With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
With riveting characters, cascading revelations and momentous breakthroughs, Epstein and Friedman’s work paved the way for contemporary documentary practice.
The Booksmith and Berkeley Arts & Letters join forces to bring celebrated actor John Lithgow to the Sundance Kabuki for an evening in discussion of his new autobiography, 'Drama: An Actor's Education.' More info/tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
The Booksmith and Berkeley Arts & Letters join forces to bring celebrated actor John Lithgow to the Sundance Kabuki for an evening in discussion of his new autobiography, 'Drama: An Actor's Education.' More info/tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
After delighting audiences at this year's Frameline festival with its sexy, stylish update on the classic Hollywood screwball formula, 'Run Lola Run' director Tom Tykwer's '3' gets a full run at Sundance Kabuki and other venues around the Bay starting this Friday. More info sundancecinemas.com.
After delighting audiences at this year's Frameline festival with its sexy, stylish update on the classic Hollywood screwball formula, 'Run Lola Run' director Tom Tykwer's '3' gets a full run at Sundance Kabuki and other venues around the Bay starting this Friday. More info sundancecinemas.com.
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
With 'Connected,' Tiffany Shlain weaves hope into a high risk story.
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
Director, producer speak of challenges, inspirations behind a story of the urban Iranian underground.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
Lynn Hershman Leeson catalogues revolutions past and pushes the art and technology envelope well into the future.
San Francisco International Film Festival audience-award winner and Sundance standout 'Crime After Crime' opens Friday at the Roxie. This week in SF360, Judy Stone profiles Yoav Potash, the director of the doc, which covers five years of the life and trials of Deborah Peagler, a woman serving 25-years-to-life for her involvement in the murder of her abuser. Potash will appear with guests for Q&A following some screenings. More info at roxie.com.
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
Deborah Peagler's case in 'Crime After Crime' gets its time in court and on screen, with moving results.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Chusy Jardine has set out to tell the Andres Torres ADHD-to-World Series glory story in a feature-length documentary.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.
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.
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.
‘Letters from the Big Man,’ a story of a friendship built between a young woman and a sasquatch, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas and New People with director Christopher Munch in town. More at fest11.sffs.org.
A 16-year-old teenager overcomes the harsh realities of life in Rio de Janeiro by using her imagination in ‘The Joy,’ which plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. Director Felipe Bragança in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
Matthew Barney talks art, sports and spectacle at the Sundance Kabuki.
The Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner, ‘Circumstance,’ which tells the story of two Iranian women who fall in love, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on May 1 and May 3. Director Maryam Keshavarz attends each screening of her debut feature. More at fest11.sffs.org.
‘The Salesman,’ a feature that follows an aging car salesman in a struggling Quebec town, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on May 1 and Pacific Film Archive on May 3. Director Sebastian Pilote attends the screenings. More at fest11.sffs.org.
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.
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.
The metaphysical mystery ‘Asleep In The Sun,’ featuring a watchmaker and his dog-loving wife in the 1950s, plays at Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on April 28 and New People on April 30, with director Alejandro Chomski in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
‘She Monkeys,’ a coming-of-age psychological drama about the friendship and competitiveness of two teenage females fighting for a spot on the local equestrian vaulting team, plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas on April 25 and 26, with director Lisa Aschan in attendance. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Bay Area director Yoav Potash attends screenings of his documentary ‘Crime After Crime,’ which showcases the story of a female prisoner and the two pro bono lawyers who fight for her release over five and a half years. The film plays at Pacific Film Archive on April 27 and Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on May 2. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Bay Area directors are high profile in the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival; catch them in person this week. Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega appear Tuesday with Bradley Crowder, a principal of ‘Better This World,’ a documentary that traces the paths of activists deemed the "Texas Two." The film plays at Pacific Film Archive on April 26 and Sundance Kubaki Cinemas on April 29. More at fest11.sffs.org.
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
Social-justice filmmaking gets discussed in a Bill Nichols'-moderated salon during SFIFF.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.
Ry Russo-Young’s 2009 Gotham Independent Film Award winner and Sundance Film Festival Selection, ‘You Won’t Miss Me,’ plays for one week at Roxie Theater. The film features Stella Schnabel, who plays a 23 year-old just released from a psychiatric hospital. More at roxie.com.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
A new crop of filmmakers are building audiences by showing nonfiction doesn’t have to be depressing to reveal hard truths.
Hollywood Reporter: ""What the film industry desperately needs is a merger of social networks and content," says Ted Hope, the celebrated producer of American Splendor and dozens of indie hits at Sundance and elsewhere. That's why he just joined former Facebook chief privacy officer Chris Kelly on the board of Fandor, the indie film streaming site built by Dan Aronson and Jonathan Marlow, a veteran of Amazon and GreenCine. After several months in beta (trial-run mode), Fandor made its full-fledged debut Wednesday," writes Tim Appelo. More at hollywoodreporter.com.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s much anticipated ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,' a dramatic feature that tells the story of a dying man who visits the incarnations of his past lives in his final days, remains at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas for a few days. More at sffs.org.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s much anticipated ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,' a dramatic feature that tells the story of a dying man who visits the incarnations of his past lives in his final days, remains at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas for a few days. More at sffs.org.
SFFS Screen presents Alexei Popogrebsky’s, ‘How I Ended This Summer,’ a psychological drama about two men's relationship over a summer of working at a meteorological station in the Arctic Circle. The film plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Weissman and Weber's 'We Were Here' pulls a surprising degree of hope and inspiration out of the AIDS tragedy.
Variety: "Marking another acquisition partnership coming out of the Sundance Film Festival, Roadside Attractions will team with Participant Media," handling U.S. theatrical distribution rights of writer and director Maryam Keshavarz's Iranian drama 'Circumstance.' More at variety.com.
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
Neither tragedy nor grand romance, 'Come Undone' captures an evocative everyday mess.
SFFS Screen offers ‘Come Undone,’ Silvio Soldini’s recent dramatic film featuring Alba Rohrwacher of ‘I Am Love.’ The film examines the reasons behind and subsequent emotional effects of a couple's extramarital affair. The film plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.
SFFS Screen returns to the Sundance Kabuki with a new one from Elia Suleiman, a story about the the lives and hardships of Palestinians who were branded "Israeli Arabs." It's a film that the Toronto International Film Festival calls a "fusion of the political and personal, the historical and hysterical." More at sffs.org.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
SF Indiefest brings drama, doc, fact, fiction and physique into its annual showcase.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
An expert offers advice on solving the issues rough-cut screenings raise.
Reports indieWIRE: "Oprah Winfrey Network has added another member to its Documentary Film Club with Yoav Potash’s “Crime After Crime,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition." More at indiewire.com.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Ten days of audience voting and jury contemplation lead to a barrel of awards for directors, writers.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Reality bursts through daydreams; labors of love pay off in 2011's edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Sean Uyehara: "If you wanted, you could say that Calvin Lee Reeder channels the love child of Dario Argento and Maya Deren..."
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
Filmmakers make plans, stay calm, hone their messages for Park City audiences in days before festival opens.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
The Rights Workshop offers timely advice on clearing music rights pre-Sundance.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Sundance announces its competition class of 2011, which includes Bay Area projects by Tiffany Shlain, Yoav Potash, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and David Weissman.
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
Horror legend George Romero offers fundraising advice to first-timers: "Just make the movie. Don’t worry about the money."
Olivier Assayas’s five-and-a-half hour masterpiece about Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal continues on SFFS Screen at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. A 15-minute intermission divides the epic. More at sffs.org.
Olivier Assayas's five-and-a-half hour epic (with a 15-minute intermission) about Venezuelan terrorist Carlos The Jackal is being regarded as the director’s masterpiece. ‘Carlos’ plays for a week at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.
'Howl' filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman will host a Q&A and present the San Francisco opening of their new film at the Sundance Kabuki.
The San Francisco Irish Film Festival offers Roxie audiences three days of contemporary Irish cinema, including features, documentaries and short films paired with free pints of Irish cider. Closing night film 'His & Hers' won the Cinematography Award at Sundance 2010.
The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.
The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.
The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.
The San Francisco Latino Film Festival, which runs through September 26, kicks off this week with a screening of director Javier Fuentes-Léon's 'Contracorriente' at the Roxie.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
'Change of Plans' charts an eventful year in the lives of a dozen or so disparate Parisians.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
Lisa Fruchtman moves from feature-film editing to documentary film directing with a hopeful story out of Rwanda.
In Jeff and Michael Zimbalist's documentary, sports, drugs, money, and the peaks and valleys of success and failure are intertwined by the parallell lives of Escobars Andres and Pablo, one an assassinated soccer star, the other a government-hunted drug lord. It's presented on the SFFS Screen at the Sundance Kabuki.
Johnnie To delivers on his trademark themes with 'Vengeance.'
Johnnie To delivers on his trademark themes with 'Vengeance.'
Johnnie To delivers on his trademark themes with 'Vengeance.'
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.
Laura Poitras speaks during SFIFF53 about the process of creating The Oath from the stories of Osama Bin Laden's former bodyguard and driver.
The documentary Simonal: No One Knows How Tough it Was explores the polemic surrounding a man considered by many to be the greatest singer in Brazilian history.
You know someone is well liked when they re used as the standard by which you fall short.
Live & Onstage thought globally and drafted locally with Sam Green and musician Dave Cerf s live Utopia in Four Movements, which never takes the exact same form.
Live & Onstage thought globally and drafted locally with Sam Green and musician Dave Cerf s live Utopia in Four Movements, which never takes the exact same form.
To be from the Bay Area and called The Butcher Brothers might mean you get mixed up with purveyors of grass fed meats.
I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.
I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.
Bay Area-made and Mission-inspired, Peter Bratt's La Mission joins Jennifer Kroot's wild and woolly It Came from Kuchar in Bay Area theaters this week.
With opening night approaching, Rachel Rosen talked about her L.A. Rolodex, the function of festivals in a broadband world and her favorites in the festival.
I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.
I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
The harsh glare of the spotlight that brought Howl mixed reviews from critics on opening night of Sundance had melted into a warm glow by Saturday.
The harsh glare of the spotlight that brought Howl mixed reviews from critics on opening night of Sundance had melted into a warm glow by Saturday.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.
The Butcher Brothers The Violent Kind is a nightmare-with-bikers-in-the-woods fantasy shot in Petaluma and Cotati, and it fits their collaborative moniker.
The Butcher Brothers The Violent Kind is a nightmare-with-bikers-in-the-woods fantasy shot in Petaluma and Cotati, and it fits their collaborative moniker.
In late January, many tune their radar to the snowy, showy glare of Sundance. With Noir City here, the stay-at-homes are the luckier ones.
The late, great Jack Smith was all about the strange sway classic Hollywood movies, particularly obscure stars and low-budget yet opulent art direction, have had on us.
Susan Gerhard caught up with the director of an Oakland-shot domestic drama whose first-time feature was chosen for Sundance.
Susan Gerhard caught up with the director of an Oakland-shot domestic drama whose first-time feature was chosen for Sundance.
With the Netherlands-based filmmaker's latest portrait in resilience, Oblivion, opening Friday, it's a good time to celebrate one of documentary's most engaging storytellers.
A study in contrasts, Everyman and intellectual, Roy Andersson speaks about his career and new film, You, the Living.
To viewers of Lucrecia Martel's earlier work, The Headless Woman is the crowning achievement; the filmmaker speaks about her vision of the world.
High-concept cabaret-act favorite in the Bay Area who sidelines as a filmmaker, Cory McAbee (The American Astronaut) speaks about his latest, Stingray Sam.
The story of teenagers living like a savage, roaming pack of animals, The Beautiful Person locates a classic in a contemporary setting.
A mini-retrospective of the work of Kim Longinotto plays during the Women Make Movies Film Festival at the Roxie.
Avoiding Disaster: Festivals are a good way to have your film discovered by distributors, to build buzz and to build an audience—if you're well prepared.
Avoiding Disaster: Festivals are a good way to have your film discovered by distributors, to build buzz and to build an audience—if you're well prepared.
The Edit Room: I decided to set my New Doc Editing research team on a mission to find out what structural models are getting funded these days.
New Zealand transplant Richard Levien, a longstanding fixture of the San Francisco indie film community, breaks out of the editing room with Immersion.
Turkey may be lonely, but it is indeed beautiful in Nuri Bilge Ceylan's Three Monkeys.
Turkey may be lonely, but it is indeed beautiful in Nuri Bilge Ceylan's Three Monkeys.
Katyn is a sizable period saga about a tragic, still-controversial chapter in Poland's 20th-century history, one with particular resonance for Andrzej Wadja.
One can't help but think about the concept of cinematic language, as well as spoken language, when talking with Munyurangabo filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung.
Fados, about a Portuguese musical genre, reveals Carlos Saura as an effortless master at weaving together disparate performances.
Marc Capelle's ode to Westerns and Buddy films as well as noteworthy festival scores.
The 2009 SFIFF has been a launching pad for the numerous Bay Area filmmaker
The Edit Room: How do you keep your audience engaged rather than putting them to sleep?
The 2009 SFIFF has been a launching pad for the numerous Bay Area filmmaker
On May Day Eve, Travis Wilkerson performed Proving Ground, probably the first multimedia Leninist rant to have ever graced the Sundance Kabuki.
On May Day Eve, Travis Wilkerson performed Proving Ground, probably the first multimedia Leninist rant to have ever graced the Sundance Kabuki.
The San Francisco Film Society honored Francis Ford Coppola, Carroll Ballard, Robert Redford and James Toback. Coppola surprised the audience by turning over the Founder's Directing Award he received to longtime colleague Carroll Ballard.
Robert Redford braves the public and accepts the San Francisco International Film Festival's Peter J. Owens Award.
Robert Redford braves the public and accepts the San Francisco International Film Festival's Peter J. Owens Award.
Lourdes Portillo's partly autobiographical documentary Al Más Allá draws a laugh from the San Francisco International Film Festival crowd.
City of Borders, the debut film by Bay Area filmmaker Yun Suh, follows several Palestinian characters seeking refuge at a gay bar. The film testifies to the intolerance that members of the LGBTQ community face in addition to all of the other walls, physical and social, separating people in the region.
Jennifer Maytorena Taylor's documentary, New Muslim Cool, focuses on Hamza Perez, a Catholic hip hop artist, who converted to Islam; whose life is now a crucible of disparate urban influences.
William W. (Bill) McLeod, 59, one of the Bay Area's most respected film publicists died at his home on March 29th, 2009.
His personal curiosity on family histories and some actual events, are behind this movie about complex families Ñthose in Mexican gangs and those traveling immigrants looking for a better life in the U.S.
An engaging documentary sampler of nine leading contemporary theorists, interviewed in settings that one way or another in real world terms illustrate (or contrast with) the concepts they discuss.
Twenty years after its founding, Strand Releasing remains an active, irreplaceable and distinctive presence on the U.S. distribution scene.
A title like this is its own disclaimer, hinting there will be nothing "normal," or very loving, about this story.
In this fable-like movie, an indomitable young orphan finds friendship with a lonely flight attendant and a teen-age caretaker of elephants.
While ballplayers were relaxing in the off-season, Eugene Corr plowed ahead with his baseball documentary From Ghost Town to Havana.
Oscar-nominated cinematographer César Charlone recently codirected his first theatrical feature film, a darkly comic farce about Pope John Paul II.
Susie Gerhard gives an overview of a festival moving back to the basics of art-making.
Susie Gerhard gives an overview of a festival moving back to the basics of art-making.
Susan Gerhard blogs on what is strange and new about watching movies in these particular mountains.
Susan Gerhard blogs on what is strange and new about watching movies in these particular mountains.
Susan Gerhard reports on film and physique highlights at Sundance 2009.
Susan Gerhard reports on film and physique highlights at Sundance 2009.
Hilary Hart blogs her 14th year at Sundance, back on the midnight shift at the Egyptian Theatre.
Hilary Hart blogs her 14th year at Sundance, back on the midnight shift at the Egyptian Theatre.
Levy offers thoughts on the program she's presenting at Sundance and what's being called the "New Documentary Movement."
Tom E. Brown talks about producing and funding Pushing Dead, a film about an HIV-positive writer forced to give up his daily drug regimen.
Tom E. Brown talks about producing and funding Pushing Dead, a film about an HIV-positive writer forced to give up his daily drug regimen.
Bay Area filmmakers represented at Sundance.
Bay Area filmmakers represented at Sundance.
Veteran Burkina Faso director S. Pierre Yameogo's new film shows an isolated society still vulnerable to superstition.
In its 12th season, the country's first and largest independent exhibitor of Arab cinema has gotten to be one of the bigger small fests in the Bay Area.
Hammer discusses his debut feature premiered at Sundance to resounding critical fanfare, winning prizes for best director and cinematography.
We sat down with Michel Shehadeh, who joined the festival earlier this year, for a wide-ranging interview on Arab film.
Avoiding Disaster: George Rush offers tips on bridging the worlds of creativity and business.
When Wind Man appeared on the SFFS Screen at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas' schedule, moral crisis ensued.
When Wind Man appeared on the SFFS Screen at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas' schedule, moral crisis ensued.
Scott Crocker's documentary brings the truth behind the "Lord God" bird phenomenon out of the bushes.
Economic troubles reveal the true depths of a couple's long-taken-for-granted bond in a film by Italian director Silvio Soldini.
Dyspeptic rather than tragic, Jacques Nolot's Before I Forget may be the best gay feel-bad movie ever.
Those attracted to the new film CSNY: Deja Vu simply expecting an opportunity to recall the old days might be in for a surprise.
Li Yang speaks about commercial pressures in Chinese film and the story behind Blind Mountain.
Thomas Michael remembers well the birth of Hank and Mike, the titular blue-collar Easter bunnies in director Matthiew Klinck's absurdist workplace comedy.
Thomas Michael remembers well the birth of Hank and Mike, the titular blue-collar Easter bunnies in director Matthiew Klinck's absurdist workplace comedy.
SF360.org sits down with director Alex Gibney, whose film, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson played at the 51st SFIFF.
Eric Rohmer's latest "moral tale," The Romance of Astrea and Cèladon, filled with evanescent beauty, plays as part of SFFS Screen.
Woman on the Beach is a wonderful introduction to South Korean director Hong Sang Soo's films, in large part due to its subtle comedy.
The SF Film Society is optimistic that its year-round screen at the Sundance Kabuki will contribute to the spectrum of films in Bay Area theaters.
The SF Film Society is optimistic that its year-round screen at the Sundance Kabuki will contribute to the spectrum of films in Bay Area theaters.
Filmmaker Yung Chang talks about 'Up the Yangtze,' his superb documentary that examines the surreal changes in China around the controversial Three Gorges Dam.
Filmmaker Yung Chang talks about 'Up the Yangtze,' his superb documentary that examines the surreal changes in China around the controversial Three Gorges Dam.
In 2008 the San Francisco Black Film Festival marks its 10th anniversary with the most expansive program yet, flagging the theme "10 Years, 10 Days, 100 Films."
Rivera's debut centers on a young man grappling with a technological future in which neural implants, telerobotics and ubiquitous computing serve a global economy.
Rivera's debut centers on a young man grappling with a technological future in which neural implants, telerobotics and ubiquitous computing serve a global economy.
The Jules Feiffer quote at the bottom of festival superfan Sue Jean Halvorsen's email reads, "Movies are better than real life."
Cachao: Uno Mas documents acclaimed bassist and cuban music innovator Israel "Cachao" Lopez's work and San Francisco concert at Bimbo's
The SFIFF announced its 2008 program and the June 13 launch of its year-round programming on one screen at the Sundance Kabuki
The SFIFF announced its 2008 program and the June 13 launch of its year-round programming on one screen at the Sundance Kabuki
Two top winners at the SFIAAFF focused on breakadancing, an art form taken up with vengeance by Asians, with Koran teams a particularly dominant force.
SFIAAFF has grown from a niche event to a major international festival - with more than enough voices to justify its unwieldy moniker.
Longtime San Francisco Chronicle film critic Judy Stone offers her top ten picks from the 2008 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival.
San Francisco Irish Film Festival begins this Wednesday at the Roxie with a slate of narratives and documentaries imbued with Ireland's particularly unique sense of time and place
Sundance is like being in a car accident: Everything seems to be in slow-motion, but later you can hardly remember what happened.
Susan Gerhard reflects on Sundance's program with particular attention to sense of place.
At Sundance 2008, a swath of features, docs, installations, and projected art shared similar socio-political concerns, which they grappled with via well-honed aesthetic filters.
At Sundance 2008, a swath of features, docs, installations, and projected art shared similar socio-political concerns, which they grappled with via well-honed aesthetic filters.
A reprinting of an interview with Amanda Micheli because her film, now playing Sundance, has just made the final cut for an Academy Award.
Heath Ledger's death was sad not just because any young death is sad, but because we'd only just begun to know Heath Ledger as a real artist.
Galison, whose film is competing at Sundance '08, answers questions about the world of hidden national security policy.
Galison, whose film is competing at Sundance '08, answers questions about the world of hidden national security policy.
Mitchell Lichtenstein's directorial debut has made Jess Weixler the newest "it girl" on the indie scene.
Mitchell Lichtenstein's directorial debut has made Jess Weixler the newest "it girl" on the indie scene.
As filmmakers, fans, and skiers get zipped up to head off to Parka City for the annual Sundance Festival this week, SF360.org checked in with Gail Silva.
As filmmakers, fans, and skiers get zipped up to head off to Parka City for the annual Sundance Festival this week, SF360.org checked in with Gail Silva.
The Sundance feature follows a 70-year-old novelist trying to complete the book he's been working on for the last 10 years.
The Sundance feature follows a 70-year-old novelist trying to complete the book he's been working on for the last 10 years.
Mill Valley retains its genuinely alterna-vibe and local (rather than professional outta-towner) audience after 30 years.
An intimate four-day buffet of tributes, premieres, restorations, and revivals laid out in the Colorado mountains, Telluride is an oasis for film lovers.
A conversation with the Oscar-nominated Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound) on his new feature, which screened at the S.F. International Film Festival.
George Ratliff talks about his first feature narrative Joshua, described by Sundance as a "horror story disguised as a sophisticated family drama."
Industy vets will identify Klores with his PR firm, but he's also produced and directed TV docs and Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story.
Industy vets will identify Klores with his PR firm, but he's also produced and directed TV docs and Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story.
Walking in to interview John Carney and actors/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the frenetic edge to their on-the-road exhaustion is apparent.
Changes in Hal Hartley's geography and work styles have put distance between his early films and also given the director a chance to experiment with form.
How did Kink.com make it to the Mission? How did Straight Outta Hunters Point get out of Hunters Point? How'd the Roxie get saved?
Wonders Are Many: The Making of Doctor Atomic blends World War II history with composer John Adams and director Peter Sellars’ staging of a new opera on the subject.
The editor and actor, known for his frequent work with Todd Haynes, died in New York. His friends share their thoughts.
The festival kicks off with Emanuele Crialese's Golden Door and closes with Olivier Dahan's Edith Piaf biopic, La vie en rose.
It's taken over two years for Police Beat to go from one of the most praised films at Sundance to a theatre near you.
The Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine made a Cody's San Francisco bookstore appearance promoting the publication of the shooting script.
This year's 125 films follow the fest's growth from 13 films in 1982 in the wake of Wayne Wang's Chan is Missing.
The alarm has been sounding for some time now that "indie" doesn't mean what it used to. Jeff Ross simply ignores the cranky clamor.
Wrapping up Sundance Ô07, with the NFL's big game as the best metaphor to describe the annual festival.
Wrapping up Sundance Ô07, with the NFL's big game as the best metaphor to describe the annual festival.
Highlights of the upcoming festival were presented by the San Francisco Film Society Executive Director.
Highlights of the upcoming festival were presented by the San Francisco Film Society Executive Director.
Inteview with the artist and filmmaker on her work and her latest movie, presented at Sundance.
Inteview with the artist and filmmaker on her work and her latest movie, presented at Sundance.
SF IndieFest's founder/director Jeff Ross announced the ninth edition of the Bay Area's indie showcase festival
Hailed as one of the best films of 2005 without distribution, Becker's doc hits theaters nearly two years after it debuted at Sundance.
At least three Bay Area-based filmmakers will be making the trek to Park City this year, Jon Else, Steven Okazaki, and Jay Rosenblatt.
At least three Bay Area-based filmmakers will be making the trek to Park City this year, Jon Else, Steven Okazaki, and Jay Rosenblatt.
Ramin Bahrani's debut feature follows a solitary, quiet immigrant struggling to make a go of it in New York City.
Cinequest announces a plan to distribute indie films via DVD, the Internet, TV, and some traditional theatrical sales.
Ryan Fleck talks about his new film Half Nelson, his filmmaking career, and his creative inspirations and tastes.
California Film Institute's Executive Director, Mark Fishkin, comments on the Sundance Institute's "Art House Project."
California Film Institute's Executive Director, Mark Fishkin, comments on the Sundance Institute's "Art House Project."
San Francisco Cinematheque guest curator Jenni Olson reflects on her show, Kees Kino: The Film Work of Weldon Kees.
You can sunbathe topless at Cannes and ski at Sundance, and drink your fill of fine wine at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival.
Sundance Cinemas buys the Kabuki 8 and announces plans to reopen as the Sundance Kabuki in early fall 2006.
Sundance Cinemas buys the Kabuki 8 and announces plans to reopen as the Sundance Kabuki in early fall 2006.