Welcome to SF360

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.

Welcome to SF360

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.

Funding: San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) Cultural Equity Grants

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.

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman

With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman

With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.

Essential SF: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman

With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.

Shoot Online: "Bodega Goes Bicoastal, Opens San Francisco Office Under Exec Producer/Partner Clint Goldman"

"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.

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard

Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard

Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.

Essential SF: Susan Gerhard

Susan Gerhard talks copy, critics and the 'there' we have here.

Opportunities: Rough Cuts

Rough Cuts is a series of work-in-progress documentary screenings that are produced at a variety of locations throughout San Francisco. The next event (November 14, 2011; 7:30 p.m.) features one rough cut of a feature-length documentary and then a conversation about the film. The post-screening discussion is designed to give the filmmaker a better, more objective sense of what is working and not working with the film, with particular attention paid to improving the film's structure and narrative clarity. ELIGIBILITY: Rough Cuts is currently accepting submissions for the next event. If you are editing a documentary that is over 40 minutes long and are seeking feedback, they encourage you to submit. Principal photography should have been completed, and filmmakers tare encouraged to submit films that are in the later stages of post-production. AWARDS: Invaluable feedback and constructive criticism. DEADLINE: November 1, 2011. Submissions must arrive by 5:00 p.m. WEBSITE: sfroughcuts.com/index.html.

Joshua Moore, on Location

Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’

Joshua Moore, on Location

Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’

Joshua Moore, on Location

Filmmaker and programmer Moore talks process, offers perspective on his debut feature and Cinema by the Bay opener, ‘I Think It’s Raining.’

Balboa Theatre Saved: SFNTF Partners With Gary Meyer to Keep Theatre Open

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.

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now

Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now

Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.

Under the Spell of French Cinema Now

Love permeates SFFS's francophone film series.

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Announces New Executive Director

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.

NY/SF International Children's Film Festival

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.

Mexico Rising: The Films of Nicolás Pereda

YBCA screens five films by 27-year old Mexican auteur Nicolás Pereda in this lauded retrospective, justifiably making its San Francisco debut after playing earlier this year to acclaim in points east. Deadpan comedy 'Juntos' plays Thursday. More info ybca.org.

San Francisco Chronicle: 'Online publication sf360.org closing down"

"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.

SF Film Society Names Bingham Ray Executive Director

Press release: San Francisco Film Society announced the appointment of Bingham Ray as its executive director, effective November 7, 2011. Ray comes to the San Francisco Film Society from New York City, where he recently served as the first run programming consultant to the Film Society of Lincoln Center, executive consultant to the digital distribution company SnagFilms and adjunct professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. More at sffs.org.

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Can three film school grads from San Francisco break out without the help of Hollywood or New York connections?

Unbound by Genre, Taiwan's Films Travel Unique Paths

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 ...

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall

Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall

Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.

Arab Spring Arrives in a Festival-Packed Fall

Arab Film Festival Executive Director Michel Shehadeh speaks to building an all-encompassing international space.

'American Teacher'

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.

'American Teacher'

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.

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement

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.'

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement

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.'

Graham Leggat and the Art of Engagement

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.'

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'

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.

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'

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.

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'

John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'

John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.

Turturro Makes a Case for 'Passione'

John Turturro shares his passion for the Neapolitan songbook.

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’

Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’

Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.

Slade Channels Broughton’s ‘Big Joy’

Artistic integrity is always in short supply, which makes Broughton an inspiration for every successive generation of poets and filmmakers.

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

Guy Maddin talks about movies, writing, himself—and the allure of the Osmonds, re-published on the occasion of Fandor's Maddin blogathon.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

San Francisco Irish Film Festival

Founded in 2003, The San Francisco Irish Film Festival opens this Thursday at the Roxie. Highlights include Colm Meany's turn in the charming 'Parked,' a closing night screening of 'Once' follow-up 'Swell Season,' and revival screenings of 'In the Name of The Father' and 2008 Cannes Golden Camera winner 'Hunger.' More info sfirishfilm.com.

San Francisco Irish Film Festival

Founded in 2003, The San Francisco Irish Film Festival opens this Thursday at the Roxie. Highlights include Colm Meany's turn in the charming 'Parked,' a closing night screening of 'Once' follow-up 'Swell Season,' and revival screenings of 'In the Name of The Father' and 2008 Cannes Golden Camera winner 'Hunger.' More info sfirishfilm.com.

Below the Line: "SPY Delivers Visual Effects, DI and Stereo Conversion for Coppola's 'Twixt' "

"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.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

SFFS's Hong Kong Cinema Series Brings Fan Fare to New Screen

Audience-engaging stories in a variety of genres highlight SFFS's inaugural Hong Kong Cinema weekend.

SFFS Announces Winners of Documentary Film Fund Awards

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society today announced the three winners of the inaugural SFFS Documentary Film Fund grants. The Fund was created to support the postproduction of singular feature-length nonfiction film work that is distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. Each year from 2011 to 2013, a total of $100,000 will be disbursed to further new work by documentary filmmakers nationwide. Winners are: Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, An American Promise, $25,000; Priya Desai and Ann Kim, Match +, $25,000; Zachary Heinzerling, Cutie & the Boxe, $50,000. For more information go to: sffs.org/filmmaker-services.

Donizetti's 'Elixir of Love,' the Movie

The San Francisco Opera & CFI Education co-present a one-hour kid-friendly version of the famous opera at the Smith Rafael Film Center, along with educational take-home materials and an introduction by SF Opera staff. Free this Saturday, more info cafilm.org.

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots

With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots

With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots

With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.

Tiffany Shlain Connects the Dots

With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.

Cine+Mas San Francisco Latino Film Festival 2011

The Cine+Mas 2011 San Francisco Latino Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday with a screening of 'Being: Cafe´ Tacvba' at Landmark's Embarcadero Center Cinema and screens through next week at venues throughout the Bay Area. The festival offers a number of new works by Latino directors based locally and internationally. More info and kickoff RSVP at sflatinofilmfestival.com.

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’

Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’

Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.

Iranian Teenage Love Sparks ‘Circumstance’

Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.

'Puzzle'

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.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu

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...

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu

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...

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu

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...

Kuchar, Belson Bid Adieu

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...

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’

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.'

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’

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.'

Radical Light: ‘Movie Factory’

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.'

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

Priya Giri Desai documents matchmaking efforts for HIV-positives in India.

'Film Socialisme'

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.

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure

The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure

The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.

Jean-Luc Godard Sets Course for Adventure

The first feature to play SFFS | New People Cinema, Godard's ‘Film Socialisme’ is both poetic rumination and urgent intervention.

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma

Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma

Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.

Sjogren Finds ‘Redemption’ in Petaluma

Britta Sjogren gets a second chance to make a film about how people rebound from trauma.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat and a Film Society Transformed

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

Graham Leggat, 1960-2011

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.

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

Powerfully positioned San Francisco-based champion of independent docs and dramas for television begins to navigate its third decade.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Essential SF: Lynn Hershman Leeson

Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry

The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry

The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.

Susannah Greason Robbins on Growing the City’s Film Industry

The San Francisco’s Film Commission's executive director offers notes on new incentives for production in the city.

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates

The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates

The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.

San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gates

The Golden Gate Bridge remains in heavy rotation in sci-fi, action genres.

'Vigilante, Vigilante' Opens Can of Worms

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...

'Vigilante, Vigilante' Opens Can of Worms

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...

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister

A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister

A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.

‘Dawn’ Salutes Lost Girls, Sainted Sister

A collaborative project recounts the life and work of a German-born nun located outside Nairobi and the Sudanese Lost Girls she helped find.

SFFS Announces Winners of Spring 2011 SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants

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.

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp

The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp

The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.

Teens Tackle Production at SFFS Young Filmmakers Camp

The second year of the Film Society's movie-making summer camp puts youth on location.

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’

The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’

The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’

Miranda July Throws Cautionary Tale to the Wind with ‘The Future’

The filmmaker talks about time, life, storytelling and her new film, ‘The Future.’

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight

Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight

Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.

'Between Two Worlds' Places Politics of Speech in Spotlight

Filmmakers take personal approach to Jewish cultural debates.

SF Chronicle: 'Graham Leggat Takes a Bow at Tosca'

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.

SFJFF Opens in Berkeley

The 31st San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, world's largest showcase of Jewish films, continues this week, opening at Berkeley's Roda Theatre on Saturday with a screening of historical drama 'Sarah's Key' starring Kristin Scott Thomas. The festival screens at a number of Bay Area venues. More info at sfjff.org.

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience

Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience

Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.

Yoav Potash Takes 'Crime's' Case to Larger Audience

Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Filmmaker talks about Chicago, identity, music and the making of ‘Polish Bar.’

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

The 31st San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, the world's largest showcase of Jewish film, opens at the Castro Theatre on Thursday with Israeli drama 'Mabul' (The Flood, nominated for six of Israel's 'Oscars'), and runs through August 8 at a number of Bay Area venues. An Opening Night bash follows at the Swedish American Hall. More info sfjff.org.

Generator Everything

'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.'

Generator Everything

'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.'

Generator Everything

'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.'

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’

Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’

Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.

Essential SF: ‘North Beach,’ ‘Medicine For Melancholy’

Two Bay Area location-based features that speak to the moment are poised to stand the test of time.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

'Shoes' on the Other Feet at SF Silent Film Festival

San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.

'Shoes' on the Other Feet at SF Silent Film Festival

San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.

'Shoes' on the Other Feet at SF Silent Film Festival

San Francisco Silent Film Festival features the work of the most important female director of the silent era, Lois Weber.

Torres Story Gains Focus

Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.

Torres Story Gains Focus

Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.

Torres Story Gains Focus

Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’

A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’

A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.

Roko Belic Charts Path to ‘Happy’

A former Bay Area filmmaker travels the world in search of the secrets of contentment.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Graham Leggat Steps Down as Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society

Film Society’s leader for more than five years resigns due to health issues.

Ninth Street Announces Incubator Participants

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.

'The Virgin Machine'

A German romance writer is transplanted to San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, where she attends an all-girl strip show and is initiated into local lesbian culture in this racey, vintage, "sex positive" indie. More at sfmoma.org.

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus

It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus

It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.

Critic's Notebook: Frameline at 35 Still Finds Youth a Focus

It gets better: Frameline35 offers a strong selection of work about youth.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

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...

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area

One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area

One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.

Dutch Director's Obsession Leads to Bay Area

One film was not enough to quench Frans Weisz’s fascination with Nazi-era artist Charlotte Salomon.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Lewis Rides Herd on Lusty ‘Longhorns’

An SF Chronicle editor speaks about his third feature, a Texas-set sex comedy making its debut at Frameline35.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

Celebrating a Reel Education

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.

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday

A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday

A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

'Blank City' Looks Back at Underground 'B' Heyday

A documentary digs into New York's 'No Wave' movement that briefly flourished in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

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

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Frameline Announces Titles in 2011 Festival

Margaret Cho, transgender cinema are highlights of 2011 LGBT festival.

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain

Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain

Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.

Topp Twins Agitate, Yodel, Entertain

Leanne Pooley's Topp Twins documentary views world politics through the prism of two eccentric lesbian performers from New Zealand.

City College of San Francisco City Shorts Film Festival

City College of San Francisco offers a best-of program in the one day, student-run City Shorts Film Festival. The festival is free to the public. More at cityshorts.tumblr.com.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

‘The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry

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.

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe

'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.

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe

'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.

We Are All Made of Stars in Patrico Guzmán's Universe

'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.

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece

Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece

Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'

'Meek's Cutoff' a Minimalist Masterpiece

Kelly Reichardt creates a moving meditation on open space with 'Meek's Cutoff.'

‘These Amazing Shadows’

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.

SFIFF54 Golden Gate Award Winners Announced

Cash prizes, recognition showered on the winning filmmakers of 2011 San Francisco International. The San Francisco International Film Festival presented its 2011 Golden Gate Awards to filmmakers Wednesday night at Temple Nightclub/Prana Restaurant. Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway's Better This World won both Documentary Feature and Bay Area Documentary awards. Yoav Potash's Crime After Crime received the Investigative Documentary prize. Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan won the New Directors award. A complete list...

SFIFF54 Golden Gate Award Winners Announced

Cash prizes, recognition showered on the winning filmmakers of 2011 San Francisco International. The San Francisco International Film Festival presented its 2011 Golden Gate Awards to filmmakers Wednesday night at Temple Nightclub/Prana Restaurant. Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway's Better This World won both Documentary Feature and Bay Area Documentary awards. Yoav Potash's Crime After Crime received the Investigative Documentary prize. Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan won the New Directors award. A complete list...

SFIFF54 Golden Gate Award Winners Announced

Cash prizes, recognition showered on the winning filmmakers of 2011 San Francisco International. The San Francisco International Film Festival presented its 2011 Golden Gate Awards to filmmakers Wednesday night at Temple Nightclub/Prana Restaurant. Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway's Better This World won both Documentary Feature and Bay Area Documentary awards. Yoav Potash's Crime After Crime received the Investigative Documentary prize. Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan won the New Directors award. A complete list...

SFIFF54 Golden Gate Award Winners Announced

Cash prizes, recognition showered on the winning filmmakers of 2011 San Francisco International. The San Francisco International Film Festival presented its 2011 Golden Gate Awards to filmmakers Wednesday night at Temple Nightclub/Prana Restaurant. Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway's Better This World won both Documentary Feature and Bay Area Documentary awards. Yoav Potash's Crime After Crime received the Investigative Documentary prize. Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan won the New Directors award. A complete list...

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

SFIFF Brings in Burlesque as Closer

Cabaret New Burlesque gets the French art-house treatment with ‘On Tour.’

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration

Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration

Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.

Frank Pierson, 'These Amazing Shadows' Offer Inspiration

Screenwriter Frank Pierson talks production at SFIFF54; Bay Area-made 'These Amazing Shadows' screens after the Festival closes.

SFIFF: ‘American Teacher’/20 Years of Schools at the Festival

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.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Unrestrained at SFIFF54, Barney Offers Live Insight

Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF Centerpiece: ‘Terri’

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.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF54 Embraces Barney's Unique POV

In a quarter century of filmmaking feats, persistence and vision are defining qualities for Matthew Barney.

SFIFF: ‘The Selling’

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

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.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Bay Area Doc-makers of SFIFF54 Map Future

The region's nonfiction filmmakers consider next steps after their SFIFF debuts.

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire

A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire

A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.

Tindersticks Fuel the Claire Denis Film Fire

A soundtrack staple in the Denis oeuvre, Tindersticks play their beautifully brooding music live to clips at SFIFF54.

SFIFF Joins Festival Scope

Press release: The San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21 - May 5) announced that the Festival has been invited to join Festival Scope, a new Internet platform that allows programming of selected film festivals to be viewed online by film professionals around the world. More at sffs.org.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF's Midnight Awards

The San Francisco International's Midnight Awards at the W hotel honor Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., with a spirited talk-show style discussion featuring the inimitable Beth Lisick, actress, author and Porchlight Storytelling Series co-host. More at fest.sffs.org.

SFIFF: '!Women art Revolution'

Lynn Hershman Leeson's decades-in-the-making documentary about women artists taking on the establishment debuts at the festival Saturday, April 23, with a San Francisco Museum of Modern Art screening, and plays again Monday, April 25, at the Pacific Film Archive. More at fest11.sffs.org.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF: ‘Miss Representation’

‘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.

Terence Stamp to Receive Peter J. Owens Award at 54th San Francisco International Film Festival

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.

San Francisco Film Society Announces New $300,000 Documentary Film Fund

Press Release: The San Francisco Film Society announced the new SFFS Documentary Film Fund, which over the next three years will disburse a series of annual grants totaling $300,000 to support feature-length documentaries in postproduction. The SFFS Documentary Film Fund is created to support singular nonfiction film work that is distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. The first grant cycle application period opens June 17; the first winners will be announced September 30. More at sffs.org.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

San Francisco International Opens

The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival opens with a film about fresh starts, in the form of a 75-year-old living life romantically, possibly for the first time, in Mike Mills' 'Beginners.' One can't go wrong with a cast featuring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent. Better: Mills and McGregor are present. A party follows at Terra Gallery. More at fest.sffs.org.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

SFIFF54 Finds Life Among the Ruins

As the San Francisco International Film Festival opens, key films consider the value of place.

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols

Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols

Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.

Looking for the Moral with Bill Nichols

Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

On Producing Killer Films

Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

On Producing Killer Films

Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

On Producing Killer Films

Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

Afterimage: The Films of Patricio Guzmán

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.

SFIFF Presents Midnight Award to Clifton Collins, Jr., Zoe Saldana

The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21 - May 5) announced that Clifton Collins Jr. will be honored at the fourth Midnight Awards, 10:30 pm, Saturday, April 23 at the W San Francisco. The Midnight Awards takes the form of a late night talk show, hosted by Beth Lisick, New York Times best-selling author and coorganizer of the Porchlight Storytelling Series, with live musical accompaniment by the Darren Johnston Trio. Lisick will interview Collins and his previously announced Midnight Award corecipient Zoe Saldana. Clips of their work will be shown prior to the presentation of the awards. More at fest11.sffs.org.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

'Circo'

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.

‘Bullitt’ and ‘Freebie and the Bean’ Double Feature

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.

‘Henry’s Crime’

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.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Film Globally, Screen Locally

Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Film Globally, Screen Locally

Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Film Globally, Screen Locally

Local filmmakers reflect on the opportunities presented by screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

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

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.

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

The 7th Annual San Francisco Women’s Film Festival

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.

IndieWIRE: "Meet the San Francisco International Film Fest Programmers (In Their Own Words)"

IndieWIRE reports: "With the sheer number of arts-related events in San Francisco, one might mistake the city as one of America’s largest metropolises, but in fact it’s California’s fourth largest city. San Francisco has however had a long tradition of embracing arts on the cusp, reflecting its vibrant and diverse citizens." More at indieWIRE.com.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space

SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space

SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space

SFMOMA's Eadweard Muybridge exhibit is essential viewing for Bay Area film lovers. More than 150 years after Eadweard Muybridge set up shop on Montgomery Street, San Francisco Museum Modern Art is featuring a splendid retrospective of the photographer’s work just a few blocks away. A tireless self-promoter with chutzpah enough to adapt “Helios” as a nom de plume early in his career (this after already having left “Muggeridge” behind in England), Muybridge would surely have been pleased by this showcase. From A Trip Down Market Street

SFMOMA's Muybridge Experiments with Time, Space

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

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

‘Heartbeats'

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.

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

Long story short: A filmmaker finds the right length for his South American health doc.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SFIAAFF'S Closer Goh Nakamura Talks Music, Movies

'Surrogate Valentine's' Goh Nakamura offers his fans some sugar as his starring role closes SFIAAFF 2011.

SF Int'l Asian American Film Festival

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.

SFIAAFF Brings 'Light,' Captures Attention

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...

SFIAAFF Brings 'Light,' Captures Attention

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...

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Masashi Niwano, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival's new director, speaks about bringing new worlds to this world cinema event.

Balboa Birthday Bash: Rare Valentino

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.

'Exposed on Film'

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.

SFIFF54 Announces Documentaries in Golden Gate Awards, Films in New Directors Competition

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.

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival

An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival

An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.

Hope Springs Eternal at Green Film Festival

An environmental film festival with exceptional flair enters the San Francisco scene.

San Francisco Green Film Festival

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.

Ido Haar in Person for Q&A following 'Melting Siberia'

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.

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul

SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul

SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.

Ido Haar Seeks Justice, Searches Soul

SFFS Artist in Residence speaks on cities, Siberia, family and life in the Middle East.

'We Were Here'

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.

SFGate: Philip Kaufman’s 'Hemingway & Gellhorn' Looks for Extras in San Francisco

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.

SF Indiefest Announces Audience Award Winners

Press Release: The Audience Award winners for the 13th San Francisco Independent Film Festival include ‘Kaboom,’ named as Best Narrative Feature, ‘Bathing and the Single Girl’ for Best Narrative Short, ‘Free Radicals’ for Best Documentary, ‘Burning Wigs of Sedition’ for Best Music Video and ‘Mars’ for Best Animated Film. More at sfindie.com.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

'We Were Here' Wrings Hope from the AIDS Crisis

Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.

Stone Tour Cultivates the City

Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.

Stone Tour Cultivates the City

Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.

Stone Tour Cultivates the City

Film professor and farmer Melinda Stone tours San Francisco community centers with film and food for thought.

San Francisco Silent Film Festival Winter Event

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.

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace

Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace

Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.

Scary Cow Stampede Continues Apace

Scary Cow matches makers with crews, and, every quarter, finds audiences for both.

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'

A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'

A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.

Im Sang-soo Re-hires a Troubling 'Housemaid'

A South Korean classic is re-envisioned.

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest

SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest

SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.

Eclectic Expectations Met at SF Indiefest

SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.

Herzog in Focus

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.

By, For and About George Kuchar

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.

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts

Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts

Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts

Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.

Bay Area Doc Makers Breathe Deep Before Sundance Debuts

Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.

BAVC Wins MacArthur Grant

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.

SFFS Presents Fever Dreams: Laurel Nakadate

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society will present Fever Dreams: Laurel Nakadate, a multiplatform presentation of the work of American multimedia artist Laurel Nakadate, February 23–March 2. Fever Dreams kicks off KinoTek 2011–12, an eclectic series of programs dedicated to cross-platform and emergent media, supported by a two-year, $80,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. More at sffs.org.

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir

Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir

Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.

Patrick Marks Takes a Green Eye to Noir

Notable Noir City enthusiast Patrick Marks, owner of the Green Arcade, offers thoughts on the genre as well as festival's 2011 selections.

German Gems Program Shines

The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.

German Gems Program Shines

The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.

German Gems Program Shines

The German Gems series moves beyond Berlin in bringing attention to worthy new work out of Germany.

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola

A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola

A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.

American Doc Showcase Visits Angola

A filmmaker’s trip to Luanda with a State Department program brings insight on the growth of a young national cinema.

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

De Oliveira's 'Angelica' Balming, Enlivening

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

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Rudolf Frieling Looks to Technologies New, Old for SFMOMA's Screens

SFMOMA's Rudolf Frieling talks about media arts, chance encounters and low/high-tech transformations.

Film 2010: Top Tens

Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.

Film 2010: Top Tens

Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.

Film 2010: Top Tens

Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.

Film 2010: Top Tens

Film fans and makers agree to disagree on the best films of 2010 in SF360.org's annual Year in Film poll.

SFFS Announces Winner of Screenwriting Grant

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society announced today that Eric Escobar has been selected to receive this year's SFFS/Hearst Screenwriting Grant for the continuing development of his script, East County. The $15,000 grant is given to support the work of a mid-career American screenwriter. More at SFFS.

SF Chronicle: 'SF panel woos film crews with discounts'

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.

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards

San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards

San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards

San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.

Film 2010: 'Social Network' Tops S.F. Film Critics Circle Awards

San Francisco Film Critics Circle winners for 2010 included 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'The Tillman Story' and Elliot Lavine.

SFFS Special Presentation: Sir Arne’s Treasure with the Mountain Goats in Solo Performance

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.

SFFS Special Presentation: Sir Arne’s Treasure with the Mountain Goats in Solo Performance

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.

'Ghost Bird' Returns to Roost

The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker may have disappeared for good, but a film about its possible rebirth persists against all odds.

'Ghost Bird' Returns to Roost

The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker may have disappeared for good, but a film about its possible rebirth persists against all odds.

'Ghost Bird' Returns to Roost

The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker may have disappeared for good, but a film about its possible rebirth persists against all odds.

'Remembering Playland' with Tom Wyrsch in Person

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.

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’

Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’

Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.

Lukitsch Pedals into the ‘Gap’

Laura Lukitsch's new project asks whether we can replace car culture with biking, public transportation and high-speed rail.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

SFFS/KRF Announce Fall 2010 Grant Recipients

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation today announced the five winners of the fourth round of SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants: Debbie Brubaker, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Christopher Mason Johnson, Mike Ott and Morgan Wise. The grants are given 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. More at sffs.org.

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Malmberg Builds a Following with 'Marwencol'

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

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'

Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'

Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'

Radical Light: 'A Haven for Radical Art and Experimental Film and Video'

Pacific Film Archive offers the second of three excerpts from its monumental work, 'Radical Light.'

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point

A longtime friendship grows into a film.

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point

A longtime friendship grows into a film.

Farley Frames Barrish, Candlestick Point

A longtime friendship grows into a film.

New Italian Cinema

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.

New Italian Cinema

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.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

New to SFIAF: Online Screening Room

SFIAF's Online Screening Room gives the festival's animation another dimension.

Semiconductor's Binary Opposition

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....

Semiconductor's Binary Opposition

San Francisco International Animation Festival: Semiconductor's Ruth Jarman and Joseph Gerhardt talk about their work in music, movies and animation. What do you call a duo that considers itself a trio? Or videomakers who call themselves sculptors? Semiconductor has been making video and installation work for over ten years. They consist of Joseph Gerhardt, Ruth Jarman and a computer. They create animations and present live music and visual shows. Everything they do is slightly inside out. The computer is more or less an antagonist in their midst. They haven’t quite broken up the band yet, because the....

San Francisco International Animation Festival

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.

San Francisco Film Society Announces Finalists for SFFS/Hearst Screenwriting Grant

Press release: The San Francisco Film Society announced today the finalists and honorable mention for the second SFFS/Hearst Screenwriting Grant. The grant of $15,000 will be awarded to a mid-career screenwriter who has been a practicing writer for at least five years and who has previously written a minimum of one feature screenplay. Finalists are Topaz Adizes, Eric Escobar, Brent Hoff, Roja Gashtili, Maryam Keshavarz, Beverly Kopf and Bobbi Birleffi, Paul Lobo Portuges, David Munro, Jennifer Phang and Dominac Mah. Honorable mention went to Richard Strasser. More at sffs.org.

Essential SF: Les Blank

Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.

Essential SF: Les Blank

Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.

Essential SF: Les Blank

Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.

Essential SF: Les Blank

Eat, dance, love: Les Blank brings nonfiction back to life in a long and storied career.

Essential SF

SF360.org profiles the 2011 roster of Essential SF, an ongoing compendium of the film community’s vital figures and institutions.

Ed Burns Master Class and ‘Nice Guy Johnny’

The Roxie Theater hosts a San Francisco Film Society special presentation: Hollywood 2.0 is a discussion with Ed Burns on the making, marketing and distributing of his new film, ‘Nice Guy Johnny,’ which screens after the event. More at sffs.org.

3rd I South Asian Film Festival

The latest cinema from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, U.K. and USA comprise the 8th annual 3rd I San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival: Bollywood and Beyond. Opening night plays at VIZ Cinema before festival moves to the Brava Theater, and concludes at the Castro. Browse the films at thirdi.org.

Essential SF: Rick Prelinger

Rick Prelinger’s efforts at preserving ephemeral films have made him indispensable to the cinema of San Francisco—and the world.

Essential SF: Rick Prelinger

Rick Prelinger’s efforts at preserving ephemeral films have made him indispensable to the cinema of San Francisco—and the world.

'Left in the Dark' Photographer and Essayists in Person

Celebrations of photographer R.A. McBride’s and Julie Lindow's elegiac ‘Left in the Dark: Portraits of San Francisco Movie Theatres,' which features photographs cinemas of the past and present matched with scholarly essays on local industry themes, continue. Pacific Film Archive hosts a slide show presentation by McBride and readings by writers including Lindow, Katherine Petrin, Melinda Stone. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.

Marquee Names Light Up French Cinema Now

The latest finds from France's national cinema play in an SFFS showcase.

Marquee Names Light Up French Cinema Now