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

Oct 27, 2011

Press release: The San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation announced today that it is partnering with Gary Meyer to keep the City’s historic Balboa Theatre (1926) open and to develop a sustainable long-term plan for the theater. The Theater Foundation also announced it has reached an agreement to lease the theater through 2024—securing the future of one of San Francisco’s oldest operating cinemas. More at sfntf.org.

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011

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

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011

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

Clean White Lines Demos DIY Ethos

Jessica Sapick
Oct 18, 2011

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

Funding: TFI Latin America Media Arts Fund

Oct 10, 2011

The TFI Latin America Media Arts Fund supports innovative film and video artists who are living or working in Mexico, Central and South America and working independently in their efforts to reach a larger audience. ELIGIBILITY: Submissions must be animation, documentary and/or hybrid feature-length films with an intended length of at least 70 minutes. Submissions must be in production or post-production and must not have aired on any form of television, been screened publicly or have been distributed in theaters or via the internet. Projects may be in any language or dialect. Applicants must be over 18 years old. Student films and stand-alone short films are not eligible for submission. $25 entry fee. AWARDS: Last year, the Fund administered $10,000 grants to four selected films. In addition to funding, each grantee will receive a U.S. based advisor and guidance from the Tribeca Film Institute. DEADLINE: October 10, 2011. WEBSITE: tribecafilminstitute.org/filmmakers/latin_fund/.

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'

Oct 1, 2011

San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust present the 10th anniversary edition of Film in the Fog, with pre-show entertainments (’50s-era newsreel, classic cartoon, music) to precede an outdoor screening of San Francisco-shot Humphrey Bogart noir treasure 'Dark Passage.' Film program begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Presidio Main Post Theater; more info at sffs.org.

Film in the Fog: 'Dark Passage'

Oct 1, 2011

San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust present the 10th anniversary edition of Film in the Fog, with pre-show entertainments (’50s-era newsreel, classic cartoon, music) to precede an outdoor screening of San Francisco-shot Humphrey Bogart noir treasure 'Dark Passage.' Film program begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Presidio Main Post Theater; more info at sffs.org.

SF Film Society | New People Cinema Opening

Sep 22, 2011

Celebrating the grand opening of the SF Film Society | New People Cinema, a state-of-the-art venue for art, independent and world cinema, San Francisco Film Society offers an open house reception and ribbon cutting with food, drink, musical performances and screenings in the theater itself throughout the night. More info at sffs.org.

SF Chronicle: "Oakland Shines for 'Moneyball' Premiere'"

Sep 21, 2011

"Brad Pitt, Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin were among those on the red carpet at the Paramount Theater in Oakland on Monday evening as Moneyball, the movie based on A's general manager Billy Beane and the 2002 Oakland team, made its national premiere," reports Susan Slusser. More at www.sfgate.com.

‘Aurora’ Startles, Subtly

Dennis Harvey
Sep 15, 2011

Unhurried, character-driven story demonstrates the filmmaking finesse that’s brought Romanian cinema to the fore. Though it had made an occasional international impression before—notably with a long history of Cannes entries and prize winners—few could have anticipated the splash Romanian cinema would create in the last few years. Or that the attention paid it would bring a number of often long, difficult, obtuse movies out of their usual habitat (the festival circuit) into theaters around the world. The collapse of Communism and execution of Romania's quarter-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 freed the filmmaking industry from strict governmental control and propagandic content. But it took until the middle...

‘Aurora’ Startles, Subtly

Dennis Harvey
Sep 15, 2011

Unhurried, character-driven story demonstrates the filmmaking finesse that’s brought Romanian cinema to the fore. Though it had made an occasional international impression before—notably with a long history of Cannes entries and prize winners—few could have anticipated the splash Romanian cinema would create in the last few years. Or that the attention paid it would bring a number of often long, difficult, obtuse movies out of their usual habitat (the festival circuit) into theaters around the world. The collapse of Communism and execution of Romania's quarter-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 freed the filmmaking industry from strict governmental control and propagandic content. But it took until the middle...

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011

When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011

When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.

Graham Leggat: Filmmakers, Writers, Fans Remember

Susan Gerhard
Aug 30, 2011

When news of San Francisco Executive Director Graham Leggat’s passing hit the web, responses were heartfelt and immediate. SF360 collects a few of those thoughts.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

‘The Arbor’s’ ‘Verbatim Theatre’ Approach Strikes Chord

Dennis Harvey
Aug 16, 2011

Clio Barnard's ‘The Arbor’ takes a fascinating and unconventional look at Andrea Dunbar's brief, brilliant career.

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'

Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011

Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'

Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011

Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.

In Theaters: 'Life in a Day,' 'The Tree,' 'Cameraman'

Jackson Scarlett
Aug 2, 2011

Critics from the Bay Area and beyond weigh in on the weekend's openings.

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

Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011

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

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

Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011

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

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

Judy Stone
Aug 1, 2011

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

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Adam Hartzell
Jul 25, 2011

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

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Adam Hartzell
Jul 25, 2011

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

Ben Berkowitz Offers Sound Advice

Adam Hartzell
Jul 25, 2011

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

'The Shooting' with Monte Hellman

Jul 23, 2011

Written by 'Five Easy Pieces' scribe Carole Eastman and also starring Jack Nicholson, Monte Hellman's bleak, existential indie western, 'The Shooting,' is ripe for re-evaluation. Hellman, also director of polarizing American indie classic 'Two Lane Blacktop,' will be in attendance for this Saturday's screening at Smith Rafael Film Center. More info cafilm.org. Hellman will also appear Friday June 22 at SF's Roxie Theater for the local premiere of his new film 'Road to Nowhere.'

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

Voices Converge at San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

Michael Fox
Jul 22, 2011

SFJFF covers broad geographic, political terrain.

SF Chronicle: 'Gary Meyer Leaving Balboa Theatre'

Jul 21, 2011

"Balboa Theatre operator Gary Meyer said Wednesday that this summer will be his last at the Richmond District movie house, leaving the future of the scrappy independent theater in doubt," reports Peter Hartlaub. More at sfgate.com.

Red Vic Movie House to Close July 25

Jul 7, 2011

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

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory

Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011

Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory

Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011

Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.

Dues and Taxes Paid, Kornbluth Brothers Shoot for Glory

Michael Fox
Jun 29, 2011

Jakob Kornbluth hopes to turn another of brother Josh’s monologues, ‘Love & Taxes,’ into celluloid gold.

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life

Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011

One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life

Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011

One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.

Critic's Notebook: A Day in the Life

Stephanie Rosenbaum
Jun 26, 2011

One day of Frameline35 finds Witi Ihimaera offering insight into the writing of 'Kawa,' dour Norweigan drag kings processing endlessly and Ma Rainey being well-remembered.

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

Jun 23, 2011

SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

Jun 23, 2011

SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...

SF Film Society Signs Lease on New Theatrical Home

Jun 23, 2011

SFFS to offer daily, year-round programming, classes and events in dedicated state-of-the-art theater for the first time in its 54-year history. The San Francisco Film Society and New People today announced significant news for Bay Area filmgoers: the signing of a lease that brings the Film Society’s exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events to one primary theater on a daily, year-round basis, beginning in September. The San Francisco Film Society | New People Cinema opens its doors in September in the state-of-the art...

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011

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

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011

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

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011

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

A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

Julia Barbosa
Jun 21, 2011

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

Another Hole in the Head Film Festival

Jun 16, 2011

SF IndieFest's annual Another Hole in the Head Film Festival, which features 16 entertaining, inexplicable days of contemporary, comedic, sci-fi and dark fantasy horror films, continues for another week. The event is hosted by Roxie Theater. More at sfindie.com.

Another Hole in the Head Film Festival

Jun 16, 2011

SF IndieFest's annual Another Hole in the Head Film Festival, which features 16 entertaining, inexplicable days of contemporary, comedic, sci-fi and dark fantasy horror films, continues for another week. The event is hosted by Roxie Theater. More at sfindie.com.

Another Hole in the Head Film Festival

Jun 16, 2011

SF IndieFest's annual Another Hole in the Head Film Festival, which features 16 entertaining, inexplicable days of contemporary, comedic, sci-fi and dark fantasy horror films, continues for another week. The event is hosted by Roxie Theater. More at sfindie.com.

‘My Heart Is an Idiot’

Jun 10, 2011

David Meiklejohn’s first feature-length documentary, ‘My Heart Is An Idiot,’ which follows Davy Rothbart as he travels and receives love-life advice from those he encounters, plays at Roxie Theater. Zooey Deschanel, Ira Glass, Newt Gingrich and Davy’s mom are among those contributing thoughts. More at roxie.com.

‘My Heart Is an Idiot’

Jun 10, 2011

David Meiklejohn’s first feature-length documentary, ‘My Heart Is An Idiot,’ which follows Davy Rothbart as he travels and receives love-life advice from those he encounters, plays at Roxie Theater. Zooey Deschanel, Ira Glass, Newt Gingrich and Davy’s mom are among those contributing thoughts. More at roxie.com.

Celebrating a Reel Education

Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011

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

Celebrating a Reel Education

Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011

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

Celebrating a Reel Education

Jennifer Preissel
Jun 9, 2011

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

‘The Best & The Brightest’

Jun 2, 2011

Josh Shelov’s comedy ‘The Best & The Brightest’ plays at Roxie Theater before its wide release this summer. The film features Neil Patrick Harris and Bonnie Somerville as yuppies from New York fighting to get their daughter into an elitist private kindergarten. More at roxie.com.

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

New Era Takes Hold at the Roxie

Michael Guillén
May 31, 2011

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

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

On Kickstarting a Campaign to Bring Back the Parkway

Kim Nunley
May 20, 2011

A local fan of a local cinema has big dreams for his favorite, now-defunct East Bay movie-theater.

I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost

May 19, 2011

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

I Wake Up Dreaming 2011: The Legendary and the Lost

May 19, 2011

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

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011

Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011

Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

Damon O'Donnell
May 6, 2011

Mystery Science Theater returns to the Castro in the form of ‘Cinematic Titanic.’ Fans rejoice.

ATA Film & Video Festival

Apr 20, 2011

Roxie Theater hosts Playback: ATA Film & Video Festival 2006-2010, a one-day event that showcases a selection of short films from the experimental media arts gallery. More at roxie.com.

‘Henry’s Crime’

Apr 15, 2011

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

‘Some Days are Better Than Others’

Apr 15, 2011

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

The 7th Annual San Francisco Women’s Film Festival

Apr 6, 2011

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

‘Orgasm, Inc.’

Apr 1, 2011

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

'Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?'

Mar 25, 2011

Director Taggart Siegel participates in a Q&A at Roxie Theater following the evening showings on March 25, 27 and 28 of his recent documentary, ‘Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?,’ which examines the recent global disappearance of bees. More at roxie.com.

‘You Won’t Miss Me’

Mar 18, 2011

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

‘William S. Burroughs: A Man Within’

Mar 15, 2011

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

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011

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

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011

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

SFIAFF Director Primed for Debut

Michael Fox
Mar 7, 2011

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

'The Woman Chaser'

Feb 25, 2011

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

SFFS KinoTek: Laurel Nakadate Double Feature

Feb 24, 2011

As part of Laurel Nakadate: Fever Dreams, photographer and filmmaker Nakadate appears in person at the Roxie Theater for a Q&A following a double-feature of her transfixing, transforming feature-length films, including 2010's 'The Wolf Knife' and 2009's 'Stay the Same Never Change.' More, including info on Nakadate work on display in the Mission, at sffs.org.

Scary Cow 13th Indie Film Festival

Feb 13, 2011

Short and feature films completed over the previous year by the Scary Cow’s co-op members play at Castro Theater. Attendees vote on which filmmakers should receive funding for future projects. More at scarycow.com.

SF Indiefest

Feb 3, 2011

Roxie Theater hosts the 13th SF Indiefest, which presents 15 raucous days of both feature and short independent films. Opening Night features Gregg Araki’s ‘Kaboom,’ with an afterparty at CELLspace and live music. More at sfindie.com.

Cruel Cinema: New Directions in Tamil Film

Feb 2, 2011

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

'Lemmy'

Feb 1, 2011

‘Lemmy,’ Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski’s 2010 documentary exploring the over 40-year music career of lead singer of Motörhead, Lemmy Kilmister, plays at Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.

Herzog in Focus

Jan 31, 2011

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

African Film Festival 2011

Jan 27, 2011

Pacific Film Archive Theater hosts the African Film Festival 2011, presenting popular documentary and narrative films from eight African countries. The festival begins with Remi Vaughan-Richards’ 2010 ‘One Small Step.’

'Two in The Wave'

Jan 21, 2011

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

'Beauty and the Beast' with Lecture

Jan 19, 2011

Pacific Film Archive Theater and UC Berkeley’s Department of Film and Media present Jean Cocteau’s 1946 ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ A lecture by Professor Russell Merritt follows. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.

'Genghis Blues'

Jan 18, 2011

Roxie Theater presents ‘Genghis Blues,’ Roko Belic’s 1999 Oscar nominated Best Documentary feature about the unlikely throat-singing champion Paul Pena. Current throat-singing artist Kongar-Ol Ondar attends and performs following the feature. More at roxie.com.

World Cinema Foundation: Safeguarding Cinematic Treasures Series

Jan 15, 2011

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

'The Strange Case of Angelica'

Jan 7, 2011

A deceased bride comes to life before the lens of a young photographer in this mysterious film from Portugal’s most prolific film director, Manoel de Oliveira. ‘The Strange Case of Angelica’ plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.

'Boxing Gym'

Dec 27, 2010

While 'The Fighter' and 'Black Swan' duke it out at the multiplex, the Roxie offers its own take on male and female athletes via Frederick Wiseman's 'Boxing Gym.' Unexpected views of the American institution emerge in Wiseman's look at Lord's Gym in Austin, Texas. A master of his craft, Wiseman brings out the sport's hypnotic beauty without the aid of narration or interviews. More at roxie.com.

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area

Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010

The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area

Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010

The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area

Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010

The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.

Film 2010: Moments, Trends, Docs and the Best of the Bay Area

Susan Gerhard
Dec 24, 2010

The Bay Area film community sounds off on the best/worst trends, times, docs and Bay Area-made films of 2010.

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube

Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010

Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube

Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010

Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube

Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010

Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?

Film 2010: YouTube, WeTube

Susan Gerhard
Dec 22, 2010

Is this what we talk about when we talk about YouTube?

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

Adam Hartzell
Dec 20, 2010

Why one local cineaste has made a resolution to support his local theater, the Bridge.

'Stranger than Paradise'

Dec 16, 2010

An early example of Jim Jarmusch’s thorough craftsmanship and characteristic sense of humor, ‘Stranger than Paradise’ stars John Lurie as a young New Yorker obligated to look after his visiting Hungarian cousin for ten days. This seminal ‘80s independent production plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.

'Ghost Bird' with Scott Crocker in Person

Dec 16, 2010

Bay Area filmmaker Scott Crocker joins the hunt for the extinct Ivory-Billed Woodpecker and captures a bizarre story about myth, nature and economics in the process. Crocker appears in person at the Smith Rafael Film Center and Roxie Theater this week. More at roxie.com and cafilm.org.

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie

Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010

Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie

Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010

Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.

John Waters, New Leadership Renew Roxie

Robert Avila
Dec 15, 2010

Waters’ live Christmas show at the Roxie raised money for San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating theater as it moves full-steam into its second century.

‘Bad Writing’

Dec 10, 2010

Ever wonder how a literary heavyweight might critique your angst-ridden teenage poetry? In ‘Bad Writing’ filmmaker Vernon Lott hands his dusty pages over to some seasoned pros in search of honest feedback and an answer to the film’s predominant question: What’s the difference between good writing and bad? Plays at the Roxie Theater. More at roxie.com.

Destroy All Movies!!!

Nov 19, 2010

This Roxie Theater double feature rejoices in ‘80s punk cinema with ‘Surf II,’ a sequel to a film that was never made, and the outrageous story of a young geek who seeks to destroy surfers by turning them into zombies, plus the classic ‘Times Square,’ which tells of The Sleaze Sisters, two insane asylum runaways who become heroes of New York’s disenchanted youth and features music by Talking Heads and Roxy Music. Presented by editors of the book ‘Destroy All Movies!!!: The Complete Guide to Punks on Film’ and Alamo Drafthouse programmers Zack Carlson and Bryan Connolly. More at roxie.com.

'Client 9' Reclaims Spitzer

Dennis Harvey
Nov 18, 2010

'Client 9' makes the case that Wall Street, not women, brought Eliot Spitzer down. This month commenced with the most stellar edition yet of what's become America's favorite political pasttime, a game we call Out with the (Sorta) Old, In with the (Kinda) New.  Payback was especially directed at the current administration's failure to get the economy back to booming. Yet as one of the year's biggest documentaries, Charles Ferguson's Inside Job, noted, conservative politicos and their allies were very much in on the policies that got our collective piggy bank broken and looted in the first place. Though it can certainly stand on its own merits, Client 9 (which opens at local theaters this...

'Client 9' Reclaims Spitzer

Dennis Harvey
Nov 18, 2010

'Client 9' makes the case that Wall Street, not women, brought Eliot Spitzer down. This month commenced with the most stellar edition yet of what's become America's favorite political pasttime, a game we call Out with the (Sorta) Old, In with the (Kinda) New.  Payback was especially directed at the current administration's failure to get the economy back to booming. Yet as one of the year's biggest documentaries, Charles Ferguson's Inside Job, noted, conservative politicos and their allies were very much in on the policies that got our collective piggy bank broken and looted in the first place. Though it can certainly stand on its own merits, Client 9 (which opens at local theaters this...

‘Ran’ turns 25 at the Castro

Nov 11, 2010

Akira Kurosawa was well into his 70s when he began shooting ‘Ran,’ the war epic that took over a year to film and was then Japan’s most expensive movie in history. The Castro Theater celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kurosawa’s 'King Lear' adaptation, which the iconic director considered his best film. More at castrotheatre.com.

Roman Polanski Shorts with Live Music by Sza/Za

Nov 10, 2010

Taking the legendary director of 'Rosemary's Baby,' 'Chinatown' and 'The Pianist' out of headlines and back to his filmmaking and geographic roots, this program pairs a live performance by Warsaw electro-acoustic duo Sza/Za with early Polanski shorts at Letterman Digital Arts Center’s Premier Theater. More at sffs.org.

Cinema by the Bay/Essential SF

Nov 5, 2010

Now in its second year, SFFS's Cinema by the Bay brings Bay Area films and filmmakers to Mission venues the Roxie Theater, the Lab and Southern Exposure. As part of the festivities, SF360 Presents Essential SF November 8, featuring a hard-core handful of the Bay Area's vital filmmakers and institutions. Look for more on the shows at sffs.org.

The View from Here

Michael Fox
Nov 4, 2010

San Francisco Film Society's Cinema by the Bay festival puts the focus on locals.

The View from Here

Michael Fox
Nov 4, 2010

San Francisco Film Society's Cinema by the Bay festival puts the focus on locals.

The View from Here

Michael Fox
Nov 4, 2010

San Francisco Film Society's Cinema by the Bay festival puts the focus on locals.

Ed Burns Master Class and ‘Nice Guy Johnny’

Nov 4, 2010

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

Nov 3, 2010

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

Dennis Harvey
Nov 2, 2010

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

Dennis Harvey
Nov 2, 2010

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

‘Straight to Hell Returns’

Oct 31, 2010

'Straight to Hell Returns,' Alex Cox’s re-tweaked version of his bloody spaghetti western parody, featuring performances by Dennis Hopper, Jim Jarmusch and Courtney Love, arrives at the Roxie Theater in time to scare up some laughs on Halloween. Director Alex Cox appears in person to talk about the film's added scenes or anything else you have in mind. More at roxie.com.

Mike Ott on the Guileless Filmmaking of 'Littlerock'

Jessica Sapick
Oct 25, 2010

Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'

Mike Ott on the Guileless Filmmaking of 'Littlerock'

Jessica Sapick
Oct 25, 2010

Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'

Mike Ott on the Guileless Filmmaking of 'Littlerock'

Jessica Sapick
Oct 25, 2010

Mike Ott, now up for a Gotham Award, speaks on filmmaking process and his indie film 'Littlerock.'

SF Docfest

Oct 19, 2010

SF Docfest continues through October 28 with its reliable blend of eccentricity and outrage. Films screening during week two include 'Trampoline' and 'Vanishing of the Bees.' More at sfindie.com.

SF Docfest

Oct 19, 2010

SF Docfest continues through October 28 with its reliable blend of eccentricity and outrage. Films screening during week two include 'Trampoline' and 'Vanishing of the Bees.' More at sfindie.com.

'Masquerades' Opens Arab Film Festival

Robert Avila
Oct 14, 2010

Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.

'Masquerades' Opens Arab Film Festival

Robert Avila
Oct 14, 2010

Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.

'Masquerades' Opens Arab Film Festival

Robert Avila
Oct 14, 2010

Appearances deceive in Lyès Salem’s 'Masquerades,' at the Arab Film Festival.

'Enemies of the People'

Oct 11, 2010

Journalist Thet Sambath’s family was among an estimated two million executed during the Khmer Rouge’s rule of Cambodia. ‘Enemies of the People’ documents Sambath’s journey to discover the truth as he obtains graphic confessions from a wide range of murderers, including ‘Brother Number Two’ Nuon Chen, Pol Pot’s deputy between 1975 and 1979. Codirector Rob Lemkin appears in person at the Balboa Theater. (Screenings continue at UC Berkeley October 12 the Grand Lake October 13. More at enemiesofthepeoplemovie.com.)

'Talking with Gods'

Oct 8, 2010

Peter Meaney’s thorough documentary focuses on the eccentric and prolific Scottish comic book writer Grant Morrison, with insight from several of Morrison’s closest collaborators including Phil Jimenez, Frank Quitely, and Jill Thompson. ‘Talking With Gods’ plays at the Roxie Theater.

'Left in the Dark' Savors the Bay Area's Cinema Past, Present

Susan Gerhard
Oct 4, 2010

Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.

'Left in the Dark' Savors the Bay Area's Cinema Past, Present

Susan Gerhard
Oct 4, 2010

Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.

'Left in the Dark' Savors the Bay Area's Cinema Past, Present

Susan Gerhard
Oct 4, 2010

Photo/essay book 'Left in the Dark' offers a way in—and out of—San Francisco cinema's rich, gritty, glamorous past.

Tom Shepard's 'Whiz Kids'

Sep 25, 2010

San Francisco producer and director Tom Shepard, along with New York filmmakers Tina DiFeliciantonio and Jane C. Wagner, present their new documentary, 'Whiz Kids,' about ambitious teenagers who compete in the Intel Science Talent Search, in person at the Balboa Theatre.

The Lost Films of Charles Ludlam

Sep 24, 2010

After seeing one of Charles Ludlam's early plays, theater critic Brendan Gill famously remarked, "This isn't farce. This isn't absurd. This is absolutely ridiculous!" Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents two of Ludlam's rarely seen films: a digitally remastered version of 'The Sorrows of Dolores' (September 24–25) and 'The Impostors' (September 26), where Ludlam stars as a gay magician.

Altman Versus the World

Dennis Harvey
Sep 20, 2010

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Altman Versus the World

Dennis Harvey
Sep 20, 2010

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Altman Versus the World

Dennis Harvey
Sep 20, 2010

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Toronto's New Lightbox Offers Transcendence

B. Ruby Rich
Sep 16, 2010

A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.

Toronto's New Lightbox Offers Transcendence

B. Ruby Rich
Sep 16, 2010

A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.

Toronto's New Lightbox Offers Transcendence

B. Ruby Rich
Sep 16, 2010

A festival transforms itself and transports audiences with a visionary new theater.

Tushinski Brings San Francisco into 'Dirty Poole'

Michael Fox
Sep 15, 2010

A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.

Tushinski Brings San Francisco into 'Dirty Poole'

Michael Fox
Sep 15, 2010

A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.

Tushinski Brings San Francisco into 'Dirty Poole'

Michael Fox
Sep 15, 2010

A filmmaker revisits '70s gay erotic life in the work of Wakefield Poole.

One Last Rocky Horror Picture Show

Aug 28, 2010

The San Francisco movie theater landmark Clay Theatre hosts one last screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show along with the Bawdy Caste before closing its doors for good this weekend.

A Vampire Weekend at YBCA

Max Goldberg
Aug 26, 2010

Three vampire films capture more than the imagination. That the vogue for vampire melodramas may have run its course is clear enough from the appearance of Vampires Suck (in theaters as of this writing, though not likely much past it) and the news that the American redo of the 2008 Swedish indie hit, Let the Right One In, will be titled "Let Me In." Just like that, a lovely slice of pop-baroque gets reprocessed as a pathetic whine. No matter: as long there is cinema, the vampire will reemerge. Ever since the twin pinnacles of Nosferatu (1922) and Vampyr (1932), in which two of early cinema’s. . .

A Vampire Weekend at YBCA

Max Goldberg
Aug 26, 2010

Three vampire films capture more than the imagination. That the vogue for vampire melodramas may have run its course is clear enough from the appearance of Vampires Suck (in theaters as of this writing, though not likely much past it) and the news that the American redo of the 2008 Swedish indie hit, Let the Right One In, will be titled "Let Me In." Just like that, a lovely slice of pop-baroque gets reprocessed as a pathetic whine. No matter: as long there is cinema, the vampire will reemerge. Ever since the twin pinnacles of Nosferatu (1922) and Vampyr (1932), in which two of early cinema’s. . .

KQED Forum: 'Endangered Cinemas'

Aug 25, 2010

The Clay theater in San Francisco's Pacific Heights became the latest neighborhood movie theater to announce it would go dark. Wednesday's KQED Forum offered multiple takes on the fight to save the city's remaining historic single-screen theaters; listen to the podcast here.

SF Chronicle: 'Clay Goes Dark'

Aug 23, 2010

SF Chronicle: "One of San Francisco's oldest movie houses plans to shut the lights for good this month. Landmark Theatres will walk away from the Clay on Sunday, leaving the Pacific Heights neighborhood without its single-screen theater. More at SFGate.

Noirish New Lavine Series Hits the Roxie

Sura Wood
Aug 19, 2010

Elliot Lavine speaks of noir, noirishness, and the series of potent, paranoid, and often genre-busting classics he brings to the Roxie.

Noirish New Lavine Series Hits the Roxie

Sura Wood
Aug 19, 2010

Elliot Lavine speaks of noir, noirishness, and the series of potent, paranoid, and often genre-busting classics he brings to the Roxie.

Noirish New Lavine Series Hits the Roxie

Sura Wood
Aug 19, 2010

Elliot Lavine speaks of noir, noirishness, and the series of potent, paranoid, and often genre-busting classics he brings to the Roxie.

Sausalito Film Festival Views New Horizons

Adam Hartzell
Aug 12, 2010

Run, walk, bike, or bus to Sausalito for a festival filled with environmental (and other) surprises. The Sausalito Film Festival at Cavallo Point offers an impressive natural/urban backdrop to complement the worlds on view inside its theaters. Situated in the less-crowded film festival calendar space of August, it offers residents of the Bay Area ample room for their eyes to roam, with gorgeous vistas to greet those coming and going from its two restored theaters, the Mission Blue and Callippe. (Cavallo Point, a backdrop for the 22nd century in Star Trek: Enterprise, also provides a view of the San Francisco that will never get old.)

Sausalito Film Festival Views New Horizons

Adam Hartzell
Aug 12, 2010

Run, walk, bike, or bus to Sausalito for a festival filled with environmental (and other) surprises. The Sausalito Film Festival at Cavallo Point offers an impressive natural/urban backdrop to complement the worlds on view inside its theaters. Situated in the less-crowded film festival calendar space of August, it offers residents of the Bay Area ample room for their eyes to roam, with gorgeous vistas to greet those coming and going from its two restored theaters, the Mission Blue and Callippe. (Cavallo Point, a backdrop for the 22nd century in Star Trek: Enterprise, also provides a view of the San Francisco that will never get old.)

Crime on the Mind

Sura Wood
Jul 29, 2010

The Pacific Film Archive's Criminal Minds series offers a liberating mix of asocial outlaws and sordid stories based on the ripped-from-the-headlines exploits of real-life gangsters and killers.

Crime on the Mind

Sura Wood
Jul 29, 2010

The Pacific Film Archive's Criminal Minds series offers a liberating mix of asocial outlaws and sordid stories based on the ripped-from-the-headlines exploits of real-life gangsters and killers.

Reeling in the Years with the Red Vic

Michael Fox
Jul 19, 2010

Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.

Reeling in the Years with the Red Vic

Michael Fox
Jul 19, 2010

Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.

Reeling in the Years with the Red Vic

Michael Fox
Jul 19, 2010

Look back in (anything but) anger: Members of the Red Vic Collective wax nostalgic on wild times, amazing meals and surprise visits from the theater's biggest fan, Danny Glover.

On the Road with 'Joan,' Stern and Sundberg Talk Big Picture

Michael Fox
Jun 14, 2010

The makers of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work speak about their latest, as well as the state of documentary filmmaking.

SFIFF53: The Art of Revival

Dennis Harvey
Apr 29, 2010

Through most of its history, the Festival has featured revivals of restored classics and little-known gems. This year s selections run an unusually wide gamut.

Local Filmmakers In SFIFF Spotlight

Michael Fox
Apr 27, 2010

Leland Orser saw his first movie at the Alexandria, and Joshua Grannell initially established himself as a S.F. character via his alter ego Peaches Christ.

The Roxie's New Leadership

Michael Fox
Apr 21, 2010

The Statton era has begun. Kate and Chris Statton have officially assumed the positions of co-executive directors of the venerable Mission District cinema.

Can-Can Do: Silent Shooting at the Victoria

Jane Riccobono
Apr 13, 2010

The Victoria Theater is shut up tight, with no sign of life. After a few raps on the door, a woman peeks out and leads me inside.

Christina Yao's solid Empire of Silver

Michael Fox
Apr 12, 2010

First-time filmmaker Christina Yao is soft-spoken and exceedingly polite, but it s apparent that very little intimidates her.

Words from Sundance Staffers: Jesse Dubus

Hilary Hart
Jan 28, 2010

Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.

'Fish Tank's Essex truth

Dennis Harvey
Jan 28, 2010

Writer-director Andrea Arnold created a stir with her first feature Red Road, but her new film is arguably an even stronger work.

Words from Sundance Staffers: Robyn Arville

Hilary Hart
Jan 27, 2010

Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at Sundance, offers interviews with fellow workers at the festival.

What's In a Name?

George Rush
Jan 5, 2010

The thing about titles is they re too short to receive copyright protection. For copyright purposes, a title is like a label of a copyrighted work.

The Upside of Downtime

Fernanda Rossi
Nov 24, 2009

Ask the Documentary Doctor: The Doc examines patience in filmmaking.

Parker and di Napoli on Parody and High Art

Adam Hartzell
Nov 1, 2009

Bay Area locals Jonathan Parker and Catherine di Napoli discuss (Untitled), a hilarious romp through the world of conceptual art and atonal music.

The Turn-off Sex Cinema of Koji Wakamatsu

Dennis Harvey
Oct 16, 2009

Probably no one pushed the artistic carte blanche of "pink" films further—at least into the realm of serious political engagement—than the Japanese auteur.

Franny Armstrong's S.O.S. to the World

Sean Uyehara
Sep 19, 2009

Franny Armstrong talks about the moral imperative of her films, the importance of Hopenhagen, and the unexpected magnitude of her success.

Columbia Pictures' noir lights at the Roxie

Dennis Harvey
Sep 17, 2009

The Roxie's Best of Columbia Noir seroes features great films capitalizing on a simple formula: a girl, a guy and a gun.

Seiji Horibuchi on VIZ Cinema

Michael Fox
Aug 8, 2009

Seiji Horibuchi, founder and chairman of VIZ Media, speaks about VIZ Cinema, a built-from-scratch venue located in the New People building in Japantown.

How Scary Cow co-op is making indie filmmaking in SF a little less frightening

Elizabeth Rader
Aug 2, 2009

Jager McConnell speaks about Scary Cow, a filmmakers' co-op that offers experience, people, money and equipment to aspiring filmmakers with ideas to burn.

Shelley Diekman Reflects on Well-Spent life

Hilary Hart
Jul 27, 2009

Newly-retired Pacific Film Archive publicist Shelley Diekman discusses her cinephile tastes, her past and her future.

Whip-smart, Witty 'In the Loop'

Dennis Harvey
Jul 23, 2009

Director Armando Iannucci's razor-sharp satire is about how the politics of spin can determine critical decisions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Anita Monga and the SF Silent Film Festival

Sura Wood
Jul 11, 2009

During her tenure at the venerable Castro Theatre, film programmer Anita Monga made her mark shepherding the venue to international prominence.

SF Silent Film Festival

Dennis Harvey
Jul 9, 2009

Douglas Fairbanks in The Gaucho is one of the many highlights on screen during the three-day San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

Miller Brothers Touch Home at AT&T Park

Michael Fox
Jun 2, 2009

The Miller brothers take their memoir-release to the local ballpark.

Bruce Goldstein: From NY to SF to 'Con'

Judy Stone
May 17, 2009

Bruce Goldstein recalls his adventures in film land as he prepares to host the Con Film Festival at the Film Forum in New York.

Recession-Proof Theaters, to a Point

Michael Fox
May 14, 2009

Arthouse theaters like The Roxie, Red Vic and The Balboa resist the economic downturn and adjust calendars to meet audience demands.

Elliot Lavine: 'I Wake Up Dreaming'

Sura Wood
May 11, 2009

Elliot Lavine, a Bay Area film scene fixture, returns to The Roxie to curate I Wake Up Dreaming: The Haunted World of the B Film Noir, a series of 28 lowdown and tawdry films.

SFIFF52: Planet Armstrong

Lynn Rapoport
May 6, 2009

Franny Armstrong's The Age of Stupid is a documentary encased like a time capsule inside a fictive but science-based, frighteningly possible future

Local Makers Line Up Next Shot after SFIFF

Michael Fox
May 4, 2009

The 2009 SFIFF has been a launching pad for the numerous Bay Area filmmaker

Walsh sets off on Rainer's parade

Michael Fox
Apr 9, 2009

Bringing Rainer's work to a larger audience: Feelings Are Facts: The Life of Yvonne Rainer, a feature-length documentary about the choreographer and experimental filmmaker.

Strand Releasing Turns 20

Dennis Harvey
Feb 26, 2009

Twenty years after its founding, Strand Releasing remains an active, irreplaceable and distinctive presence on the U.S. distribution scene.

San Francisco Silent Film Festival Winter Event

Jonathan Kiefer
Feb 12, 2009

The S.F. Silent Film Festival's Winter Event allows you to spend hours in the dark with the madcap movie entertainments of 80-plus years ago.

'Strand' Follows Thread to Rep Cinema's Glory Days

Michael Fox
Feb 3, 2009

In Strand: A Natural History of Cinema, Christian Bruno pays homage to the pivotal and shifting role of movie theaters in San Francisco's cultural life.

Remembering Ave Montague

Tim Etheridge
Jan 31, 2009

On January 24 the San Francisco film and arts community lost Ave Montague, who was well known for her hard work, creativity and passion for the arts.

Wim Wenders: Berlin & Beyond

Dennis Harvey
Jan 15, 2009

Wenders, one of the stellar directors of "New German Cinema," is this year's honoree at the 14th annual Berlin & Beyond festival.

The Year in Film, 2008: Top Unreleased Films

Susan Gerhard
Dec 30, 2008

Bay Area filmmakers, critics and industry pros list their favorite unreleased films of 2008.

Season's Gleanings, a Holiday Preview

Dennis Harvey
Dec 15, 2008

Dennis Harvey reviews some of 2008's year-end sobering dramas.

Global Lens on Link TV

Judy Stone
Nov 20, 2008

Global Film Initiative's Global Lens series offers a regular spot in your home theater for edgy world-cinema narratives don't often get a place at local multiplexes.

Ariella Ben-Dov's Madcat Archives

Matt Sussman
Sep 14, 2008

What do women want to watch? With Diane English’s recent unfunny and product placement-filled re-make of The Women hitting theaters last week, Hollywood’s answer, predictably, is more of the same.

Toronto 2008: Slow Food, Fast Festival

B. Ruby Rich
Sep 12, 2008

Every year, people grumble. Every year, someone points out how much worse it is than before. And every year, there are films that pull everyone out of the doldrums and guarantee it all continues. Welcome to this season’s Toronto International Film Festival.

Room for Thought at SFMOMA

Michael Fox
Sep 4, 2008

A film in a darkened theater commands our undivided attention, but a video installation in a museum doesn't have the same effect.

Vertigo's 50th Anniversary

Miguel Pendás
Aug 8, 2008

Not many movies call for a celebration of their anniversaries, but one exception is what many have called 'the ultimate San Francisco film.'

SFFS Screen at Sundance Kabuki

Robert Avila
Jun 12, 2008

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.

'Up the Yangtze' with Yung Chang

Judy Stone
Jun 6, 2008

Filmmaker Yung Chang talks about 'Up the Yangtze,' his superb documentary that examines the surreal changes in China around the controversial Three Gorges Dam.

S.F. International Arts Festival

Robert Avila
May 23, 2008

In addition to bringing a host of worldwide performers to the Bay Area for the first time, the San Francisco International Arts Festival (May 2-June 8), now in its fifth year, has become an indispensable showcase for collaborative work by leading Bay Area artists and their peers across all manner of geographical, cultural and disciplinary borders. The more than 40 performances in this year’s lineup, taking place at 14 separate venues across the city and in Berkeley, span the worlds of dance, music, opera, theater, visual arts and multidisciplinary work. The following four highlights are all hybrid productions with strong film and/or video components.

Frameline's 32nd SFLGBT Festival Program

Susan Gerhard
May 20, 2008

The historic Castro Theatre, its marquee recently revamped for the Milk biopic shoot, hosted Frameline's announcement of its 2008 festival.

In Other Words: States of Cinema, Music and Mind

Eve O'Neill
May 8, 2008

"There are no movies without music," Kevin Kelly asserted last Saturday in his State of Cinema address.

SFIFF51: Eddie Muller's Muses

Jennifer Preissel
Apr 26, 2008

A self-described "cultural archeologist," the noir expert's debut short, The Grand Inquisitor, pays homage to the Dashiell Hammett-style detective story.

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival 2008

Erika Young
Mar 12, 2008

The 26th annual SFIAAFF plays in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose, and kicks off with Wayne Wang's A Thousand Years of Good Prayers.

Donnie Yen, "Flashpoint"

Laura Irvine
Mar 9, 2008

Here Donnie Yen wears two hatsÑas an actor in his signature role of a dedicated cop , and as an action choreographer who stages electric fight sequences using Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Bollywood By the Bay

Laura Irvine
Feb 16, 2008

Every morning I wake up with Bollywood movie tunes going through my head. Every. Single. Morning.

Eran Kolirin and "The Band's Visit"

Judy Stone
Feb 12, 2008

Underneath The Band's Visit's poignant humor, the film subtly reflects the director's attempt to comprehend Israel's pull between the Middle East and the West.

Location Scouting at Sundance

Susan Gerhard
Jan 30, 2008

Susan Gerhard reflects on Sundance's program with particular attention to sense of place.

The Best Undistributed Films of 2007

Chris Wisniewski
Jan 2, 2008

If they don't get the chance to beguile the world in theaters, maybe, at the very least, they'll find their way to audiences via digital download.

Second S.F. International Animation Festival

Susan Gerhard
Nov 12, 2007

The S.F. International Animation Festival experienced a major bounce, with a number of sold-out shows in its venue at the Embarcadero Center Cinema.

International Latino Film Festival and S.F. International Animation Festival

Robert Avila
Nov 8, 2007

In the wake of Mexican cinema's triumphant showing at the 2007 Oscars, these films serve to confirm how some of the biggest surprises can come from the shortest of distances.

Connie Field, from Berkeley to Johannesburg

Robert Avila
Nov 5, 2007

The filmmaker talks about her recent projects, including Salud!, which looks at Cuba's world-class health system.

Anywhere Road's Robert Ogden Barnum

Susan Gerhard
Oct 1, 2007

SF360.org spoke with Robert Ogden Barnum on guiding four future pop stars onto the big screen in Antonia and his new distribution company.

A Sean Penn Top 10

Susan Gerhard
Sep 28, 2007

Let SF360 count the ways Penn can take on the President, the paparazzi, and the possibilities for peace in our time.

Saul Bass, "Phase IV"

Dennis Harvey
Jul 25, 2007

Few people not employed as directors, producers, cinematographers, costume or production designers have had as much impact on the "look" of movies.

Frameline Announces 31st Program

Susan Gerhard
May 23, 2007

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival lineup includes several world premieres and international features from Korea, Argentina, and Cuba.

Frameline, Scalped

Laura Irvine
May 16, 2007

Jeff Iorillo on the fourth festival trailer that he's written and directed for the S.F. International LGBT Film Festival.

Digital Festival

Michael Fox
May 2, 2007

Movies are shifting at mach speed from the theater to the home. The future is at hand.

Daniel Wu, Heavenly King

Jennifer Young
Apr 30, 2007

Daniel Wu and fictitious boy band Alive from his directorial debut The Heavenly Kings on Cantpop, the Bay Area, and Hong Kong film.

SFIFF50

Dennis Harvey
Apr 26, 2007

A decade might be long enough in dog years, but in film festival terms it takes a bit more time to impress.

Reviews: "I Don't Want to Sleep Alone"; "Mafioso"

Max Goldberg
Apr 10, 2007

“I Don’t Want to Sleep Alone” puts its melodrama and comedy within a Malaysian mattress. 1962’s “Mafioso” may be the mob-chronicle genre’s ground zero.

S.F. International Asian American Announces '07 Program

Susan Gerhard
Feb 14, 2007

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.

Von Donnersmarck's Oscar-nominated "The Lives of Others"

Miljenko Skoknic
Feb 12, 2007

Von Donnersmarck talks about his Lola-winning and Oscar-nominated debut during a visit to San Francisco.

The Red Vic Movie House's Top 5

Susan Gerhard
Feb 9, 2007

We asked the collectively owned and operated theater to come up with a list of their five favorite screenings over the years.

'Seraphim Falls': Myth in the Western Canon

Dennis Harvey
Feb 6, 2007

The new western isn't really about violence, it's about Myth, in a symbolic, sort of Old Testament-meets-Sergio Leone way.

"Samoan Wedding"; "Romantico"

Robert Avila
Jan 16, 2007

A delightfully funny movie on boy-men redeeming themselves from New Zealand, and Mark Becker's absorbing documentary on a musician in the Mission. 

Mark Becker's Mission-Inspired "Romantico"

indieWIRE
Jan 15, 2007

Hailed as one of the best films of 2005 without distribution, Becker's doc hits theaters nearly two years after it debuted at Sundance.

"Absolute Wilson"; "Army of Shadows"

Robert Avila
Jan 9, 2007

A documentary provides an in-depth description of Robert Wilson's life and art. Melville's spy story on a Resistance cell in Nazi-occupied French challenges our idea of heroism.

Frank Lee on 4 Star Theatre's Second Life

Laura Irvine and Jennifer Young
Dec 11, 2006

Last week, theater operators Frank and Lida Lee won the battle to save the 4 Star, and announced they'd purchased the building.

A Cinequest 35

Susan Gerhard
Nov 17, 2006

Cinequest announces a plan to distribute indie films via DVD, the Internet, TV, and some traditional theatrical sales.

50 Years of Janus Films

Max Goldberg
Nov 15, 2006

It doesn't seem like a stretch to group Janus with those American institutions which have represented a vision of what art is and can be.

Second Look at 3rd I

Jennifer Young
Nov 14, 2006

Three days, nine films, eight shorts, and endless bliss courtesy of last weekend's fourth annual 3rd I South Asian Film Festival.

Mary Badham, On a "Mockingbird" Mission

Laura Irvine
Nov 13, 2006



I was six months old when I went to my first movie — and I swear I remember images from it. You see, I sometimes have flashes of shots from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” but all of them are upside-down. My mother tells me that I saw the film from a bassinette on the theater seat — thus began my life-long love affair with the film. I grew up in Alabama, which is also the setting of the book and the film. Every year, one of the three television stations we received would show “To Kill a Mockingbird.” My mom would gather the whole family in front of the TV, and we would watch the film — again. One year, it was opposite the Super Bowl. Now, the two things you don’t mess around with in the South are religion and football. But despite my brothers’ pleas, Atticus Finch took precedence over the Super Bowl at our house.



What is it about this film that — even today — inspires such devotion? Mary Badham, who played the memorable tomboy, Scout, believes as long as racism, bigotry, and intolerance exist, the film and the book provide a starting point for discussion and self-examination. Hence her own dedication to a film that has remained a driving part of her life for over 40 years — a dedication which prompted her to travel the world with the film sharing her experiences while making the film, growing up in the South, and fighting to spread the film’s message of tolerance and compassion. Badham visits San Francisco with the Marc Huestis program “In Praise of Mockingbirds,” Sun/19 at the Castro. I got a chance to speak with her last week.



SF360: Despite the fact that you never acted before, why do you think the filmmakers cast you as Scout?



Mary Badham: I think because I was a tomboy. The coloring was right. I looked like I could have been Gregory Peck’s daughter. I had a real big imagination as a kid — which they were looking for. The haircut was right. Everything they were lookin’ for just kind of jelled in me. They wanted kids who were real Southern children who were very natural and not actors.



SF360: When I watch the film, I’m struck by how natural you seem with Phillip Alford (who plays Scout’s brother Jem) and John Megna (Dill). It feels like we’re watching a real brother and sister.



Badham: Yes, they would let that happen on the set naturally because here were John and Phillip, and John just idolized Phillip and followed him around like a puppy dog. And here was this ratty little girl who wanted to get in the middle of whatever they were doing. You know, I just wanted somebody else to play with. And so, evidently we would have these big fights — I don’t remember any of it, but Phillip seems to think we fought all the time.



SF360: Phillip says he tried to kill you by rolling you in the tire toward a truck.



Badham: (Laughing.) Yeah, when it came to the tire scene they were so excited because ‘Oh, finally we can get rid of this menace.’ They thought they were going to do away with me. Too bad, so sad.



SF360: It’s seems like many women, including myself, see themselves in Scout. Why do you think the character is so memorable to women and girls?



Badham: I think because she was allowed to just be herself. Even Miss Dubose fussed at Atticus because he allowed her to wear the clothes that her brother had outgrown. But it was the Depression, a dress at that point would have been very expensive and money was in tight supply. And the fact that she was so educated. Atticus let her read and had real conversations with her. That’s the main role of a parent — to engage their children in conversation and teach them basically how to function in an adult world. Scout took to that tooth and nail. She wasn’t cut in the same mold as the little proper Southern young lady who had to wear dresses and not discuss anything important. It was that way even when I was growing up. Women were to be seen but not heard. They were not engaged intellectually much. So for Scout to be able to put her ideas out there, to see her think through situations is really important because you don’t see that very often. Most children when they would ask a question — I see it today with parents working and being tight on time — parents will be short with their kids… not wanting to engage the kids in conversation because they’re tired and they don’t have time. But that’s so critically important. I think that’s what we see with Atticus. He does engage his children in conversation, and he does try and let them think through situations and expand on them.



SF360: And that’s especially true in this film wi