'
Aug 18, 2011
Viz Cinema wraps up its Classic Summer Weekends series in style with two Japanese cinematic landmarks. Equally unforgettable and each ravishingly gorgeous, masterworks Kenji Mizoguchi's 'Ugetsu' and Masaski Kobayashi's 'Kwaidan' screen Saturday and Sunday respectively. More info at newpeopleworld.com.
August 16, 2011

'The African Queen'
Aug 18, 2011
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.
August 18, 2011

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister
Michael Fox
Aug 17, 2011
A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.
Home

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister
Michael Fox
Aug 17, 2011
A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.
In Production

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister
Michael Fox
Aug 17, 2011
A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.
August 18, 2011

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord
Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
Home

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord
Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
Reviews

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord
Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011
Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.
August 18, 2011

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.
Home

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.
Story Structure

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.
News & Blogs

SFFS Announces Winners of Spring 2011 SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants
Aug 15, 2011
The San Francisco Film Society and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation today announced the five winners and two honorable mentions of the fifth round of SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants. The grants are awarded twice annually to filmmakers for narrative feature films with social justice themes that will have significant economic or professional impact on the Bay Area filmmaking community. Between 2009 and 2013 the SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants will award nearly $2.5 million, including a total of $788,000 already awarded in the first five grant rounds.

Carlton Evans and Matthew Lessner (Ross), $50,000 for screenwriting; Aurora Guerrero (Mosquita y Mari), $88,000 for postproduction; Adam Keker (National Park), $35,000 for screenwriting; Timothy Kelly (The Cherokee Word for Water), $75,000 for production; Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of a Southern Wild), $55,000 for postproduction. Honorable Mentions went to: John Dilly (Rubbish), development and Ian Olds (The Western Habit), screenwriting. More at sffs.org.
August 18, 2011

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp
Kim Nunley
Aug 12, 2011
The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.
Home

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp
Kim Nunley
Aug 12, 2011
The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.
News & Blogs

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp
Kim Nunley
Aug 12, 2011
The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.
August 11, 2011

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay
Max Goldberg
Aug 11, 2011
Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.
Home

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay
Max Goldberg
Aug 11, 2011
Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.
Reviews

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay
Max Goldberg
Aug 11, 2011
Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.
August 11, 2011

Field Shoots ‘MLK in Palestine’ on the Fly
Michael Fox
Aug 10, 2011
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
Home

Field Shoots ‘MLK in Palestine’ on the Fly
Michael Fox
Aug 10, 2011
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
In Production

Field Shoots ‘MLK in Palestine’ on the Fly
Michael Fox
Aug 10, 2011
Connie Field makes a radical shift to verité filmmaking, accompanied by an equally momentous switch in fundraising strategy with her latest project.
August 9,2011

'Meek's Cutoff' & 'Limbo'
Aug 10, 2011
The venerable Castro screen hosts a double feature of Kelly Reichardt's Malick-like 'Meek's Cutoff' and John Sayles' equally existentialist 'Limbo,' itself a good primer for less familiar viewers anticipating the release of his new film 'Amigo' in the coming months. More info castrotheatre.com.
August 9,2011

'Between Two Worlds'
Aug 10, 2011
Film buffs that missed SFJFF entry 'Between Two Worlds' at this year's festival have another opportunity to see the doc this week at the Roxie. A loose series of events beginning with the festival's own highly controversial screening of 'Rachel' in 2009, 'Between Two Worlds' is moored by a sublime ambient soundtrack by guitarist Fred Firth. For analysis, check out Ruby Rich's in-depth feature here on SF360. Filmmakers Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman will be present for Q&A for 7:00 pm screenings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More info at roxie.com.
August 11, 2011

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’
Sean Uyehara
Aug 8, 2011
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
Home

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’
Sean Uyehara
Aug 8, 2011
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
Q & A

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’
Sean Uyehara
Aug 8, 2011
The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’
August 2, 2011

'Crime After Crime'
Aug 8, 2011
San Francisco International Film Festival audience-award winner and Sundance standout 'Crime After Crime' opens Friday at the Roxie. This week in SF360, Judy Stone profiles Yoav Potash, the director of the doc, which covers five years of the life and trials of Deborah Peagler, a woman serving 25-years-to-life for her involvement in the murder of her abuser. Potash will appear with guests for Q&A following some screenings. More info at roxie.com.
August 11, 2011

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight
B. Ruby Rich
Aug 5, 2011
Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.
Home

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight
B. Ruby Rich
Aug 5, 2011
Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.
In Depth

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight
B. Ruby Rich
Aug 5, 2011
Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.
August 4, 2011

McDonagh Finds Success in Family Path with 'The Guard'
Dennis Harvey
Aug 4, 2011
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
Home

McDonagh Finds Success in Family Path with 'The Guard'
Dennis Harvey
Aug 4, 2011
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
Reviews

McDonagh Finds Success in Family Path with 'The Guard'
Dennis Harvey
Aug 4, 2011
John Michael McDonagh's first feature echos the blackly comedic tenor of his ('In Bruges') brother Martin's oeuvre.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: 'Graham Leggat Takes a Bow at Tosca'
Aug 4, 2011
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.
August 4, 2011

Minott Tracks ‘Illness’ to Guam
Michael Fox
Aug 3, 2011
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
Home

Minott Tracks ‘Illness’ to Guam
Michael Fox
Aug 3, 2011
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
In Production

Minott Tracks ‘Illness’ to Guam
Michael Fox
Aug 3, 2011
Berry Minott's work-in-progress travels to Guam seeking a cure, puzzling over scientific mystery.
August 4, 2011

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
Home

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
Reviews

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'
Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011
Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.
August 4, 2011

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience
Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
Home

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience
Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
Q & A

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience
Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
July 26, 2011

'Idiots and Angels' with Bill Plympton
Aug 1, 2011
Monday through Wednesday, the embattled Balboa Theatre screens Bill Plympton's outrageous, irreverent silent work, 'Idiots and Angels,' alongside acclaimed short 'The Cow that Wanted to be a Hamburger' and other undisclosed treasures from the director's oeuvre. Plympton will be in attendance to conduct a "Master Class," including a drawing demonstration and discussion, at each screening. More info at balboamovies.com.
July 26, 2011

'Red Cliff' and 'Red Cliff II' Uncut
Aug 1, 2011
4 Star Theatre screens John Woo's sweeping, polarizing 'Red Cliff,' still Asia's largest production at $80 million, along with its sequel 'Red Cliff II', his most recent film. Both films play uncut, on the original celluloid. More info at lntsf.com.
August 4, 2011

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.
Home

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.
Reviews

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.
Home

Essential SF: ‘Freedom On My Mind,’ ‘The Good War’
Michael Fox
Jul 28, 2011
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
In Depth

Essential SF: ‘Freedom On My Mind,’ ‘The Good War’
Michael Fox
Jul 28, 2011
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
July 28, 2011

Essential SF: ‘Freedom On My Mind,’ ‘The Good War’
Michael Fox
Jul 28, 2011
The best of the Bay Area's historical docs transform our understanding of previous eras, and, consequently, our own.
Home

Notes on Leveraging the Big Bash Climax
Karen Everett
Jul 27, 2011
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
July 28, 2011

Notes on Leveraging the Big Bash Climax
Karen Everett
Jul 27, 2011
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
Story Structure

Notes on Leveraging the Big Bash Climax
Karen Everett
Jul 27, 2011
The planned "reversal" gives documentary filmmakers a means to build drama from otherwise anti-climactic moments.
april 22 2011

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment
Dennis Harvey
Jul 26, 2011
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
April 28, 2011

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment
Dennis Harvey
Jul 26, 2011
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Home

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment
Dennis Harvey
Jul 26, 2011
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
July 28, 2011

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment
Dennis Harvey
Jul 26, 2011
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
Reviews

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment
Dennis Harvey
Jul 26, 2011
Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.
July 19, 2011

Marius Watz: Automatic Writing
Jul 22, 2011
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.
Festivals

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
Home

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
July 28, 2011

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011
SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.
July 19, 2011

Last Showing: 'Harold and Maude'
Jul 22, 2011
SF institution The Red Vic Movie House celebrates both its anniversary and its closure with screenings of house favorite 'Harold and Maude'—perhaps the quintessential quirky romantic comedy. Those who haven't seen 'Harold and Maude' since its release will delight to revisit its many Bay Area locations and Cat Stevens soundtrack. Red Vic promises a "special birthday treat" for Monday's attendees. More info redvicmoviehouse.com
Home

Generator Everything
Bruce Sterling
Jul 21, 2011
'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.'
In Depth

Generator Everything
Bruce Sterling
Jul 21, 2011
'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.'
July 21, 2011

Generator Everything
Bruce Sterling
Jul 21, 2011
'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.'
July 19, 2011

'Diva'
Jul 21, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: 'Gary Meyer Leaving Balboa Theatre'
Jul 21, 2011
"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.
Home

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’
Michael Fox
Jul 20, 2011
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
In Depth

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’
Michael Fox
Jul 20, 2011
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
July 21, 2011

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’
Michael Fox
Jul 20, 2011
Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.
Home

Avoiding Turbulence Leads to Plot Trouble
Lisa Rosenberg
Jul 19, 2011
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
July 21, 2011

Avoiding Turbulence Leads to Plot Trouble
Lisa Rosenberg
Jul 19, 2011
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
Screenwriting

Avoiding Turbulence Leads to Plot Trouble
Lisa Rosenberg
Jul 19, 2011
Note to screenwriters: Don’t defeat the promise of your story by pulling your punches.
Home

Striking Skolimowski Films Rescued from Obscurity at PFA
Dennis Harvey
Jul 18, 2011
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
July 21, 2011

Striking Skolimowski Films Rescued from Obscurity at PFA
Dennis Harvey
Jul 18, 2011
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
Reviews

Striking Skolimowski Films Rescued from Obscurity at PFA
Dennis Harvey
Jul 18, 2011
Pacific Film Archive’s ‘Hands Up! Essential Skolimowski’ surveys the Polish director’s confounding oeuvre.
Home

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc
Adam Hartzell
Jul 15, 2011
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
July 21, 2011

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc
Adam Hartzell
Jul 15, 2011
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Q & A

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc
Adam Hartzell
Jul 15, 2011
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
July 12, 2011

'Skatetown, U.S.A.'
Jul 15, 2011
Roxie presents as-yet-unreleased-to-DVD 'Skatetown, U.S.A.,' Patrick Swayze's first on-screen appearance. The big-budget camp classic, presented on film in all its sparkling, neon-pink, disco-soaked glory, will be accompanied by a "roller disco" at Cellspace. More info roxie.com.
July 12, 2011

Silent Film Festival
Jul 14, 2011
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.
Home

Essential SF: 'Holy Ghost People,' 'Samsara'
Michael Fox
Jul 13, 2011
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
In Depth

Essential SF: 'Holy Ghost People,' 'Samsara'
Michael Fox
Jul 13, 2011
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
July 14, 2011

Essential SF: 'Holy Ghost People,' 'Samsara'
Michael Fox
Jul 13, 2011
SF filmmakers Peter Adair and Ellen Bruno created classics on religious intensity.
Home

The Naked Truth on Nudity in Film
George Rush
Jul 12, 2011
A legal expert offers advice on staying within the law while shedding extra layers.
July 14, 2011

The Naked Truth on Nudity in Film
George Rush
Jul 12, 2011
A legal expert offers advice on staying within the law while shedding extra layers.
Legal

The Naked Truth on Nudity in Film
George Rush
Jul 12, 2011
A legal expert offers advice on staying within the law while shedding extra layers.
Home

Torres Story Gains Focus
Kim Nunley
Jul 11, 2011
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
July 14, 2011

Torres Story Gains Focus
Kim Nunley
Jul 11, 2011
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Q & A

Torres Story Gains Focus
Kim Nunley
Jul 11, 2011
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
July 5, 2011

'The Big Uneasy'
Jul 10, 2011
Playing at Roxie, new Katrina doc 'The Big Uneasy,' questions the levees' failure in New Orleans and uncovers impending dangers in the city's future. Director and comedian Harry Shearer is scheduled to appear at both evening screenings on July 10. More at roxie.com.
Home

Weitz Explores the Other L.A. with 'A Better Life'
Dennis Harvey
Jul 8, 2011
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
July 14, 2011

Weitz Explores the Other L.A. with 'A Better Life'
Dennis Harvey
Jul 8, 2011
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
July 7, 2011

Weitz Explores the Other L.A. with 'A Better Life'
Dennis Harvey
Jul 8, 2011
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
Reviews

Weitz Explores the Other L.A. with 'A Better Life'
Dennis Harvey
Jul 8, 2011
'A Better Life' succeeds as an L.A.-set remake of bleak Italian neorealist classic 'The Bicycle Thief.'
Home

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’
Michael Fox
Jul 7, 2011
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
In Depth

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’
Michael Fox
Jul 7, 2011
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
July 7, 2011

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’
Michael Fox
Jul 7, 2011
Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.
July 5, 2011

'Cave of Forgotten Dreams'
Jul 7, 2011
Viewers that may have missed the original run of Herzog's astounding 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' have three "last" chances to catch it in the luxurious, historic environs of the Castro Theatre. Screens in 3D. More at castrotheatre.com.
News & Blogs

Red Vic Movie House to Close July 25
Jul 7, 2011
The Red Vic collective announced today that after 31 years of continuous operation as a cooperatively-run, single screen neighborhood theater, the theater will be closing its doors July 25.
Home

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’
Susan Gerhard
Jul 6, 2011
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
July 7, 2011

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’
Susan Gerhard
Jul 6, 2011
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
Q & A

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’
Susan Gerhard
Jul 6, 2011
A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.
Home

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society
Jul 5, 2011
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
July 7, 2011

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society
Jul 5, 2011
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
News & Blogs

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society
Jul 5, 2011
Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.
Festivals

Silverdocs 2011: A Festival with Legs
Sara Dosa
Jul 1, 2011
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
Home

Silverdocs 2011: A Festival with Legs
Sara Dosa
Jul 1, 2011
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
July 7, 2011

Silverdocs 2011: A Festival with Legs
Sara Dosa
Jul 1, 2011
A film festival and conference offered audiences and makers opportunities to move forward.
June 28, 2011

'Watch out for Children' Triple Feature
Jul 1, 2011
Jesse Hawthorne Ficks, with his SF institution Midnites for Maniacs, presents a trio of “troubled teen” classics: ‘Tex,’ ‘River's Edge’ and the extremely rare ‘Over the Edge’ for a single admission price. Directors Tim Hunter, Jonathan Kaplan and others will be in attendance at the screening. More at roxie.com. Look for a full 'Over the Edge' feature by Dennis Harvey in Tuesday's edition of SF360.org.
News & Blogs

Ninth Street Announces Incubator Participants
Jul 1, 2011
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.
Home

Border Trouble Comes to Pacific Film Archive
Max Goldberg
Jun 30, 2011
New series spotlights the fascination with Mexico in American noir.
June 30, 2011

Border Trouble Comes to Pacific Film Archive
Max Goldberg
Jun 30, 2011
New series spotlights the fascination with Mexico in American noir.
Reviews

Border Trouble Comes to Pacific Film Archive
Max Goldberg
Jun 30, 2011
New series spotlights the fascination with Mexico in American noir.
Home

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory
Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
In Production

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory
Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
June 30, 2011

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory
Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011
Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.
Home

‘Over the Edge’ Emerges from ‘Cult-Favorite’ Closet
Dennis Harvey
Jun 28, 2011
Ficks’ ‘Watch out for Children’ triple bill features a long lost career-lanching teen-drama gem.
June 30, 2011

‘Over the Edge’ Emerges from ‘Cult-Favorite’ Closet
Dennis Harvey
Jun 28, 2011
Ficks’ ‘Watch out for Children’ triple bill features a long lost career-lanching teen-drama gem.
Reviews

‘Over the Edge’ Emerges from ‘Cult-Favorite’ Closet
Dennis Harvey
Jun 28, 2011
Ficks’ ‘Watch out for Children’ triple bill features a long lost career-lanching teen-drama gem.
June 21, 2011

'Forgetting Dad'
Jun 27, 2011
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.
Festivals

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011
One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.
Home

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011
One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.
June 30, 2011

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life
Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011
One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.
Festivals

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus
Matt Sussman
Jun 25, 2011
It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.
Home

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus
Matt Sussman
Jun 25, 2011
It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.
June 30, 2011

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus
Matt Sussman
Jun 25, 2011
It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.
Home

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'
Adam Hartzell
Jun 24, 2011
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
June 23 2011

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'
Adam Hartzell
Jun 24, 2011
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Reviews

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'
Adam Hartzell
Jun 24, 2011
Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.
Home

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home
Jun 23, 2011
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...
June 23 2011

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home
Jun 23, 2011
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...
June 23, 2011

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home
Jun 23, 2011
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...
June 21, 2011

'Oki's Movie'
Jun 23, 2011
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.
Home

Voluntary Organ Donor Inspires Krawitz
Michael Fox
Jun 22, 2011
Filmmaker Jan Krawitz explores the nature of altruism in a story about a woman seeking to donate an organ to a perfect stranger.
In Production

Voluntary Organ Donor Inspires Krawitz
Michael Fox
Jun 22, 2011
Filmmaker Jan Krawitz explores the nature of altruism in a story about a woman seeking to donate an organ to a perfect stranger.
June 23 2011

Voluntary Organ Donor Inspires Krawitz
Michael Fox
Jun 22, 2011
Filmmaker Jan Krawitz explores the nature of altruism in a story about a woman seeking to donate an organ to a perfect stranger.
June 23, 2011

Voluntary Organ Donor Inspires Krawitz
Michael Fox
Jun 22, 2011
Filmmaker Jan Krawitz explores the nature of altruism in a story about a woman seeking to donate an organ to a perfect stranger.
Home

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced
Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
June 23 2011

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced
Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
June 23, 2011

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced
Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Q & A

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced
Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011
Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.
Home

Percifield Runs with Board of Supes Candidate
Michael Fox
Jun 19, 2011
First-time doc-maker Dain Percifield offers notes on capturing the highs and lows of drag queen Anna Conda's 2010 run for S.F. Supervisor.
June 23 2011

Percifield Runs with Board of Supes Candidate
Michael Fox
Jun 19, 2011
First-time doc-maker Dain Percifield offers notes on capturing the highs and lows of drag queen Anna Conda's 2010 run for S.F. Supervisor.
June 23, 2011

Percifield Runs with Board of Supes Candidate
Michael Fox
Jun 19, 2011
First-time doc-maker Dain Percifield offers notes on capturing the highs and lows of drag queen Anna Conda's 2010 run for S.F. Supervisor.
Q & A

Percifield Runs with Board of Supes Candidate
Michael Fox
Jun 19, 2011
First-time doc-maker Dain Percifield offers notes on capturing the highs and lows of drag queen Anna Conda's 2010 run for S.F. Supervisor.
June 14, 2011

'These Amazing Shadows'
Jun 19, 2011
Directors Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton inspect the treasures held in the Library of Congress' revered National Film Registry and consider their lasting impact on the American experience. The locally made doc features insightful interviews with prominent celebrities and critics. Both filmmakers will be present for Q&A after screening at Smith Rafael Film Center. More at cafilm.org.
Home

Vintage Kinski Uncorked at YBCA
Dennis Harvey
Jun 17, 2011
YBCA digs a delightfully disturbing live Kinski document from the archives.
Reviews

Vintage Kinski Uncorked at YBCA
Dennis Harvey
Jun 17, 2011
YBCA digs a delightfully disturbing live Kinski document from the archives.
Festivals

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program
Dennis Harvey
Jun 16, 2011
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
Home

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program
Dennis Harvey
Jun 16, 2011
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
June 16, 2011

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program
Dennis Harvey
Jun 16, 2011
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.
June 14, 2011

'Klaus Kinski: Jesus Christ the Savior'
Jun 16, 2011
Herzog "best fiend" Klaus Kinski battles hecklers and personal ghosts in this newly restored print of his 1971 one-man show, one of scant few opportunities for English audiences to bear witness to his truly unhinged, but deeply compelling public persona. Plays at YBCA; more info YBCA.org.
Home

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area
Michael Fox
Jun 15, 2011
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
In Production

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area
Michael Fox
Jun 15, 2011
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
June 16, 2011

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area
Michael Fox
Jun 15, 2011
One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.
June 14, 2011

'David Holzman's Diary'
Jun 15, 2011
Indie/art-film portal Fandor screens the rare and influential mock-doc 'David Holzman's Diary' at the Victoria Theatre. Filmmaker Jim McBride will be in attendance. Free, RSVP required. More at eventbrite.com.
Home

We Want Answers
Karen Everett
Jun 14, 2011
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
June 16, 2011

We Want Answers
Karen Everett
Jun 14, 2011
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
Story Structure

We Want Answers
Karen Everett
Jun 14, 2011
Asking the right questions is an art; a consultant speaks on how to conduct documentary interviews that will help structure your film.
Home

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’
Michael Fox
Jun 13, 2011
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
June 16, 2011

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’
Michael Fox
Jun 13, 2011
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
Q & A

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’
Michael Fox
Jun 13, 2011
An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.
June 7, 2011

‘The Hush’
Jun 11, 2011
The Historic Bal Theatre brings us a screening of Bay Area filmmaker Vincent Cortez’s latest feature, ‘The Hush,’ a 2011 Oakland International Film Festival selection and LA Festival honorable mention. The film is a locally shot supernatural film noir piece that has a hitman looking for redemption. More at mitchellstreetpictures.com.
June 9, 2011

‘The Hush’
Jun 11, 2011
The Historic Bal Theatre brings us a screening of Bay Area filmmaker Vincent Cortez’s latest feature, ‘The Hush,’ a 2011 Oakland International Film Festival selection and LA Festival honorable mention. The film is a locally shot supernatural film noir piece that has a hitman looking for redemption. More at mitchellstreetpictures.com.
Home

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride
Dennis Harvey
Jun 10, 2011
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
June 16, 2011

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride
Dennis Harvey
Jun 10, 2011
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
Reviews

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride
Dennis Harvey
Jun 10, 2011
An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.
June 7, 2011

‘Kuroneko’
Jun 10, 2011
Red Vic Movie House offers up Kaneto Shindo’s 1968 Japanese horror masterpiece ‘Kuroneko.’ More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
June 9, 2011

‘Kuroneko’
Jun 10, 2011
Red Vic Movie House offers up Kaneto Shindo’s 1968 Japanese horror masterpiece ‘Kuroneko.’ More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
June 7, 2011

Cult of the Kuchars
Jun 10, 2011
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.
June 7, 2011

Arthur Penn, a Liberal Helping
Jun 10, 2011
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.
June 7, 2011

‘My Heart Is an Idiot’
Jun 10, 2011
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.
June 9, 2011

‘My Heart Is an Idiot’
Jun 10, 2011
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.
June 7, 2011

‘Bride Flight’
Jun 10, 2011
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.
Home

Celebrating a Reel Education
Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011
San Francisco Film Society commemorates 20 years of education programs in 2011. Since 1991, the San Francisco Film Society has been educating youth in film, but it’s not all elementary, or middle, or high school-oriented: What began as a K–12 Schools at the Festival program that brought students and international cinema together has, 20 years later, grown into year-round educational programming that serves not just under-18s, but lifelong learners, professional and novice filmmakers and university students.
June 9, 2011

Celebrating a Reel Education
Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011
San Francisco Film Society commemorates 20 years of education programs in 2011. Since 1991, the San Francisco Film Society has been educating youth in film, but it’s not all elementary, or middle, or high school-oriented: What began as a K–12 Schools at the Festival program that brought students and international cinema together has, 20 years later, grown into year-round educational programming that serves not just under-18s, but lifelong learners, professional and novice filmmakers and university students.
News & Blogs

Celebrating a Reel Education
Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011
San Francisco Film Society commemorates 20 years of education programs in 2011. Since 1991, the San Francisco Film Society has been educating youth in film, but it’s not all elementary, or middle, or high school-oriented: What began as a K–12 Schools at the Festival program that brought students and international cinema together has, 20 years later, grown into year-round educational programming that serves not just under-18s, but lifelong learners, professional and novice filmmakers and university students.
June 7, 2011

‘Playtime’
Jun 8, 2011
The 1967 nearly dialogue-free comedy ‘Playtime,’ which is the fourth feature and the most notably boldest piece from late French filmmaker-actor Jacques Tati, plays at Castro Theatre. More at castrotheatre.com.
Home

Richardson Wraps Circus ‘Net’
Michael Fox
Jun 7, 2011
A filmmaker finds the rigors of circus life match the rigors of growing up in poverty in Brazil.
In Production

Richardson Wraps Circus ‘Net’
Michael Fox
Jun 7, 2011
A filmmaker finds the rigors of circus life match the rigors of growing up in poverty in Brazil.
June 9, 2011

Richardson Wraps Circus ‘Net’
Michael Fox
Jun 7, 2011
A filmmaker finds the rigors of circus life match the rigors of growing up in poverty in Brazil.
First Person

Production Values: Michael Whalen
Adrianne Anderson
Jun 6, 2011
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
Home

Production Values: Michael Whalen
Adrianne Anderson
Jun 6, 2011
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
June 9, 2011

Production Values: Michael Whalen
Adrianne Anderson
Jun 6, 2011
Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.
Home

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday
Dennis Harvey
Jun 3, 2011
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
June 9, 2011

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday
Dennis Harvey
Jun 3, 2011
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Reviews

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday
Dennis Harvey
Jun 3, 2011
A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Festivals

Another Hole in the Head Scares Up New Round
Dennis Harvey
Jun 2, 2011
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
Home

Another Hole in the Head Scares Up New Round
Dennis Harvey
Jun 2, 2011
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
June 2, 2011

Another Hole in the Head Scares Up New Round
Dennis Harvey
Jun 2, 2011
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
June 9, 2011

Another Hole in the Head Scares Up New Round
Dennis Harvey
Jun 2, 2011
The adventure of Another Hole in the Head Film Festival requires you risk seeing the occasional dud to seek out the gems.
May 31, 2011

Sidney Lumet Double Feature
Jun 2, 2011
Castro Theatre hosts a double feature of Oscar-nominated Sidney Lumet films, beginning with 1976’s ‘Network’ and following with 1957’s ’12 Angry Men.’ More castrotheatre.com.
May 31, 2011

‘The Best & The Brightest’
Jun 2, 2011
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.
Home

‘Kiss the Cook’ Sparks Weidlinger’s Appetite
Michael Fox
Jun 1, 2011
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
In Production

‘Kiss the Cook’ Sparks Weidlinger’s Appetite
Michael Fox
Jun 1, 2011
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
June 2, 2011

‘Kiss the Cook’ Sparks Weidlinger’s Appetite
Michael Fox
Jun 1, 2011
Tom Weidlinger creates a cooking show that offers surprises for the slow-foodie.
Home

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.
June 2, 2011

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.
Q & A

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.
May 17, 2011

‘Big in Bollywood’
May 29, 2011
Red Vic Movie House hosts ‘Big In Bollywood,’ a film about a struggling 27-year-old actor who lands a dream role in a overly successful Bollywood film. Directors Kenny Meehan and Bill Bowles are in attendance. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
May 24, 2011

‘Big in Bollywood’
May 29, 2011
Red Vic Movie House hosts ‘Big In Bollywood,’ a film about a struggling 27-year-old actor who lands a dream role in a overly successful Bollywood film. Directors Kenny Meehan and Bill Bowles are in attendance. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
May 24, 2011

‘Kamikaze Girls’
May 29, 2011
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.
Home

'Into Eternity' Ponders a Present-Day Paradox
Susan Gerhard
May 27, 2011
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
June 2, 2011

'Into Eternity' Ponders a Present-Day Paradox
Susan Gerhard
May 27, 2011
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
Reviews

'Into Eternity' Ponders a Present-Day Paradox
Susan Gerhard
May 27, 2011
Danish filmmaker/artist Michael Madsen turns questions around a European nuclear-waste project into an operatic doc.
May 24, 2011

The Castro Remembers Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011
May 27, 2011
Castro Theatre pays tribute to the Dame Elizabeth Taylor with six days of benefit double features, beginning with 1958’s ‘Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,’ in which Taylor performs alongside Paul Newman, and 1959’s ‘Suddenly, Last Summer,’ also featuring Katherine Hepburn. More at castrotheatre.com.
Festivals

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival
Susan Gerhard/Michael Fox
May 25, 2011
Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.
Home

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival
Susan Gerhard/Michael Fox
May 25, 2011
Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.
May 26, 2011

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival
Susan Gerhard/Michael Fox
May 25, 2011
Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.
Home

Patrick Raises Child ‘Booksellers’
Michael Fox
May 24, 2011
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
In Production

Patrick Raises Child ‘Booksellers’
Michael Fox
May 24, 2011
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
May 26, 2011

Patrick Raises Child ‘Booksellers’
Michael Fox
May 24, 2011
S. Smith Patrick shares purpose with the children she films.
Home

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain
Adam Hartzell
May 23, 2011
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
May 26, 2011

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain
Adam Hartzell
May 23, 2011
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
Q & A

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain
Adam Hartzell
May 23, 2011
Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.
May 17, 2011

‘Eatrip’
May 21, 2011
Viz Cinema at New People hosts the DVD release of the establishment's personal favorite food film, ‘Eatrip,’ a lyrical documentary that explores the impact that sharing food has on personal relationships by specifically looking at the food culture of Japan. Those that attend the screening can purchase a poster and the DVD. More at newpeopleworld.com.
Home

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway
Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
May 26, 2011

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway
Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
Q & A

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway
Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011
A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.
Home

YBCA Revisits Vintage Erotica
Dennis Harvey
May 19, 2011
YBCA uncorks another era's eros.
May 19, 2011

YBCA Revisits Vintage Erotica
Dennis Harvey
May 19, 2011
YBCA uncorks another era's eros.
Reviews

YBCA Revisits Vintage Erotica
Dennis Harvey
May 19, 2011
YBCA uncorks another era's eros.
May 10, 2011

I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost
May 19, 2011
Roxie Theater brings in two weeks of rare film noir in its I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost program. A full 14 double features, including ‘The Web’ and ‘711 Ocean Drive,’ are presented in 35mm prints. More at roxie.com.
May 17, 2011

I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost
May 19, 2011
Roxie Theater brings in two weeks of rare film noir in its I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost program. A full 14 double features, including ‘The Web’ and ‘711 Ocean Drive,’ are presented in 35mm prints. More at roxie.com.
May 17, 2011

Coen Brothers Double Feature
May 19, 2011
Castro Theatre hosts a double feature of films by writers-directors Joel and Ethan Coen, beginning with 1987's ‘Raising Arizona’ and followed by 1998's ‘The Big Lebowski.’ More at castrotheatre.com.
May 17, 2011

‘My Brother Mike’
May 19, 2011
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.
May 24, 2011

The Art of ‘Howl’ at the Cartoon Art Museum
May 19, 2011
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.
Home

Antonelli Contrasts Africa’s ‘Killing Seasons’
Michael Fox
May 18, 2011
John Antonelli finds good news, bad news and plenty of drama in African environmental stories.
May 19, 2011

Antonelli Contrasts Africa’s ‘Killing Seasons’
Michael Fox
May 18, 2011
John Antonelli finds good news, bad news and plenty of drama in African environmental stories.
Home

New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre
Karen Everett
May 17, 2011
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
May 19, 2011

New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre
Karen Everett
May 17, 2011
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Story Structure

New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre
Karen Everett
May 17, 2011
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Home

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV
Adam Hartzell
May 16, 2011
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
May 19, 2011

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV
Adam Hartzell
May 16, 2011
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
Q & A

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV
Adam Hartzell
May 16, 2011
The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.
Home

Lost Legends Haunt Roxie's Latest Noir Series
Matt Sussman
May 13, 2011
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
May 19, 2011

Lost Legends Haunt Roxie's Latest Noir Series
Matt Sussman
May 13, 2011
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
Reviews

Lost Legends Haunt Roxie's Latest Noir Series
Matt Sussman
May 13, 2011
The devil is in the details of I Wake Up Screaming, the Roxie's annual two-week spring celebration of noir's shadiest titles.
May 10, 2011

‘The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry
May 13, 2011
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.
May 10, 2011

Legacy Film Festival on Aging
May 13, 2011
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.
May 10, 2011

‘The Double Hour (La Doppia Ora)’
May 13, 2011
‘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.
May 10, 2011

Midnites for Maniacs
May 13, 2011
Castro Theatre celebrates Friday the 13th with Midnites for Maniacs, a late night triple feature including 1979's ‘Rock ‘N Roll High School,’ 1980's ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Out of the Blue.’ The collection is curated and hosted by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks. More at castrotheatre.com.
Home

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe
B. Ruby Rich
May 12, 2011
'Nostalgia for the Light' may be the most optimistic film in Guzmán's oeuvre, but he still knows how to make us cry, mourn and remember.
May 12, 2011

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe
B. Ruby Rich
May 12, 2011
'Nostalgia for the Light' may be the most optimistic film in Guzmán's oeuvre, but he still knows how to make us cry, mourn and remember.
Reviews

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe
B. Ruby Rich
May 12, 2011
'Nostalgia for the Light' may be the most optimistic film in Guzmán's oeuvre, but he still knows how to make us cry, mourn and remember.
May 10, 2011

‘COINTELPRO 101’
May 12, 2011
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.
Home

Devor Mulls Odd Journey of Sara Jane Moore
Michael Fox
May 11, 2011
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
In Production

Devor Mulls Odd Journey of Sara Jane Moore
Michael Fox
May 11, 2011
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
May 12, 2011

Devor Mulls Odd Journey of Sara Jane Moore
Michael Fox
May 11, 2011
'Zoo' director Robinson Devor uncovers the strange history behind the Gerald Ford assassination attempt in ’70s San Francisco.
Home

Bold Moves, Peril Define Great Third Acts
Lisa Rosenberg
May 10, 2011
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
May 12, 2011

Bold Moves, Peril Define Great Third Acts
Lisa Rosenberg
May 10, 2011
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
Screenwriting

Bold Moves, Peril Define Great Third Acts
Lisa Rosenberg
May 10, 2011
The best advice for creating the perfect Act III? Surprise yourself.
Home

Gifts My Mother Gave Me
Michael Guillen
May 8, 2011
Filmmakers, critics and fans celebrate their mothers’ unique, eccentric, foundational contributions to their movie-loving lives.
May 12, 2011

Gifts My Mother Gave Me
Michael Guillen
May 8, 2011
Filmmakers, critics and fans celebrate their mothers’ unique, eccentric, foundational contributions to their movie-loving lives.
Q & A

Gifts My Mother Gave Me
Michael Guillen
May 8, 2011
Filmmakers, critics and fans celebrate their mothers’ unique, eccentric, foundational contributions to their movie-loving lives.
Home

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece
Michael Read
May 7, 2011
Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'
May 12, 2011

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece
Michael Read
May 7, 2011
Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'
Reviews

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece
Michael Read
May 7, 2011
Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'
Home

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
May 12, 2011

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
Q & A

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
May 3, 2011

‘These Amazing Shadows’
May 6, 2011
Opening weekend of ‘These Amazing Shadows,’ a docu on American movies, features Q&As with its Bay Area filmmakers, as well as other local figures, including SF Chron critic Mick LaSalle, SF Public Defender (and filmmaker) Jeff Adachi and cinematographer Frazer Bradshaw. More at theseamazingshadows.com.
Home

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
May 12, 2011

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
Q & A

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show
Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011
Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.
May 3, 2011

SFIFF54 Closing Night
May 5, 2011
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.
Home

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer
Stephanie Rosenbaum
May 4, 2011
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
May 5, 2011

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer
Stephanie Rosenbaum
May 4, 2011
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
Reviews

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer
Stephanie Rosenbaum
May 4, 2011
Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’
Home

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration
Michael Fox
May 3, 2011
Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.
In Production

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration
Michael Fox
May 3, 2011
Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.
May 5, 2011

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration
Michael Fox
May 3, 2011
Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.
May 3, 2011

‘William Burroughs: A Man Within’
May 3, 2011
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.
May 3, 2011

SFIFF: ‘American Teacher’/20 Years of Schools at the Festival
May 3, 2011
SFFS's Schools at the Festival toasts its 20 years with clips, stories, tributes, food and drink (5:00 pm), followed by a special Teacher Appreciation Night screening of ‘American Teacher’ (6:30 pm), a documentary exploring the frustrating realities facing public school teachers, with special guests in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
May 3, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Letters from the Big Man’
May 3, 2011
‘Letters from the Big Man,’ a story of a friendship built between a young woman and a sasquatch, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas and New People with director Christopher Munch in town. More at fest11.sffs.org.
May 3, 2011

SFIFF: ‘The Joy’
May 3, 2011
A 16-year-old teenager overcomes the harsh realities of life in Rio de Janeiro by using her imagination in ‘The Joy,’ which plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. Director Felipe Bragança in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Festivals

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight
Robert Avila
May 2, 2011
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Home

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight
Robert Avila
May 2, 2011
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
May 5, 2011

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight
Robert Avila
May 2, 2011
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Circumstance’
May 1, 2011
The Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner, ‘Circumstance,’ which tells the story of two Iranian women who fall in love, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on May 1 and May 3. Director Maryam Keshavarz attends each screening of her debut feature. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘The Salesman’
May 1, 2011
‘The Salesman,’ a feature that follows an aging car salesman in a struggling Quebec town, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on May 1 and Pacific Film Archive on May 3. Director Sebastian Pilote attends the screenings. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 28, 2011

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV
Carmen Winant
Apr 30, 2011
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
Festivals

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV
Carmen Winant
Apr 30, 2011
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
Home

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV
Carmen Winant
Apr 30, 2011
In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF Centerpiece: ‘Terri’
Apr 30, 2011
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.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘The Selling’
Apr 29, 2011
San Francisco director Emily Lou attends the screening of her comedic horror film, ‘The Selling,’ which tells the story of a real estate agent who struggles to sell a haunted house. Film plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Festivals

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.
Home

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.
May 5, 2011

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.
Festivals

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.
Home

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.
May 5, 2011

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.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Asleep In The Sun’
Apr 28, 2011
The metaphysical mystery ‘Asleep In The Sun,’ featuring a watchmaker and his dog-loving wife in the 1950s, plays at Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on April 28 and New People on April 30, with director Alejandro Chomski in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 28, 2011

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future
Michael Fox
Apr 27, 2011
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
Home

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future
Michael Fox
Apr 27, 2011
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
In Production

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future
Michael Fox
Apr 27, 2011
The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘She Monkeys’
Apr 27, 2011
‘She Monkeys,’ a coming-of-age psychological drama about the friendship and competitiveness of two teenage females fighting for a spot on the local equestrian vaulting team, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on April 25 and 26, with director Lisa Aschan in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Crime After Crime’
Apr 27, 2011
Bay Area director Yoav Potash attends screenings of his documentary ‘Crime After Crime,’ which showcases the story of a female prisoner and the two pro bono lawyers who fight for her release over five and a half years. The film plays at Pacific Film Archive on April 27 and Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on May 2. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 28, 2011

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire
Dennis Harvey
Apr 26, 2011
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
Festivals

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire
Dennis Harvey
Apr 26, 2011
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
Home

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire
Dennis Harvey
Apr 26, 2011
A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.
April 26, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Better This World’
Apr 26, 2011
Bay Area directors are high profile in the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival; catch them in person this week. Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega appear Tuesday with Bradley Crowder, a principal of ‘Better This World,’ a documentary that traces the paths of activists deemed the "Texas Two." The film plays at Pacific Film Archive on April 26 and Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on April 29. More at fest11.sffs.org.
April 28, 2011

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award
Dennis Harvey
Apr 25, 2011
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
Festivals

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award
Dennis Harvey
Apr 25, 2011
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
Home

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award
Dennis Harvey
Apr 25, 2011
Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.
News & Blogs

New People Entertainment Launches Online Channel
Apr 25, 2011
Press release: New People Entertainment, a film division of New People, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced the beta launch of its own exclusive web channel where audiences will be able to stream a variety of the company’s films and content. More at newpeoplechannel.com.
April 28, 2011

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards
Kim Nunley
Apr 24, 2011
Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.
Festivals

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards
Kim Nunley
Apr 24, 2011
Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.
Home

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards
Kim Nunley
Apr 24, 2011
Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.
April 19, 2011

SFIFF State of Cinema: Christine Vachon
Apr 24, 2011
Renowned producer Christine Vachon addresses cinema in the year 2011, gleaning wisdom from her extensive career producing films, from 1995's ‘Kids’ to 1999's ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ to the recent HBO mini-series 'Mildred Pierce.' More at fest.sffs.org.
April 28, 2011

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises
Susan Gerhard
Apr 23, 2011
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
Festivals

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises
Susan Gerhard
Apr 23, 2011
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
Home

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises
Susan Gerhard
Apr 23, 2011
Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.
April 19, 2011

SFIFF: ‘Miss Representation’
Apr 22, 2011
‘Miss Representation,’ former San Francisco Mayoral First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom's documentary examining the impact of media on the self-image of female teenagers, screens Friday, with the filmmaker herself in town. More at fest11.sffs.org.
News & Blogs

Terence Stamp to Receive Peter J. Owens Award at 54th San Francisco International Film Festival
Apr 22, 2011
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.
april 22 2011

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins
Matt Sussman
Apr 21, 2011
As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.
Home

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins
Matt Sussman
Apr 21, 2011
As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.
Reviews

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins
Matt Sussman
Apr 21, 2011
As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.
april 22 2011

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols
Michael Fox
Apr 20, 2011
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
Home

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols
Michael Fox
Apr 20, 2011
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
In Production

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols
Michael Fox
Apr 20, 2011
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
April 19, 2011

Road to Hollywood Tour: ‘Elmer Gantry’
Apr 20, 2011
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.
April 19, 2011

ATA Film & Video Festival
Apr 20, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

indieWIRE: "'Restrepo' Filmmaker Tim Hetherington Killed in Libya"
Apr 20, 2011
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.
april 22 2011

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker
Adrianne Anderson
Apr 19, 2011
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
First Person

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker
Adrianne Anderson
Apr 19, 2011
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
Home

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker
Adrianne Anderson
Apr 19, 2011
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
april 22 2011

On Producing Killer Films
Dennis Harvey
Apr 18, 2011
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Home

On Producing Killer Films
Dennis Harvey
Apr 18, 2011
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Q & A

On Producing Killer Films
Dennis Harvey
Apr 18, 2011
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
April 12, 2011

The Unorthodox Documentary: Lourdes Portillo
Apr 18, 2011
SFFS Education and Lourdes Portillo, director/producer of ‘The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo’ and ‘The Devil Never Sleeps,’ present a Master Class titled ‘The Unorthodox Documentary,’ in which Portillo shares her techniques and reviews students proposals. More at sffs.org.
April 12, 2011

Afterimage: The Films of Patricio Guzmán
Apr 16, 2011
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.
april 22 2011

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival
Max Goldberg
Apr 15, 2011
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Festivals

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival
Max Goldberg
Apr 15, 2011
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Home

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival
Max Goldberg
Apr 15, 2011
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
Reviews

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival
Max Goldberg
Apr 15, 2011
Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.
April 12, 2011

'Circo'
Apr 15, 2011
Director Aaron Schock speaks at Landmark’s Lumiere Theatre San Francisco and Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley following select opening weekend showings of his new film, ‘Circo,’ which tells the story of a family’s financial and emotional battles as they struggle to successfully run a circus in Mexico. More at landmarktheatres.com.
April 12, 2011

‘Bullitt’ and ‘Freebie and the Bean’ Double Feature
Apr 15, 2011
Castro Theatre hosts a double feature of cop films set in San Francisco, beginning with Peter Yates’ 1968 ‘Bullitt,’ which features Steve McQueen, and Richard Rush’s 1974 ‘Freebie and the Bean,’ featuring James Caan and Alan Arkin. More at castrotheatre.com.
April 12, 2011

‘Henry’s Crime’
Apr 15, 2011
Keanu Reeves, James Caan and Vera Farmiga star in Malcolm Venvile’s ‘Henry’s Crime,’ which opens at Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema in San Francisco, Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley and other Bay Area theaters. The film was an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival. More at landmarktheatres.com.
April 12, 2011

‘Some Days are Better Than Others’
Apr 15, 2011
Roxie Theater presents ‘Some Days are Better Than Others,’ a debut feature-length film by Matt McCormick that explores the mutual struggles of hope shared amongst a group of eclectic characters. The film features Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney) as well as James Mercer (The Shins). More at roxie.com.
April 14, 2011

'Sleeping Ember' Reignites
Matt Sussman
Apr 14, 2011
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
Home

'Sleeping Ember' Reignites
Matt Sussman
Apr 14, 2011
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
Q & A

'Sleeping Ember' Reignites
Matt Sussman
Apr 14, 2011
A grad student brings a rare screening of silent classic 'Braza Dormida' to the PFA, with live jazz accompaniment.
April 14, 2011

Film Globally, Screen Locally
Michael Fox
Apr 13, 2011
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Home

Film Globally, Screen Locally
Michael Fox
Apr 13, 2011
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
In Production

Film Globally, Screen Locally
Michael Fox
Apr 13, 2011
Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
April 14, 2011

The Art of the Steal
George Rush
Apr 12, 2011
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
Home

The Art of the Steal
George Rush
Apr 12, 2011
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
Legal

The Art of the Steal
George Rush
Apr 12, 2011
Whether in the foreground or background of your narrative feature, pieces of art require copyright consideration.
April 12, 2011

‘The Price of Sex’
Apr 12, 2011
Filmmaker Mimi Chakarova is at Sutardja Hall Auditorium, UC Berkeley, to present her documentary, ‘The Price of Sex,’ which is an award-winning investigation into sex trafficking throughout Europe and the Middle East. More at priceofsex.org.
April 14, 2011

Journalist-Activist Chakarova Exposes ‘Price of Sex’
Michael Fox
Apr 11, 2011
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
Home

Journalist-Activist Chakarova Exposes ‘Price of Sex’
Michael Fox
Apr 11, 2011
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
Reviews

Journalist-Activist Chakarova Exposes ‘Price of Sex’
Michael Fox
Apr 11, 2011
Mimi Chakarova gains a new perspective on journalism as well as international crime in investigating 'The Price of Sex.'
April 14, 2011

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Home

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Q & A

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
News & Blogs

Current TV Launches 'The Current Cause' for Filmmakers
Apr 8, 2011
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.
April 14, 2011

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Home

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
Q & A

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'
Susan Gerhard
Apr 8, 2011
Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'
April 7, 2011

The Power of ‘Poetry’
Adam Hartzell
Apr 7, 2011
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
Home

The Power of ‘Poetry’
Adam Hartzell
Apr 7, 2011
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
Reviews

The Power of ‘Poetry’
Adam Hartzell
Apr 7, 2011
A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.
April 5, 2011

An Evening with Les Blank
Apr 7, 2011
Award-winning Bay Area director Les Blank introduces his 1969 short film, ‘The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins,’ and his 1979 project, ‘Always for Pleasure,’ which play at Red Vic Movie House. Viewers receive rice and beans made with Les’ special recipe. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
April 5, 2011

Fearless: Independent Chinese Documentaries
Apr 7, 2011
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.
April 5, 2011

‘Maestra’
Apr 7, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

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.
April 7, 2011

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster
Michael Fox
Apr 6, 2011
Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.
Home

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster
Michael Fox
Apr 6, 2011
Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.
In Production

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster
Michael Fox
Apr 6, 2011
Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.
April 5, 2011

The 7th Annual San Francisco Women’s Film Festival
Apr 6, 2011
The 7th Annual San Francisco Women’s Film Festival opens with ‘Grace, Milly, Lucy… Child Soldiers’ and runs five days, with shows and events at the Roxie Theater, Ninth Street Independent Film Center and Mission Workshop. More at roxie.com and womensfilminstitute.com.
April 7, 2011

Uncomplicating the Casting Process
Kim Nunley
Apr 5, 2011
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
First Person

Uncomplicating the Casting Process
Kim Nunley
Apr 5, 2011
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
Home

Uncomplicating the Casting Process
Kim Nunley
Apr 5, 2011
Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.
March 29 2011

SFFS Film Arts Forum: Beyond Film School
Apr 4, 2011
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.
April 7, 2011

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’
Michael Fox
Apr 4, 2011
A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.
Home

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’
Michael Fox
Apr 4, 2011
A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.
Reviews

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’
Michael Fox
Apr 4, 2011
A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.
March 29 2011

Afterimage: The Films of Patricio Guzman
Apr 2, 2011
‘Salvador Allende,’ the first feature in the month-long series ‘Afterimage: The Films of Patricio Guzman,’ which showcases a variety of Guzman’s work, plays at Pacific Film Archive. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
News & Blogs

IndieWIRE: "Meet the San Francisco International Film Fest Programmers (In Their Own Words)"
Apr 2, 2011
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.
April 7, 2011

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner
Dennis Harvey
Apr 1, 2011
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
Home

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner
Dennis Harvey
Apr 1, 2011
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
Reviews

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner
Dennis Harvey
Apr 1, 2011
Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.
March 29 2011

‘Orgasm, Inc.’
Apr 1, 2011
Liz Canner’s astounding and yet amusing documentary ‘Orgasm, Inc.,’ which examines the attempt of pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of women’s desire to orgasm to sell perhaps ineffective and possibly dangerous medications, plays at Roxie Theater. Opening reception with Canner takes place at Good Vibrations on April 2 and a panelist discussion featuring Dr. Carol Queen follows an April 4 showing. More at roxie.com.
03.31.11

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space
Max Goldberg
Mar 31, 2011
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
Home

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space
Max Goldberg
Mar 31, 2011
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
March 29 2011

Patricia Woodbridge on Art Direction
Mar 31, 2011
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.
March 29 2011

‘The Storm That Swept Mexico’
Mar 31, 2011
Filmmakers Ray Telles and Kenn Rabin are in person at the Smith Rafael Film Center to present their documentary, ‘The Storm That Swept Mexico,’ which illustrates the story of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and explores the subsequent changes in relationship dynamics between Mexico, the United States and Europe. More at cafilm.org.
03.31.11

Good’s ‘Vigilante’ Tags Graffiti Showdown
Michael Fox
Mar 30, 2011
A nonfiction tagging doc takes a novel approach, looking at those who erase graffiti as opposed to those who make it.
Home

Good’s ‘Vigilante’ Tags Graffiti Showdown
Michael Fox
Mar 30, 2011
A nonfiction tagging doc takes a novel approach, looking at those who erase graffiti as opposed to those who make it.
In Production

Good’s ‘Vigilante’ Tags Graffiti Showdown
Michael Fox
Mar 30, 2011
A nonfiction tagging doc takes a novel approach, looking at those who erase graffiti as opposed to those who make it.
March 29 2011

‘Daddy I Do’
Mar 30, 2011
Director Cassie Jaye and producer Nena Jaye are in person for a discussion following their documentary, ‘Daddy I Do,’ which explores the need to provide youth and young adults with sexual education. More at cafilm.org.
03.31.11

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events
Susan Gerhard
Mar 29, 2011
SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.
Festivals

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events
Susan Gerhard
Mar 29, 2011
SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.
Home

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events
Susan Gerhard
Mar 29, 2011
SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.
03.31.11

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’
Michael Fox
Mar 27, 2011
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
Home

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’
Michael Fox
Mar 27, 2011
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
Q & A

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’
Michael Fox
Mar 27, 2011
Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.
March 22, 2011

'Hula Girls'
Mar 26, 2011
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.
March 22, 2011

First Person Rural: The New Nonfiction
Mar 26, 2011
Lisandro Alonso’s 2001 ‘La Libertad’ is the first film in Pacific Film Archive’s First Person Rural: The New Nonfiction series, which presents works that utilize documentary filmmaking techniques in fictional storytelling. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
March 22, 2011

Sing Along 'The Wizard of Oz'
Mar 25, 2011
The Sing Along ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ featuring an interactive experience with song and goody bags, plays for seven days at the Castro Theatre. Laurie Bushman, Joe Wicht and David Hawkins host. More at castrotheatre.com.
March 22, 2011

'Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?'
Mar 25, 2011
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.
Home

Jay Rosenblatt Talks ‘Darkness’
Max Goldberg
Mar 24, 2011
Rosenblatt’s meditative essay on the difficult subject of suicide finds its way to HBO. Narrative films may occasionally conjure the shock of a suicide—last year’s The Father of My Children is a fine example—but it’s the nature of character dramas to keep pace with the living rather than meditate in the shadow of loss. In his most recent lyrical essay-film, The Darkness of Day, local filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt creates such a meditative space, intertwining different stories and perspectives of suicide: near and far, first-person and third, male and female, young and old, anonymous and notable. Rosenblatt cues the multiple narratives to a poetic stream of found...
March 24, 2011

Jay Rosenblatt Talks ‘Darkness’
Max Goldberg
Mar 24, 2011
Rosenblatt’s meditative essay on the difficult subject of suicide finds its way to HBO. Narrative films may occasionally conjure the shock of a suicide—last year’s The Father of My Children is a fine example—but it’s the nature of character dramas to keep pace with the living rather than meditate in the shadow of loss. In his most recent lyrical essay-film, The Darkness of Day, local filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt creates such a meditative space, intertwining different stories and perspectives of suicide: near and far, first-person and third, male and female, young and old, anonymous and notable. Rosenblatt cues the multiple narratives to a poetic stream of found...
March 22, 2011

Disposable Film Festival
Mar 24, 2011
Created in 2007 by Eric Slatkin and Carlton Evans to celebrate possibilities of media we might consider "throwaway" (devices like cell phones and pocket cameras), the Disposable Film Festival has grown into a popular one-day event and year-round traveling showcase. This year, it debuts at the Castro Theatre. More at castrotheatre.com.
March 22, 2011

'Voces Inocentes'
Mar 24, 2011
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.
Home

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television
Michael Fox
Mar 23, 2011
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
In Production

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television
Michael Fox
Mar 23, 2011
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
March 24, 2011

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television
Michael Fox
Mar 23, 2011
Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.
First Person

Filmmakers Bring Stories to New Platforms
Erica Marcus
Mar 22, 2011
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
Home

Filmmakers Bring Stories to New Platforms
Erica Marcus
Mar 22, 2011
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
March 24, 2011

Filmmakers Bring Stories to New Platforms
Erica Marcus
Mar 22, 2011
The Media that Matters Conference showcased innovative formats and powerful storytelling.
Festivals

Talent Emerges at SXSW 2011
Julia Barbosa
Mar 22, 2011
Issues, philosophies spark SXSW's 2011 films.
Festivals

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW
Sara Dosa
Mar 21, 2011
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
Home

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW
Sara Dosa
Mar 21, 2011
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
March 24, 2011

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW
Sara Dosa
Mar 21, 2011
New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.
Home

Kiarostami’s Enigmatic ‘Copy’ Fascinates
Dennis Harvey
Mar 18, 2011
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
March 24, 2011

Kiarostami’s Enigmatic ‘Copy’ Fascinates
Dennis Harvey
Mar 18, 2011
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
Reviews

Kiarostami’s Enigmatic ‘Copy’ Fascinates
Dennis Harvey
Mar 18, 2011
Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ is a puzzling provocation that gets better with multiple viewings.
March 15, 2011

‘Heartbeats'
Mar 18, 2011
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.
March 15, 2011

‘Certified Copy’
Mar 18, 2011
Abbas Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy,’ featuring Juliette Binoche, opens at Landmark's Clay and Shattuck as well as the Smith Rafael Film Center. The films tells the story of a man and woman who begin pretending they’re romantically involved and subsequently experience the dynamics of being in a couple. More at landmarktheatres.com and cafilm.org.
March 15, 2011

‘You Won’t Miss Me’
Mar 18, 2011
Ry Russo-Young’s 2009 Gotham Independent Film Award winner and Sundance Film Festival Selection, ‘You Won’t Miss Me,’ plays for one week at Roxie Theater. The film features Stella Schnabel, who plays a 23 year-old just released from a psychiatric hospital. More at roxie.com.
Home

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.
March 17, 2011

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.
Reviews

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.
Home

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts
Michael Fox
Mar 16, 2011
Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.
In Production

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts
Michael Fox
Mar 16, 2011
Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.
March 17, 2011

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts
Michael Fox
Mar 16, 2011
Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.
Home

Nonfiction's Future Lies in Optimism
Karen Everett
Mar 15, 2011
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
March 17, 2011

Nonfiction's Future Lies in Optimism
Karen Everett
Mar 15, 2011
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
Story Structure

Nonfiction's Future Lies in Optimism
Karen Everett
Mar 15, 2011
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
March 15, 2011

‘William S. Burroughs: A Man Within’
Mar 15, 2011
“At times William S. Burroughs seemed less the author of fiction than a creation of it,” writes Dennis Harvey in SF360; director Yony Leyser offers what Harvey calls a "fascinating, impressionistic" treatment of the subject in ‘William S. Burroughs: A Man Within.’ Leyser and other special guests offer a Q&A following the showing of their film, Tuesday, March 15. More at roxie.com.
Home

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies
Adam Hartzell
Mar 14, 2011
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
March 17, 2011

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies
Adam Hartzell
Mar 14, 2011
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
Q & A

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies
Adam Hartzell
Mar 14, 2011
'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.
March 8, 2011

Oscar-winners Discuss Effects and Music in 'Tarzan Finds a Son!'
Mar 13, 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.
Home

Burroughs’ Story Still Stranger than Fiction
Dennis Harvey
Mar 11, 2011
A new Burroughs documentary revisits a familiar story, but delivers fresh insight.
March 17, 2011

Burroughs’ Story Still Stranger than Fiction
Dennis Harvey
Mar 11, 2011
A new Burroughs documentary revisits a familiar story, but delivers fresh insight.
Reviews

Burroughs’ Story Still Stranger than Fiction
Dennis Harvey
Mar 11, 2011
A new Burroughs documentary revisits a familiar story, but delivers fresh insight.
March 8, 2011

SF Int'l Asian American Film Festival
Mar 11, 2011
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival begins March 10 and runs for 11 days, celebrating Opening Night at the Castro Theatre with Andy De Emmony’s 2009 ‘West Is West,’ the sequel to the successful 1999 ‘East Is East.’ About 120 films will play at a variety of venues around San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose. More at festival.asianamericanmedia.org.
Home

SFIAAFF Brings 'Light,' Captures Attention
Adam Hartzell
Mar 10, 2011
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...
March 10, 2011

SFIAAFF Brings 'Light,' Captures Attention
Adam Hartzell
Mar 10, 2011
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...
March 8, 2011

Film and Video Makers at Cal
Mar 10, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Hollywood Reporter: New Film Site Fandor Launches
Mar 10, 2011
Hollywood Reporter: ""What the film industry desperately needs is a merger of social networks and content," says Ted Hope, the celebrated producer of American Splendor and dozens of indie hits at Sundance and elsewhere. That's why he just joined former Facebook chief privacy officer Chris Kelly on the board of Fandor, the indie film streaming site built by Dan Aronson and Jonathan Marlow, a veteran of Amazon and GreenCine. After several months in beta (trial-run mode), Fandor made its full-fledged debut Wednesday," writes Tim Appelo. More at hollywoodreporter.com.
Home

Wolos’s ‘Trattoria’ Serves Up Spicy Comedy
Michael Fox
Mar 9, 2011
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
In Production

Wolos’s ‘Trattoria’ Serves Up Spicy Comedy
Michael Fox
Mar 9, 2011
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
March 10, 2011

Wolos’s ‘Trattoria’ Serves Up Spicy Comedy
Michael Fox
Mar 9, 2011
Jason Wolos builds a drama about family and food with a few key ingredients.
March 8, 2011

Images of Nature, or The Nature of the Image: Canadian Artists at Work
Mar 9, 2011
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.
Home

What you Need to Know to License Music for Film
George Rush
Mar 8, 2011
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
Legal

What you Need to Know to License Music for Film
George Rush
Mar 8, 2011
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
March 10, 2011

What you Need to Know to License Music for Film
George Rush
Mar 8, 2011
Breaking down the common licensing terms.
March 1, 2011

SFFS Screen: ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives’
Mar 8, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s much anticipated ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,' a dramatic feature that tells the story of a dying man who visits the incarnations of his past lives in his final days, remains at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas for a few days. More at sffs.org.
March 8, 2011

SFFS Screen: ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives’
Mar 8, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s much anticipated ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,' a dramatic feature that tells the story of a dying man who visits the incarnations of his past lives in his final days, remains at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas for a few days. More at sffs.org.
Home

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut
Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
March 10, 2011

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut
Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
Q & A

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut
Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011
Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.
March 1, 2011

Balboa Birthday Bash: Rare Valentino
Mar 6, 2011
The Balboa Theatre celebrates its 81st year with a rare early film of Rudolph Valentino, ‘Moran of the Lady Letty,’ lensed here in San Francisco and Tiburon. The evening includes short-subject films, live accompaniment and performance, your own take on Jazz Age attire, and, of course, birthday cake. More at balboamovies.com.
Home

'Boonmee's' Magic Lights Up SFFS Screen
Dennis Harvey
Mar 4, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
March 10, 2011

'Boonmee's' Magic Lights Up SFFS Screen
Dennis Harvey
Mar 4, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
March 3, 2011

'Boonmee's' Magic Lights Up SFFS Screen
Dennis Harvey
Mar 4, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
Reviews

'Boonmee's' Magic Lights Up SFFS Screen
Dennis Harvey
Mar 4, 2011
Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns to the jungle, and full-on magic realism, with 'Uncle Boonmee.'
February 22, 2011

Ariel Award Best Picture 'Nora's Will'
Mar 4, 2011
Mariana Chenillo’s comedy ‘Nora’s Will' (Cinco Dias Sin Nora), winner of seven Mexican Ariel Awards, including best picture, actor, supporting actress and screenplay opens at the Smith Rafael as well as Landmark's Bridge and Shattuck. More at cafilm.org and landmarktheatres.com.
March 1, 2011

Ariel Award Best Picture 'Nora's Will'
Mar 4, 2011
Mariana Chenillo’s comedy ‘Nora’s Will' (Cinco Dias Sin Nora), winner of seven Mexican Ariel Awards, including best picture, actor, supporting actress and screenplay opens at the Smith Rafael as well as Landmark's Bridge and Shattuck. More at cafilm.org and landmarktheatres.com.
March 1, 2011

'Exposed on Film'
Mar 4, 2011
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.
March 1, 2011

Tom Shadyac in Person to Present 'I Am'
Mar 4, 2011
Director Tom Shadyac, known for comedies ‘Ace Ventura,’ ‘Liar, Liar’ and ‘Bruce Almighty,’ will be at Smith Rafael Film Center to present his new documentary, ‘I Am,’ which investigates the extreme change he experienced after an accident caused him to get rid of all his possessions and rethink his outlook on life. More at cafilm.org.
News & Blogs

SFIFF54 Announces Documentaries in Golden Gate Awards, Films in New Directors Competition
Mar 4, 2011
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.
Festivals

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival
Michael Fox
Mar 3, 2011
An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.
Home

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival
Michael Fox
Mar 3, 2011
An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.
March 3, 2011

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival
Michael Fox
Mar 3, 2011
An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.
March 1, 2011

Justin Hunt and James Hetfield in Person for 'Absent' Screening
Mar 3, 2011
Smith Rafael Film Center hosts filmmaker Justin Hunt and composer James Hetfield (Metallica) as they present and discuss their documentary ‘Absent,’ which looks at the absence of father figures. More at cafilm.org.
March 1, 2011

San Francisco Green Film Festival
Mar 3, 2011
San Francisco's first ever Green Film Festival takes off with a collection that includes Werner Herzog's 'Happy,' Patrick Rouxel's 'Green' and Fredrik Gertten’s 'Bananas!*' More at sfgreenfilmfest.org.
News & Blogs

LA Times: "Mexican Movie Is 'Censored'"
Mar 3, 2011
Los Angeles Times: "The documentary “Presumed Guilty” (“Presunto Culpable”) has received accolades far and wide, from human rights groups, audiences and Mexican legislators. It is a damning look at the Mexican judicial system that hastens to put a man in prison on the flimsiest of evidence," writes Tracey Wilkinson. More at latimes.com.
Home

Ehrlich Clicks with Icelandic ‘Mouse’
Michael Fox
Mar 2, 2011
After her own Assange story broke big, a Bay Area filmmaker followed another lead...to Iceland.
In Production

Ehrlich Clicks with Icelandic ‘Mouse’
Michael Fox
Mar 2, 2011
After her own Assange story broke big, a Bay Area filmmaker followed another lead...to Iceland.
March 3, 2011

Ehrlich Clicks with Icelandic ‘Mouse’
Michael Fox
Mar 2, 2011
After her own Assange story broke big, a Bay Area filmmaker followed another lead...to Iceland.
March 1, 2011

Ido Haar in Person for Q&A following 'Melting Siberia'
Mar 2, 2011
Ido Haar continues his two-week residency with the San Francisco Film Society; he appears in person for a Q&A following the screening of ‘Melting Siberia,’ which will play at New People. A reception with Haar will follow at Viz Cinema Café. More at sffs.org.
Home

Poetry in Motion: Working in Action
Lisa Rosenberg
Mar 1, 2011
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
March 3, 2011

Poetry in Motion: Working in Action
Lisa Rosenberg
Mar 1, 2011
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
Screenwriting

Poetry in Motion: Working in Action
Lisa Rosenberg
Mar 1, 2011
Build an action picture with a poor script? At your own risk.
News & Blogs

Reuters: "'Toy Story 3' Wins Oscar for Animated Feature"
Feb 27, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

LA Times: "Oscars: 'Inside Job' Wins for Documentary Feature"
Feb 27, 2011
LA Times Blogs: "Inside Job” won the Oscar for documentary feature at the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday night. “Inside Job” is an exploration of the causes and corollaries of the 2008 financial crisis. The award goes to Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs." More at latimesblogs.latimes.com. And from SF360.org: Bay Area-based Ferguson's speech began with a statement of fact, "After financial fraud not a single financial executive has gone to jail," before thanking his colleagues.
Home

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul
Judy Stone
Feb 26, 2011
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
March 3, 2011

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul
Judy Stone
Feb 26, 2011
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
Q & A

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul
Judy Stone
Feb 26, 2011
SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.
February 22, 2011

Triple Feature of Claymation and Puppetry
Feb 26, 2011
Film on Film Foundation and Red Vic Movie House offer a triple feature of claymation and puppetry projects, including ‘Gumby, The Movie,’ ‘The Adventures of Mark Twain,’ and ‘Meet the Feebles.’ More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
February 22, 2011

SFFS Screen: 'How I Ended This Summer'
Feb 25, 2011
SFFS Screen presents Alexei Popogrebsky’s, ‘How I Ended This Summer,’ a psychological drama about two men's relationship over a summer of working at a meteorological station in the Arctic Circle. The film plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.
February 22, 2011

'The Woman Chaser'
Feb 25, 2011
Director Robinson Devor and actor Patrick Warburton are in person at Roxie Theater to show their 1999 noir film, ‘The Woman Chaser,’ which tells the story of a used care salesman who strives to write and direct his own film in an attempt to find fame and fortune. More at roxie.com.
February 22, 2011

'We Were Here'
Feb 25, 2011
Castro Theatre hosts seven days of ‘We Were Here,’ David Weissman's documentary examining the initial arrival of AIDS in San Francisco and its subsequent influence the community. Opening night features a VIP reception prior to and a Q&A with director David Weissman following the screening. More at castrotheatre.com.
February 22, 2011

SFFS KinoTek: Laurel Nakadate Double Feature
Feb 24, 2011
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.
February 24, 2011

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Home

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Q & A

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
News & Blogs

SFGate: Philip Kaufman’s 'Hemingway & Gellhorn' Looks for Extras in San Francisco
Feb 23, 2011
Reports SFGate: “The HBO production ‘Hemingway & Gellhorn,’ starring Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen and being filmed almost entirely in San Francisco, needs some local extras. But the open call only welcomes 18- to 40-year-old, Spanish-looking, English-speaking men with fair to medium complexions, dark hair, eyes and lean physiques.” Open calls take place through Sunday, February 27 12:30 to 4:00 pm at Beau Bonneau Casting. More at sfgate.com and beaubonneaucasting.com.
February 24, 2011

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Home

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
Q & A

Nakadate’s Fever Dreams Heat the Screen
Sean Uyehara
Feb 23, 2011
Filmmaker/photographer Laurel Nakadate talks about acting, power and identity.
February 22, 2011

Noise Pop Film Series
Feb 22, 2011
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.
February 24, 2011

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis
Dennis Harvey
Feb 22, 2011
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Home

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis
Dennis Harvey
Feb 22, 2011
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Reviews

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis
Dennis Harvey
Feb 22, 2011
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
February 17, 2011

Soderbergh's Spalding Gray Rings True
Max Goldberg
Feb 18, 2011
Steven Soderbergh's Spalding Gray tribute gives us the true beating heart of the artist instead of talking-head punditry.
Home

Soderbergh's Spalding Gray Rings True
Max Goldberg
Feb 18, 2011
Steven Soderbergh's Spalding Gray tribute gives us the true beating heart of the artist instead of talking-head punditry.
Reviews

Soderbergh's Spalding Gray Rings True
Max Goldberg
Feb 18, 2011
Steven Soderbergh's Spalding Gray tribute gives us the true beating heart of the artist instead of talking-head punditry.
February 15, 2011

Gregg Araki in Person with 'Kaboom'
Feb 18, 2011
Andrew O'Hehir called Gregg Araki's latest "trashy," "sweet," and "downright disturbing" in Salon. It opens this weekend at the Bridge with Araki in person at evening shows Friday and Saturday. More at landmarktheatres.com.
February 17, 2011

Noise Pop 2011's Film Series Rawks
Dennis Harvey
Feb 17, 2011
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
Festivals

Noise Pop 2011's Film Series Rawks
Dennis Harvey
Feb 17, 2011
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
Home

Noise Pop 2011's Film Series Rawks
Dennis Harvey
Feb 17, 2011
Noise Pop brings the noise as well as great filmmaking to its annual music-and-movie event.
February 17, 2011

Lagarde, Lozano Jam with NY Jazzman
Michael Fox
Feb 16, 2011
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
Home

Lagarde, Lozano Jam with NY Jazzman
Michael Fox
Feb 16, 2011
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
In Production

Lagarde, Lozano Jam with NY Jazzman
Michael Fox
Feb 16, 2011
Carrie Lozano and Charlotte Lagarde find a life-and-death story in the making of 'My Coma Dreams.'
February 17, 2011

On the Making of 'Crooked Beauty'
Ken Paul Rosenthal
Feb 15, 2011
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
First Person

On the Making of 'Crooked Beauty'
Ken Paul Rosenthal
Feb 15, 2011
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
Home

On the Making of 'Crooked Beauty'
Ken Paul Rosenthal
Feb 15, 2011
A filmmaker delves deep into the process of embodying 'madness' in movie form.
News & Blogs

Variety: "Roadside, Participant on 'Circumstance'"
Feb 15, 2011
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.
February 17, 2011

Stone Tour Cultivates the City
Susan Gerhard
Feb 14, 2011
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
Home

Stone Tour Cultivates the City
Susan Gerhard
Feb 14, 2011
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
Q & A

Stone Tour Cultivates the City
Susan Gerhard
Feb 14, 2011
Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.
February 8, 2011

Scary Cow 13th Indie Film Festival
Feb 13, 2011
Short and feature films completed over the previous year by the Scary Cow’s co-op members play at Castro Theater. Attendees vote on which filmmakers should receive funding for future projects. More at scarycow.com.
February 8, 2011

San Francisco Silent Film Festival Winter Event
Feb 12, 2011
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.
Home

'Come Undone' Disrupts Domesticity
Dennis Harvey
Feb 11, 2011
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
Reviews

'Come Undone' Disrupts Domesticity
Dennis Harvey
Feb 11, 2011
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
February 8, 2011

SFFS Screen: 'Come Undone'
Feb 11, 2011
SFFS Screen offers ‘Come Undone,’ Silvio Soldini’s recent dramatic film featuring Alba Rohrwacher of ‘I Am Love.’ The film examines the reasons behind and subsequent emotional effects of a couple's extramarital affair. The film plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.
News & Blogs

Ro*co Films Lands Educational Distribution of Jennifer Siebel Newsom's 'Miss Representation'
Feb 11, 2011
Press Release: Bay Area-based ro*co films announced that they will be distributing Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s documentary film, 'Miss Representation' in the North American educational market. ro*co will distribute the film to academic institutions, universities, and libraries for both classroom use and educational screenings. More at rocofilms.com.
February 10, 2011

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money
Michael Fox
Feb 10, 2011
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
Festivals

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money
Michael Fox
Feb 10, 2011
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
Home

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money
Michael Fox
Feb 10, 2011
SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.
February 10, 2011

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace
Michael Fox
Feb 9, 2011
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
Home

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace
Michael Fox
Feb 9, 2011
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
In Production

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace
Michael Fox
Feb 9, 2011
Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.
February 10, 2011

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'
Adam Hartzell
Feb 8, 2011
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
Home

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'
Adam Hartzell
Feb 8, 2011
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
Reviews

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'
Adam Hartzell
Feb 8, 2011
A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.
February 1, 2011

'The Garden of Sinners'
Feb 8, 2011
Viz Cinema at New People hosts the U.S. premiere of the Japanese animated film ‘The Garden of Sinners,’ based on Kinoko Nasu’s successful cult novel. Producers are in attendance for a discussion panel following. More at newpeopleworld.com.
February 8, 2011

'The Garden of Sinners'
Feb 8, 2011
Viz Cinema at New People hosts the U.S. premiere of the Japanese animated film ‘The Garden of Sinners,’ based on Kinoko Nasu’s successful cult novel. Producers are in attendance for a discussion panel following. More at newpeopleworld.com.
February 10, 2011

Mostly British Looks Beyond Speechifying Kings
Michael Fox
Feb 7, 2011
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
Festivals

Mostly British Looks Beyond Speechifying Kings
Michael Fox
Feb 7, 2011
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
Home

Mostly British Looks Beyond Speechifying Kings
Michael Fox
Feb 7, 2011
Australian films comprise fully a third of the Mostly British Film Festival lineup.
February 1, 2011

Sketchfest: 'Idol Worship: An Evening with Cloris Leachman'
Feb 5, 2011
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.
February 10, 2011

SFFS Screen Returns with New Suleiman
Max Goldberg
Feb 4, 2011
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
Home

SFFS Screen Returns with New Suleiman
Max Goldberg
Feb 4, 2011
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
Reviews

SFFS Screen Returns with New Suleiman
Max Goldberg
Feb 4, 2011
Elia Suleiman’s 'The Time That Remains' recalls his parents’ Nazareth.
February 1, 2011

SFFS Screen: 'The Time That Remains'
Feb 4, 2011
SFFS Screen returns to the Sundance Kabuki with a new one from Elia Suleiman, a story about the the lives and hardships of Palestinians who were branded "Israeli Arabs." It's a film that the Toronto International Film Festival calls a "fusion of the political and personal, the historical and hysterical." More at sffs.org.
Feb 3 2011

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest
Matt Sussman
Feb 3, 2011
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
Festivals

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest
Matt Sussman
Feb 3, 2011
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
Home

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest
Matt Sussman
Feb 3, 2011
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
February 1, 2011

Mostly British Film Festival
Feb 3, 2011
The eight-day Mostly British Film Festival opens with Andy DeEmmony’s ‘West is West,’ the sequel to 1999s ‘East is East.’ Films from the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and Ireland play for eight days at the Vogue Theatre and the Smith Rafael Film Center. More at mostlybritish.org.
February 1, 2011

'We Women Warriors'
Feb 3, 2011
Filmmaker Nicole Karsin shares the latest cut of her documentary ‘We Women Warriors,’ which showcases three Colombian women’s nonviolent efforts to protect their liberties while caught in the crosshairs of a rebellious war. The film plays at The Women’s Building. More at wewomenwarriors.com.
February 1, 2011

SF Indiefest
Feb 3, 2011
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.
Feb 3 2011

Schneider-Jarmel Clan Take ‘Balz’ to Cuba
Michael Fox
Feb 2, 2011
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
Home

Schneider-Jarmel Clan Take ‘Balz’ to Cuba
Michael Fox
Feb 2, 2011
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
In Production

Schneider-Jarmel Clan Take ‘Balz’ to Cuba
Michael Fox
Feb 2, 2011
Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider follow 'Speaking in Tongues' with a doc that talks baseball.
February 1, 2011

Cruel Cinema: New Directions in Tamil Film
Feb 2, 2011
3rd i launches its ‘Cruel Cinema: New Directions in Tamil Film’ weekend series at the Pacific Film Archive Theater. Four current new wave films from Tamil play, beginning with India’s highly successful crime thriller ‘Pudhuppettai.’ More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Feb 3 2011

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part Two
Karen Everett
Feb 1, 2011
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
Home

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part Two
Karen Everett
Feb 1, 2011
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
Story Structure

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part Two
Karen Everett
Feb 1, 2011
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
February 1, 2011

'Lemmy'
Feb 1, 2011
‘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.
January 25, 2011

SF Sketchfest: 'Airplane!' Tribute
Jan 31, 2011
The Castro Theatre hosts a tribute to ‘Airplane!’ in conjunction with the SF Sketchfest. Following the film is a Q&A with leading actor Robert Hays, screenwriter Jim Abrahams and directors David and Jerry Zucker. More at sfsketchfest.com.
January 25, 2011

Herzog in Focus
Jan 31, 2011
The Roxie Theater and San Francisco Film Society present ‘Herzog In Focus,’ a class taught by Bill Nichols, which analyzes the work of German filmmaker Werner Herzog. More at roxie.com and sffs.org.
News & Blogs

indieWIRE: "OWN Buys Another Sundance Title for the Doc Club"
Jan 31, 2011
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.
Feb 3 2011

SF360 Live at Sundance: 285 Steps
Susan Gerhard
Jan 28, 2011
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Festivals

SF360 Live at Sundance: 285 Steps
Susan Gerhard
Jan 28, 2011
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Home

SF360 Live at Sundance: 285 Steps
Susan Gerhard
Jan 28, 2011
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
January 31, 2011

SF360 Live at Sundance: 285 Steps
Susan Gerhard
Jan 28, 2011
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
January 25, 2011

By, For and About George Kuchar
Jan 28, 2011
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.
January 25, 2011

African Film Festival 2011
Jan 27, 2011
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.’
January 25, 2011

'August to June' World Premiere
Jan 27, 2011
Filmmakers Amy and Tom Valens appear in person at Smith Rafael Film Center for the world premiere of their documentary ‘August to June,’ which follows Amy in her final year as an instructor at a public elementary school in the city of Lagunitas. More at cafilm.org.
Home

Olsson Feels ‘Soldier’s Heart’ Beat
Michael Fox
Jan 26, 2011
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
In Production

Olsson Feels ‘Soldier’s Heart’ Beat
Michael Fox
Jan 26, 2011
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
January 27, 2011

Olsson Feels ‘Soldier’s Heart’ Beat
Michael Fox
Jan 26, 2011
Stephen Olsson looks into novel methods of treating PTSD in 'A Soldier’s Heart and the Long Road Home.'
January 27, 2011

SF360 Live at Sundance: Strange and Charmed Visions
SFFS Staff
Jan 25, 2011
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
January 31, 2011

SF360 Live at Sundance: Strange and Charmed Visions
SFFS Staff
Jan 25, 2011
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
News & Blogs

SF360 Live at Sundance: Strange and Charmed Visions
SFFS Staff
Jan 25, 2011
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
January 25, 2011

Final Week of Noir City
Jan 25, 2011
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.
Home

Red Lantern Meetup Reels in Film Fans
Adam Hartzell
Jan 24, 2011
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
January 27, 2011

Red Lantern Meetup Reels in Film Fans
Adam Hartzell
Jan 24, 2011
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
Q & A

Red Lantern Meetup Reels in Film Fans
Adam Hartzell
Jan 24, 2011
The Red Lantern Meetup group brings Asian film fans together.
Home

Temporary Insanity Takes Hold at Noir City
Max Goldberg
Jan 21, 2011
Noir City 9's "madness" theme means a few more gothic titles and a fresh context to appreciate noir’s signature motifs.
January 27, 2011

Temporary Insanity Takes Hold at Noir City
Max Goldberg
Jan 21, 2011
Noir City 9's "madness" theme means a few more gothic titles and a fresh context to appreciate noir’s signature motifs.
Reviews

Temporary Insanity Takes Hold at Noir City
Max Goldberg
Jan 21, 2011
Noir City 9's "madness" theme means a few more gothic titles and a fresh context to appreciate noir’s signature motifs.
January 18, 2011

Noir City 9
Jan 21, 2011
Eddie Muller and Anita Monga bring 10 days of finely curated noir to the Castro Theatre, where it's promised "you'll find all kinds of crazy" in 24 films. We never doubted. The festival opens with 1947's ‘High Wall’ and 1940's ‘Stranger on the Third Floor.' More at castrotheatre.com and noircity.com.
January 18, 2011

'Two in The Wave'
Jan 21, 2011
Roxie Theater presents ‘Two In The Wave,’ a documentary showcasing the friendship and eventual fall out of French New Wave filmmakers Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. Actual short works from Truffaut and Godard play after the film. More at roxie.com.
Home

Costa's 'Ne change rien' Captures Singer's Dreaminess, Rigor
Sara Dosa
Jan 20, 2011
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
January 20, 2011

Costa's 'Ne change rien' Captures Singer's Dreaminess, Rigor
Sara Dosa
Jan 20, 2011
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
Reviews

Costa's 'Ne change rien' Captures Singer's Dreaminess, Rigor
Sara Dosa
Jan 20, 2011
A Portuguese filmmaker builds a rich visual landscape from French singer Jeanne Balibar's vocal practice.
January 18, 2011

'Ne change rien'
Jan 20, 2011
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.
Home

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts
Michael Fox
Jan 19, 2011
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
In Production

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts
Michael Fox
Jan 19, 2011
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
January 20, 2011

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts
Michael Fox
Jan 19, 2011
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
January 31, 2011

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts
Michael Fox
Jan 19, 2011
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
January 18, 2011

'Beauty and the Beast' with Lecture
Jan 19, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

BAVC Wins MacArthur Grant
Jan 19, 2011
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.
News & Blogs

Ford Foundation: $50 Million Fund Launched for Next Generation of Documentary Filmmakers
Jan 19, 2011
Press release: "...The new initiative, called JustFilms, will invest $10 million a year over the next five years to support and expand the community of filmmakers and mediamakers around the world focused on creating documentaries with passion and purpose, but who often lack funding to realize their visions or reach audiences." More at fordfoundation.org.
Home

Alexander Excavates Educational Film Treasures
Michael Fox
Jan 18, 2011
Geoff Alexander opens a window into the 20th century with a book about films for/from the classroom.
January 20, 2011

Alexander Excavates Educational Film Treasures
Michael Fox
Jan 18, 2011
Geoff Alexander opens a window into the 20th century with a book about films for/from the classroom.
Q & A

Alexander Excavates Educational Film Treasures
Michael Fox
Jan 18, 2011
Geoff Alexander opens a window into the 20th century with a book about films for/from the classroom.
January 11, 2010

Peter Weir Presents 'The Way Back'
Jan 18, 2011
An advance screening of Peter Weir’s new film, ‘The Way Back’, which features Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris and Colin Farrell, plays at the Smith Rafael Film Center, with Weir presenting and discussing the film. More at cafilm.org.
January 18, 2011

Peter Weir Presents 'The Way Back'
Jan 18, 2011
An advance screening of Peter Weir’s new film, ‘The Way Back’, which features Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris and Colin Farrell, plays at the Smith Rafael Film Center, with Weir presenting and discussing the film. More at cafilm.org.
January 18, 2011

'Genghis Blues'
Jan 18, 2011
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.
Home

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir
Adam Hartzell
Jan 17, 2011
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
January 20, 2011

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir
Adam Hartzell
Jan 17, 2011
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
Q & A

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir
Adam Hartzell
Jan 17, 2011
Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.
January 11, 2010

World Cinema Foundation: Safeguarding Cinematic Treasures Series
Jan 15, 2011
Pacific Film Archive Theater offers the World Cinema Foundation: Safeguarding Cinematic Treasures series, highlighting WCF's preservation efforts. It opens with Edward Yang's 1991 ‘A Brighter Summer Day’. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
Home

'Somewhere' Seizes on Discontent
Dennis Harvey
Jan 14, 2011
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
January 20, 2011

'Somewhere' Seizes on Discontent
Dennis Harvey
Jan 14, 2011
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
Reviews

'Somewhere' Seizes on Discontent
Dennis Harvey
Jan 14, 2011
Sofia Coppola's 'Somewhere' nails the spiritual erosion of constant, effortless indulgence.
January 11, 2010

German Gems Film Festival
Jan 14, 2011
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.
January 11, 2010

'On the Bowery'
Jan 14, 2011
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.
Home

German Gems Program Shines
Michael Fox
Jan 13, 2011
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
January 13, 2011

German Gems Program Shines
Michael Fox
Jan 13, 2011
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
Reviews

German Gems Program Shines
Michael Fox
Jan 13, 2011
The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.
January 11, 2010

For Your Consideration
Jan 13, 2011
The Smith Rafael Film Center offers 'For Your Consideration,' a sampling of this year’s 65 submitted and accepted Oscar Foreign Language Films. The event begins with Italy's ‘The First Beautiful Thing.' More at cafilm.org.
Home

Nanstad Tracks Down 'Sisters' Act
Michael Fox
Jan 12, 2011
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
In Production

Nanstad Tracks Down 'Sisters' Act
Michael Fox
Jan 12, 2011
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
January 13, 2011

Nanstad Tracks Down 'Sisters' Act
Michael Fox
Jan 12, 2011
Rachel Nanstad finds a unique American story in the Reed Sisters' musical act.
First Person

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola
Xandra Castleton
Jan 11, 2011
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
Home

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola
Xandra Castleton
Jan 11, 2011
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
January 13, 2011

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola
Xandra Castleton
Jan 11, 2011
A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.
Home

VCinema Podcast Finds Its Audience
Adam Hartzell
Jan 10, 2011
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
January 13, 2011

VCinema Podcast Finds Its Audience
Adam Hartzell
Jan 10, 2011
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
Q & A

VCinema Podcast Finds Its Audience
Adam Hartzell
Jan 10, 2011
An Asian cinema talk-radio show broadcasts from San Mateo to the world.
January 4, 2010

Hitchcock Double Features
Jan 8, 2011
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.
January 4, 2010

‘In It For the Money’
Jan 8, 2011
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.
Home

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.
January 13, 2011

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.
Reviews

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.
January 4, 2010

'The Strange Case of Angelica'
Jan 7, 2011
A deceased bride comes to life before the lens of a young photographer in this mysterious film from Portugal’s most prolific film director, Manoel de Oliveira. ‘The Strange Case of Angelica’ plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.
January 4, 2010

'Bhutto' with Duane Baughman in Person
Jan 7, 2011
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.
Home

'Deathstalker' Muscles its Way Back to Big Screen
Dennis Harvey
Jan 6, 2011
Sword, sandals and a sinister real-life epilogue: 'Deathstalker' earns top billing in a Midnite for Maniacs evening at the Castro. As one of 1982's bigger box-office hits, Conan the Barbarian accomplished two things. First, it finally made a movie star out of thick-bodied, thicker-accented Arnold Schwarzenegger after several failed attempts. Second, it spawned a legion of cheaper imitations cashing in on the early 1980s' seemingly bottomless need for films to fill cable airtime and video rental shelves. (Remember, until that time there the only commercial outlets for movies were theatrical release and network TV—so these were entirely...
January 6, 2010

'Deathstalker' Muscles its Way Back to Big Screen
Dennis Harvey
Jan 6, 2011
Sword, sandals and a sinister real-life epilogue: 'Deathstalker' earns top billing in a Midnite for Maniacs evening at the Castro. As one of 1982's bigger box-office hits, Conan the Barbarian accomplished two things. First, it finally made a movie star out of thick-bodied, thicker-accented Arnold Schwarzenegger after several failed attempts. Second, it spawned a legion of cheaper imitations cashing in on the early 1980s' seemingly bottomless need for films to fill cable airtime and video rental shelves. (Remember, until that time there the only commercial outlets for movies were theatrical release and network TV—so these were entirely...
Home

Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director
Michael Fox
Jan 5, 2011
Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.
In Production

Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director
Michael Fox
Jan 5, 2011
Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.
January 6, 2010

Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director
Michael Fox
Jan 5, 2011
Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.
January 4, 2010

'Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer'
Jan 5, 2011
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.
Home

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part One
Karen Everett
Jan 4, 2011
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
January 6, 2010

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part One
Karen Everett
Jan 4, 2011
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
Story Structure

How to Fix Your Documentary's Structural Problems, Part One
Karen Everett
Jan 4, 2011
Rough-cut screenings can help you identify problems areas of your film—if you know how to listen.
Home

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens
Michael Fox
Jan 3, 2011
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
January 6, 2010

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens
Michael Fox
Jan 3, 2011
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
Q & A

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens
Michael Fox
Jan 3, 2011
SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.
December 21, 2010

'Rabbit Hole'
Dec 30, 2010
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.
December 21, 2010

'Boxing Gym'
Dec 27, 2010
While 'The Fighter' and 'Black Swan' duke it out at the multiplex, the Roxie offers its own take on male and female athletes via Frederick Wiseman's 'Boxing Gym.' Unexpected views of the American institution emerge in Wiseman's look at Lord's Gym in Austin, Texas. A master of his craft, Wiseman brings out the sport's hypnotic beauty without the aid of narration or interviews. More at roxie.com.
December 21, 2010

'Casino Jack'
Dec 27, 2010
George Hickenlooper’s final film, ‘Casino Jack,’ features Kevin Spacey in the true story of Jack Abramoff, a Washington D.C. lobbyist whose unabashed greed and reckless behavior throws him and his colleagues into a world of thugs and criminals who solve problems the old-fashioned way. More at landmarktheatres.com.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area
Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
Home

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area
Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
January 6, 2010

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area
Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
Reviews

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area
Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010
The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.
December 23, 2010

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube
Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010
Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube
Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010
Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?
Home

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube
Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010
Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?
Reviews

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube
Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010
Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?
December 23, 2010

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends
Hannah Eaves
Dec 21, 2010
'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends
Hannah Eaves
Dec 21, 2010
'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.
Digital

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends
Hannah Eaves
Dec 21, 2010
'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.
Home

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends
Hannah Eaves
Dec 21, 2010
'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.
December 21, 2010

'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Dec 21, 2010
Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s stop-motion Christmas classic centers on Jack, the Pumpkin King, a bored Halloween trickster who discovers the innocent town of Christmas and becomes one bad Santa. Plays at the Red Vic. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
December 23, 2010

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally
Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally
Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
Home

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally
Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
In Depth

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally
Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010
Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.
December 23, 2010

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes
Michael Fox
Dec 17, 2010
Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes
Michael Fox
Dec 17, 2010
Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.
Home

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes
Michael Fox
Dec 17, 2010
Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.
In Production

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes
Michael Fox
Dec 17, 2010
Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.
December 14, 2010

'All Good Things'
Dec 17, 2010
Director Andrew Jarecki revisits disquieting themes from his celebrated documentary ‘Capturing the Friedmans’ in his debut narrative feature, ‘All Good Things,’ which boasts riveting performances from actors Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. More at landmarktheatres.com.
December 16, 2010

Film 2010: Big Pictures Light up the Small Screen
Michael Fox
Dec 16, 2010
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: Big Pictures Light up the Small Screen
Michael Fox
Dec 16, 2010
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Home

Film 2010: Big Pictures Light up the Small Screen
Michael Fox
Dec 16, 2010
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
Reviews

Film 2010: Big Pictures Light up the Small Screen
Michael Fox
Dec 16, 2010
Perhaps it's OK to bring art film home for the holidays with sophisticated collections of DVDs and must-buy film books.
December 14, 2010

'Vincent: A Life in Color' Star and Director in Person
Dec 16, 2010
One man’s bridge is another man’s catwalk in this inspirational documentary about Chicago’s most eccentric fashion model, Vincent P. Falk, whose spectators aren’t industry icons but passing by boats. Director Jennifer Burns and star Vincent P. Falk in person at the Red Vic. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
December 14, 2010

'Stranger than Paradise'
Dec 16, 2010
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.
December 16, 2010

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie
Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010
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.
Home

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie
Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010
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.
News & Blogs

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie
Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010
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.
News & Blogs

SF Chronicle: 'SF panel woos film crews with discounts'
Dec 15, 2010
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.
December 16, 2010

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards
Susan Gerhard
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
December 28, 2010

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards
Susan Gerhard
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
Home

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards
Susan Gerhard
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
News & Blogs

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards
Susan Gerhard
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.
December 14, 2010

SFFS Special Presentation: Sir Arne’s Treasure with the Mountain Goats in Solo Performance
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Society presents the world premiere of John Darnielle’s score to Mauritz Stiller’s silent masterpiece ‘Sir Arne’s Treasure.’ The celebrated singer-songwriter plays live at the Castro Theatre to accompany the film. More at sffs.org.
December 7, 2010

SFFS Special Presentation: Sir Arne’s Treasure with the Mountain Goats in Solo Performance
Dec 14, 2010
San Francisco Film Society presents the world premiere of John Darnielle’s score to Mauritz Stiller’s silent masterpiece ‘Sir Arne’s Treasure.’ The celebrated singer-songwriter plays live at the Castro Theatre to accompany the film. More at sffs.org.
December 7, 2010

'Remembering Playland' with Tom Wyrsch in Person
Dec 12, 2010
Bay Area filmmaker Tom Wyrsch examines the history of San Francisco’s one-time seaside amusement park, Playland, whose origins dated back nearly a century before being torn down in 1972. Wyrsch appears in person at the Smith Rafael Film Center. More at cafilm.org.
December 7, 2010

‘Meat Grinder’
Dec 11, 2010
YBCA’s ‘Go To Hell For The Holidays: Horror in December’ series continues with Kiwa Moethaisong’s ‘Meat Grinder,’ the story of a disturbed chef who increases her noodle soup sales by adding a simple and grotesque ingredient. More at ybca.org.
December 9, 2010

Stiller's 'Sir Arne's Treasure' Brought Back to Life, Musically
Dennis Harvey
Dec 10, 2010
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
Home

Stiller's 'Sir Arne's Treasure' Brought Back to Life, Musically
Dennis Harvey
Dec 10, 2010
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
Reviews

Stiller's 'Sir Arne's Treasure' Brought Back to Life, Musically
Dennis Harvey
Dec 10, 2010
The Mountain Goats offer an original score for Mauritz Stiller's rambunctious adventure-turned tragedy/morality tale of 1919.
December 7, 2010

‘Bad Writing’
Dec 10, 2010
Ever wonder how a literary heavyweight might critique your angst-ridden teenage poetry? In ‘Bad Writing’ filmmaker Vernon Lott hands his dusty pages over to some seasoned pros in search of honest feedback and an answer to the film’s predominant question: What’s the difference between good writing and bad? Plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.
December 9, 2010

Stanford's MFA Doc Program Teaches Cardinal Rules, and How to Break Them
Sara Dosa
Dec 9, 2010
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
Home

Stanford's MFA Doc Program Teaches Cardinal Rules, and How to Break Them
Sara Dosa
Dec 9, 2010
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
Reviews

Stanford's MFA Doc Program Teaches Cardinal Rules, and How to Break Them
Sara Dosa
Dec 9, 2010
A night with Stanford’s Doc Film MFAs offers insight into a storied program.
December 9, 2010

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’
Michael Fox
Dec 8, 2010
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
Home

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’
Michael Fox
Dec 8, 2010
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
In Production

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’
Michael Fox
Dec 8, 2010
Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.
December 7, 2010

'Pixar: 25 Years of Animation' Exhibition
Dec 8, 2010
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
December 7, 2010

Fellini Double Feature
Dec 8, 2010
Federico Fellini made a name for himself with 1954’s ‘La Strada,’ which centers on the adventures of a young girl sold into the circus, and he capitalized, emboldened and underlined that name with 1969’s ‘Satyricon,’ his audacious take on Petronius Arbiter’s fragmented first-century Roman satire. More at castrotheatre.com.
December 9, 2010

Film Festival Season: Five Last-Minute Music Clearance Tips
Annie Lin/The Rights Workshop
Dec 7, 2010
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
Home

Film Festival Season: Five Last-Minute Music Clearance Tips
Annie Lin/The Rights Workshop
Dec 7, 2010
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
January 31, 2011

Film Festival Season: Five Last-Minute Music Clearance Tips
Annie Lin/The Rights Workshop
Dec 7, 2010
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
Legal

Film Festival Season: Five Last-Minute Music Clearance Tips
Annie Lin/The Rights Workshop
Dec 7, 2010
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
December 9, 2010

Essential SF: Anne McGuire
Sean Uyehara
Dec 6, 2010
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
Home

Essential SF: Anne McGuire
Sean Uyehara
Dec 6, 2010
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
In Depth

Essential SF: Anne McGuire
Sean Uyehara
Dec 6, 2010
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
November 3 2010

Essential SF: Anne McGuire
Sean Uyehara
Dec 6, 2010
San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.
November 30, 2010

‘Saint Misbehavin' —The Wavy Gravy Movie'
Dec 3, 2010
The Red Vic hosts the U.S. theatrical premiere of Michelle Esrick’s ‘Saint Misbehavin’—The Wavy Gravy Movie,’ which chronicles the rousing life and times of Wavy Gravy, the world’s most endearing hippie-clown-peace activist. More at redvicmoviehouse.com.
November 30, 2010

'The Temptation of St. Tony'
Dec 3, 2010
Veiko Õunpuu's dream-like study of a middle-aged man’s morality struggle has drawn comparisons to the work of cinema’s most notorious surrealists. ‘The Temptation of St. Tony’ is Estonia’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. Plays at the Roxie. More at roxie.com.
December 2, 2010

Sundance Announces Films in Competition
Susan Gerhard
Dec 2, 2010
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Home

Sundance Announces Films in Competition
Susan Gerhard
Dec 2, 2010
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
January 31, 2011

Sundance Announces Films in Competition
Susan Gerhard
Dec 2, 2010
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
News & Blogs

Sundance Announces Films in Competition
Susan Gerhard
Dec 2, 2010
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
November 30, 2010

Voices of Light / ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’
Dec 2, 2010
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.
November 30, 2010

'Red White & Blue'
Dec 2, 2010
Simon Rumley’s low budget Texas-set horror film tells the story of a disconnected, promiscuous young woman who finds friendship in a mysterious Iraq veteran. ‘Red White & Blue’ kicks off YBCA’s Go To Hell For The Holidays: Horror in December series. More at ybca.org.
December 2, 2010

De Michiel and Constantinou Offer Food for Thought
Michael Fox
Dec 1, 2010
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
Home

De Michiel and Constantinou Offer Food for Thought
Michael Fox
Dec 1, 2010
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
In Production

De Michiel and Constantinou Offer Food for Thought
Michael Fox
Dec 1, 2010
Filmmakers with deep roots in Bay Area cinema enter the brave new world of Web broadcasting with a series on food education for children.
November 30, 2010

Maya Rudolph in Conversation with Paul Lancour
Dec 1, 2010
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.
December 2, 2010

Writing Screenplays Is not Painting by Numbers
Lisa Rosenberg
Nov 30, 2010
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
Home

Writing Screenplays Is not Painting by Numbers
Lisa Rosenberg
Nov 30, 2010
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
Screenwriting

Writing Screenplays Is not Painting by Numbers
Lisa Rosenberg
Nov 30, 2010
When structuring a screenplay, sometimes you need to leave the "advice" behind.
November 30, 2010

Rough Cuts at The Lab: ‘We Women Warriors’
Nov 30, 2010
A local drug war, an unjust court case and an ignorant police state are the antagonists to three resilient native Colombians in Nicole Karsin’s documentary-in-progress, ‘We Women Warriors.’ More at thelab.org.
Funding

Going Guerrilla with Zombies
Holly Million
Nov 23, 2010
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
Home

Going Guerrilla with Zombies
Holly Million
Nov 23, 2010
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
November 24, 2010

Going Guerrilla with Zombies
Holly Million
Nov 23, 2010
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
November 16, 2010

Nora Ephron in Conversation with Paul Lancour
Nov 22, 2010
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.
Home

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'
Steve Anker
Nov 19, 2010
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
In Depth

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'
Steve Anker
Nov 19, 2010
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
November 24, 2010

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'
Steve Anker
Nov 19, 2010
Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'
November 16, 2010

‘Kamui Gaiden’
Nov 19, 2010
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.
November 16, 2010

Destroy All Movies!!!
Nov 19, 2010
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.
Home

'Client 9' Reclaims Spitzer
Dennis Harvey
Nov 18, 2010
'Client 9' makes the case that Wall Street, not women, brought Eliot Spitzer down. This month commenced with the most stellar edition yet of what's become America's favorite political pasttime, a game we call Out with the (Sorta) Old, In with the (Kinda) New. Payback was especially directed at the current administration's failure to get the economy back to booming. Yet as one of the year's biggest documentaries, Charles Ferguson's Inside Job, noted, conservative politicos and their allies were very much in on the policies that got our collective piggy bank broken and looted in the first place. Though it can certainly stand on its own merits, Client 9 (which opens at local theaters this...
November 18, 2010

'Client 9' Reclaims Spitzer
Dennis Harvey
Nov 18, 2010
'Client 9' makes the case that Wall Street, not women, brought Eliot Spitzer down. This month commenced with the most stellar edition yet of what's become America's favorite political pasttime, a game we call Out with the (Sorta) Old, In with the (Kinda) New. Payback was especially directed at the current administration's failure to get the economy back to booming. Yet as one of the year's biggest documentaries, Charles Ferguson's Inside Job, noted, conservative politicos and their allies were very much in on the policies that got our collective piggy bank broken and looted in the first place. Though it can certainly stand on its own merits, Client 9 (which opens at local theaters this...
Home

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point
Michael Fox
Nov 17, 2010
A longtime friendship grows into a film.
In Production

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point
Michael Fox
Nov 17, 2010
A longtime friendship grows into a film.
November 18, 2010

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point
Michael Fox
Nov 17, 2010
A longtime friendship grows into a film.
November 10, 2010

New Italian Cinema
Nov 17, 2010
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.
News & Blogs

IndieWIRE: "'Zeitgeist Latches Onto a 'Revolution'"
Nov 17, 2010
"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.
Home

Copyright Crosses Borders
George Rush
Nov 16, 2010
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
Legal

Copyright Crosses Borders
George Rush
Nov 16, 2010
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
November 18, 2010

Copyright Crosses Borders
George Rush
Nov 16, 2010
Laws and treaties protect artists' rights overseas and make the permissions-gathering process all the more important for filmmakers.
November 16, 2010

‘Life During Wartime’
Nov 16, 2010
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.
November 16, 2010

Carl Theodor Dreyer Series Continues
Nov 16, 2010
The Pacific Film Archive’s series on film giant Carl Theodor Dreyer continues well into the month December and showcases the Danish director’s greatest achievements. Dreyer’s influence on cinema is colossal and ageless as proven in Lars Von Trier’s ‘Medea,’ which he directed for television decades after Dreyer penned the original screenplay. Dreyer’s ‘Michael’ precedes ‘Medea.’ ‘The Master of the House,’ and ‘Leaves from Satan’s Book’ also screen this weekend. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.
November 16, 2010

New Italian Cinema
Nov 16, 2010
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.
Home

Essential SF: Marlon Riggs
Dennis Harvey
Nov 15, 2010
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...
November 3 2010

Essential SF: Marlon Riggs
Dennis Harvey
Nov 15, 2010
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...
Festivals

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek
Dennis Harvey
Nov 14, 2010
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
Home

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek
Dennis Harvey
Nov 14, 2010
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
November 11, 2010

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek
Dennis Harvey
Nov 14, 2010
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
November 18, 2010

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek
Dennis Harvey
Nov 14, 2010
'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.
Festivals

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room
Andrew Provost
Nov 13, 2010
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
Home

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room
Andrew Provost
Nov 13, 2010
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
November 18, 2010

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room
Andrew Provost
Nov 13, 2010
SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.
Home

Semiconductor's Binary Opposition
Sean Uyehara
Nov 12, 2010
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....
November 11, 2010

Semiconductor's Binary Opposition
Sean Uyehara
Nov 12, 2010
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....
November 10, 2010

San Francisco International Animation Festival
Nov 11, 2010
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.
November 10, 2010

‘Ran’ turns 25 at the Castro
Nov 11, 2010
Akira Kurosawa was well into his 70s when he began shooting ‘Ran,’ the war epic that took over a year to film and was then Japan’s most expensive movie in history. The Castro Theater celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kurosawa’s 'King Lear' adaptation, which the iconic director considered his best film. More at castrotheatre.com.
Home

Manning’s ‘Al Capp’ Sketches Grandpa
Michael Fox
Nov 10, 2010
Caitlin Manning takes a look at her cartoon-artist grandfather's life and legacy.
In Production

Manning’s ‘Al Capp’ Sketches Grandpa
Michael Fox
Nov 10, 2010
Caitlin Manning takes a look at her cartoon-artist grandfather's life and legacy.