Napa Register: "Napa Goes Big Right out of Film Fest"

"After whetting local appetites through a successful soft launch last year, 91 films are now listed in the 2011 Napa Valley Film Festival program guide. Those films—many of them short—will be played on 12 screens throughout the Napa Valley, including screenings in Calistoga, Yountville, St. Helena and the city of Napa." More at napavalleyregister.com.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

GOT Low Budgets, High Production Values?

San Rafael’s Indigo Films makes fascinating crime fare for cable on a DIY-sized budget.

TV Noir

Noir continues at the Roxie with Elliot Lavine's updated week-long program of star-studded classics and rediscovered TV noir rarities. More info at roxie.com.

TV Noir

Noir continues at the Roxie with Elliot Lavine's updated week-long program of star-studded classics and rediscovered TV noir rarities. More info at roxie.com.

'Peace Unveiled'

ITVS, Global Fund for Women, Spark and Women's Funding Network present a prescreening of issues doc 'Peace Unveiled,' part of a new PBS miniseries, 'Women, War & Peace,' launching this fall. Producer Abigail Disney and guests will be present for post-screening panel discussion. More info at pbs.org.

'Peace Unveiled'

ITVS, Global Fund for Women, Spark and Women's Funding Network present a prescreening of issues doc 'Peace Unveiled,' part of a new PBS miniseries, 'Women, War & Peace,' launching this fall. Producer Abigail Disney and guests will be present for post-screening panel discussion. More info at pbs.org.

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

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

Guy Maddin: Ann Savage and the Osmonds

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

'A Sixth Part of the World'

Dziga Vertov completed the epic documentary 'A Sixth Part of the World' after his ejection from the Cold War-era Soviet documentary film unit Sovkino. The breathtaking and broad-reaching doc, praised by revered experimentalist Chris Marker, screens Wednesday as part of PFA's annual avant-garde film program Alternative Visions. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.

'A Sixth Part of the World'

Dziga Vertov completed the epic documentary 'A Sixth Part of the World' after his ejection from the Cold War-era Soviet documentary film unit Sovkino. The breathtaking and broad-reaching doc, praised by revered experimentalist Chris Marker, screens Wednesday as part of PFA's annual avant-garde film program Alternative Visions. More info at bampfa.berkeley.edu.

He-Men Command Belief in MMA Film 'Warrior'

Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.

He-Men Command Belief in MMA Film 'Warrior'

Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.

He-Men Command Belief in MMA Film 'Warrior'

Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.

He-Men Command Belief in MMA Film 'Warrior'

Gavin O'Connor does a remarkable job making his two-and-a-half-hour fight film gritty, involving and as credible as humanly possible.

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

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

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

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

Stigma, Satisfaction Drive Indian 'Match' Game

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

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

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

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

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

ITVS Celebrates 20th Tuned to Multi-Platform World

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

ITVS's Indies Showcase

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Independent Television Service brings out an online festival, displaying 20 ITVS-supported docs between now and September 23. Representing only the tip of the iceberg of the locally based organization's vast film library, the festival features gems like 'Daughter from Danang,' 'King Corn' and 'The English Surgeon,' and screens the 20 films for three days each, for free. More info and scheduling at itvs.org.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

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

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

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

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

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

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

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

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

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

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’

Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’

Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.

Essential SF: ‘Off the Charts,’ ‘Double Dare’

Surprising characters, narratives emerge in Jamie Meltzer and Amanda Micheli’s portraits of unlikely artists.

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride

An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride

An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.

Soap-Operatic 'Bride Flight' Is an Entertaining Ride

An historical-romantic novel in screen form, 'Bride Flight' offers all the pleasures (some guilty ones) of a film made half a century ago.

Production Values: Michael Whalen

Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

Production Values: Michael Whalen

Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

Production Values: Michael Whalen

Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

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

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

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

The Unsinkable Joel Hodgson Floats New Show

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

SFIFF54 Closing Night

Castro Theatre hosts the final evening of SFIFF54, which features Mathieu Amalric’s ‘On Tour,’ a film that tells the story of a has-been French TV producer who stages his comeback with burlesque performers. A party follows at The Factory. More at fest11.sffs.org.

Current TV Launches 'The Current Cause' for Filmmakers

Press release: Current TV is launching a new pro-social program, called 'The Current Cause,' which invites both amateur and professional filmmakers to create promotional spots focusing on pro-social themes and organizations. The program focuses on a different theme every quarter, beginning with a sustainability-themed "Earth Fights Back" initiative to commemorate Earth Day 2011. More at current.com/cause.

‘Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead’

Filmmaker Joe Cross appears in person at the Smith Rafael Film Center to present his documentary ‘Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,’ which follows him on his 60-day slim-sizing fruit-and-vegetable road trip to regain control over his health. More at cafilm.org.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

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

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW

New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW

New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.

The Future Messes with Texas at SXSW

New technology and futuristic themes featured prominently at South by Southwest this year.

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Seely Treks Long Distances for Shorts

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

Twenty-fifth Anniversary of 'Shoah'

In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, ‘Shoah,’ the groundbreaking documentary known for its unconventional lack of voice-overs while capturing the harsh realities of the Holocaust, plays at Pacific Film Archive Theater. More at bampfa.berkeley.edu.

Roko Belic's 'Happy'

Roxie Theater presents an exclusive preview of ‘Happy,’ a documentary by Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic that explores the sources behind reaching happiness with real life stories from individuals around the world. A Q&A with Belic follows the film. More at roxie.com.

Luchino Visconti's 'The Leopard'

The new 35mm restoration of Luchino Visconti’s epic film ‘The Leopard,’ a 1960s winner at the Cannes Film Festival about 1860s social upheaval in Sicily, plays at Castro Theatre. More at castrotheatre.com.

Cinema Across Media: The 1920s

Pacific Film Archive and UC Berkeley’s Department of Film and Media present Cinema Across Media: The 1920s, a conference to investigate silent film’s embodiment of new artistic fields like design, architecture, painting, vaudeville and music that occurred in the ’20s. More on screenings, which begin February 19, and the conference February 24–26 at bampfa.berkeley.edu/silentconference.

SFFS Screen: 'And Everything Is Going Fine'

Steven Soderbergh’s 2010 film pays biographical tribute to performer Spalding Gray, beloved for his monologues of the late 1970s and early ’80s and last seen on the Staten Island Ferry in 2004. ‘And Everything Is Going Fine’ plays at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. More at sffs.org.

2011 Oscar Nominated Live, Animated, Doc Shorts

The 2011 Oscar-nominated live, animated and selected documentary shorts play at Landmark’s Lumiere Theatre, Landmark's Opera Plaza Cinema, Landmark’s Shattuck Cinema, Smith Rafael Film Center and Camera Cinema. More at shortshd.com/theoscarshorts.

SXSW Announces 2011 Feature Lineup

South by Southwest Film Festival announced its complete feature lineup today, which includes Bay Area’s Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega’s documentary, ‘Better This World,’ Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s ‘Something Ventured,’ and SFFS’ 2010 Documentary Grant honorable mention selection, ‘Dragonslayer’ by Tristan Patterson. Opening night will feature the world premiere of Duncan Jones’ ‘Source Code.’ More at sxsw.com.

'Deathstalker' Muscles its Way Back to Big Screen

Sword, sandals and a sinister real-life epilogue: 'Deathstalker' earns top billing in a Midnite for Maniacs evening at the Castro. As one of 1982's bigger box-office hits, Conan the Barbarian accomplished two things. First, it finally made a movie star out of thick-bodied, thicker-accented Arnold Schwarzenegger after several failed attempts. Second, it spawned a legion of cheaper imitations cashing in on the early 1980s' seemingly bottomless need for films to fill cable airtime and video rental shelves. (Remember, until that time there the only commercial outlets for movies were theatrical release and network TV—so these were entirely...

'Deathstalker' Muscles its Way Back to Big Screen

Sword, sandals and a sinister real-life epilogue: 'Deathstalker' earns top billing in a Midnite for Maniacs evening at the Castro. As one of 1982's bigger box-office hits, Conan the Barbarian accomplished two things. First, it finally made a movie star out of thick-bodied, thicker-accented Arnold Schwarzenegger after several failed attempts. Second, it spawned a legion of cheaper imitations cashing in on the early 1980s' seemingly bottomless need for films to fill cable airtime and video rental shelves. (Remember, until that time there the only commercial outlets for movies were theatrical release and network TV—so these were entirely...

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends

'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends

'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends

'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.

Film 2010: We’re Not Here to Make Friends

'The Social Network' debate offered a moral for all of us: If you don't like this digital revolution, build one of your own.

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

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

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

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

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

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

Film 2010: Think Globally, View Locally

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

Irving Glides from Parrots to Pelicans

Judy Irving goes from parrots to pelicans with her new documentary.

Irving Glides from Parrots to Pelicans

Judy Irving goes from parrots to pelicans with her new documentary.

Lixin Fan's 'Train' Arrives

The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.

Lixin Fan's 'Train' Arrives

The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.

Lixin Fan's 'Train' Arrives

The creator of award-winning documentary 'Last Train Home' speaks about the new China.

'The Parking Lot Movie'

There's no better better place to see 'The Parking Lot Movie,' about the physical-spiritual life of an attended lot, than in . . . a parking lot! ITVS offers this unique opportunity at the Good Hotel parking lot, Seventh and Minna, SF, at 7:00 pm, to celebrate the global Park(ing) Day (where metered spaces are turned into art worldwide) and to launch the ninth season of the Independent Lens series on PBS. Find out more at www.itvs.org.

Online Film Contests: Friend or Foe?

Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.

Online Film Contests: Friend or Foe?

Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.

Online Film Contests: Friend or Foe?

Contemplating the pros and cons of entering online film contests.

Phil Spector, the Spectacle, Viewed in New Doc

A look at Phil Spector brings back memories, if not that loving feeling.

Phil Spector, the Spectacle, Viewed in New Doc

A look at Phil Spector brings back memories, if not that loving feeling.

KTVU.com: 'Moneyball' Draws Extra Crowds, Revenue

Shooting for Moneyball, with Brad Pitt playing the part of thrifty Oakland Athletic's owner Billy Beane, has drawn thousands of Bay Area residents for extra roles and provided a source of revenue for Oakland. More at KTVU.com.

Beyond the Box: ITVS Programs Nominated for Six Emmys

"The nominees for the 31st Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards were announced today and ITVS programs received an impressive six nominations," reports Beyond the Box.

Lisa Cholodenko Makes High Art of Family Hijinx

A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.

Lisa Cholodenko Makes High Art of Family Hijinx

A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.

Lisa Cholodenko Makes High Art of Family Hijinx

A festival and awards-buzz favorite since its January Sundance premiere, The Kids Are All Right has real depth and drama yet is largely comedic in tone.

Kore-eda Breathes Life into 'Air Doll'

Hirokazu Kore-eda's Air Doll is a conceptual gamble pulled off with a master’s grace and subtlety.

Kore-eda Breathes Life into 'Air Doll'

Hirokazu Kore-eda's Air Doll is a conceptual gamble pulled off with a master’s grace and subtlety.

The Story Beyond the Story

Screens are getting smaller. From the cineplex to TV to the computer or iPhone screen, surfaces have shrunk but creativity and resourcefulness have expanded.

A Digital Glossary

What s the difference between streaming and download rights? Here s a glossary of terms filmmakers should know before signing a contract or hiring a web developer.

Looking for Comedy in Ken Loach's 'Eric'

It s not a laugh-out-loud film, but Looking for Eric can be considered a comedy…in comparison to just about any other Ken Loach movie you could name.

Getting Shatnered with Thrillville

William Shatner has survived as a unique sort of elder showbiz statesman, one who is willing to be the butt of jokes because he is in on them.

SFIFF53: The Art of Revival

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.

Can-Can Do: Silent Shooting at the Victoria

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.

Link TV's ViewChange Launch

ViewChange.org, a digital-media hub on global development, offers news about microeconomics and innovative web technology that enables users to contribute to the causes they re learning about.

Karim Ahmad on ITVS's Forward-Thinking FUTURESTATES

Think of U.S. public television and science fiction or any type of fiction doesn't spring to mind. ITVS aims to change that perception with a series of mini-features.

Chat It Up: Livestream, UStream and Justin.tv

When President Obama took office, CNN brought it online, allowing viewers to chat with friends and strangers, their conversation appearing next to the video.

Words from Sundance Staffers: Ilya Tovbis

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

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

Stephen Talbot's World Music

Stephen Talbot left PBS s Frontline World to create and develop original media properties, including a globe-trotting TV series about world music.

Thoughts On the Aughts: Best/Worst Trends

While the U.S. moved from rebuilding decimated skyscrapers to the rebuilding of an entire economy, film moved from the multiplex to the mailbox to the mobile.

Best Practices For Naming Sequences

For handy access to your most valuable footage, here s a method of organizing sequences.

After Sept. 11, 2001, A Decade Found Its Way

On Sept. 13, 2001, I stood in a Toronto park and spoke to Canadian television: Movies wouldn't be the same. I was wrong.

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in "The Missing Person"

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in the contemporary indie noir The Missing Person.

Coming Around to 'Convergence'

The 6th Screen: Hannah Eaves compiles some questions about "convergence", the increasingly popular practice of combining television and computer usage. 

Coming Around to 'Convergence'

The 6th Screen: Hannah Eaves compiles some questions about "convergence", the increasingly popular practice of combining television and computer usage. 

Sequence Names

The Edit Room: Karen Everett shares tips on how to track multiple versions of Final Cut Pro projects and sequences.

Antonelli's 'Crossing Over' and Cooke's Soulful Genius

Marin County filmmaker John Antonelli talks about his documentary on influential late singer-songwriter Sam Cooke for PBS's "American Masters" series.

Columbia Pictures' noir lights at the Roxie

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

E-news You Can Use

The rapid adoption of e-newsletters by documentary filmmakers is the latest example of resourcefulness and efficiency among contemporary independents.

Ellen Schneider's Active Voice

Ellen Schneider speaks on the impact of social-issue documentaries and her San Francisco-based strategic communications company Active Voice.

Hess, Janos and the Volunteers of America

With in-process Volunteer Nation: Stories of Service, veteran producer-directors Ben Hess and Dan Janos are mobilizing the millennials.

Bob Goldthwait, Fate and 'World's Greatest Dad'

Bay Area favorite Bob Goldthwait, whose pop culture moment seemed to expire in the mid '80s, returns with comedic vengeance via World's Greatest Dad.

'Thirst' and the Vampire Genre Still Bleeding

Vampires are still the It Ghoul of our cultural moment and South Korean film Thirst is as precisely crafted as it is gleefully over-the-top in content both carnal and carnivorous.

Swedish Muckrakers Enlist Local Help

Oakland attorney Richard Lee speaks on the legal case surrounding the Swedish filmmakers of the hot-button documentary Bananas!.

Social Justice and the S.F. Jewish Film Festival

The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival arrives with an expansive program spotlighting the Jewish tradition of social justice and human rights.

SF Silent Film Festival

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

Story Structures that Funders Love

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.

Frameline33: Something Old, Something New

A dose of self-affirmation arrives with Frameline33 (or, if you prefer, the multiple-breath-intake-requiring San Francisco International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Film Festival.)

'A Wake for Analog'

A Wake for Analog honors analog experimental films like Patrolling the Ether, Bassline Baseline and Zuse Strip.

Local Makers Line Up Next Shot after SFIFF

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

"Observe and Report:" Seth Rogen Strikes Again

If it grows darker than one might expect, Observe still hesitates at becoming a true black comedy; it's more medium-gray, earning stripes for breaking from current comedy norms on a moment-to-moment basis without quite arriving at an original, fully-developed whole. But Hill has a good eye, ear (the soundtrack choices are notably sharp), sense of off-kilter pacing, and, most importantly, a firm grasp on character.

SFIFF52: Jennifer Maytorena Taylor and a 'New Muslim Cool'

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.

On the Road, in Search of a Film

Caroline Kraus is embarking on a project with a rough outline, a firm destination, little money and no ending, but with a unifying theme: underdogs, and our notions of success, failure and disappointment.

Gangster Life Verite in 'Gomorrah'

Like the strictest kind of verite doc, Gomorrah simply presents activity, without "introducing" characters or spelling out their circumstances or motivations.

Re-Viewing 'The Savage Eye'

This "dramatized documentary" was a labor of love–if also a graphic portrayal of the vast LA detached from Hollywood's success-bubble glamour.

SF Indiefest 2009

With a roster that sprawls from horror to softcore to verite-style drama and documentary, the only constant is that you won't be bored.

Warhol's Screen Tests Get Dean & Britta Treatment

13 Most BeautifulÉSongs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests offers a cherry-picking of the famous Warhol reels accompanied by live original-soundtracking.

A Composer Almost Ready for His Close-Up

Michael Fox looks behind the scenes of a film on the maverick Seattle composer-performer-inventor Trimpin.

Greenscreen Envy

The Sixth Screen: Senior Director of Marketing and Product Management and iFanboy producer and co-host Ron Richards talks about Revision3, the next generation of TV.

Global Lens on Link TV

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.

'Christmas on Mars' Non Halloween

Wayne Coyne's Flaming Lips movie extends a long, lately rising number of narrative features made by musicians.

Jerusalem's Lone Gay Bar

Yun Suh's film City of Borders documents group dynamics and conflict through the doors of a Jerusalem's only gay bar: a locale where anyone can, "come, be themselves, and be accepted."

Stephen Olsson and Link TV

SF360.org talks to the senior director of original programming at Link TV, which provides an antidote to the standard television news mix.

Stephen Olsson and Link TV

SF360.org talks to the senior director of original programming at Link TV, which provides an antidote to the standard television news mix.

Not About Royalty

Empress Hotel looks at residents of a hotel turned homeless people's residence through San Francisco's Access to Housing program.

Critic's Notebook: Hole Head, Week One

Dennis Harvey covers the first week of low-budget geeks, weirdos and gore on display at the Another Hole in the Head Festival.

Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy World

SF Film Society’s Founder’s Directing Award winner Mike Leigh's work has created a distinctive insider’s portrait of working-to-middle class English life.

I [heart] Jason Lee

The star of My Name Is Earl is (alongside Grindhouse superstarlet Rose McGowan) the recipient of this year's SFIFF Midnight Award.

I [heart] Jason Lee

The star of My Name Is Earl is (alongside Grindhouse superstarlet Rose McGowan) the recipient of this year's SFIFF Midnight Award.

Les Blank's "All in this Tea"

His enthusiasm practically radiates from the screen; he doesn't seem to be interviewing or investigating his subjects so much as amiably hanging out with them.

Phil Chambliss, Arkansas Auteur

Meet Phil Chambliss, a 54-year-old, recently retired gravel pit nightwatchman who makes what might be termed cinematic folk art.

Your Al Gore, and More

The List: SF360.org has compiled a short list of environmental filmmakers we hope will one day find a Peace Prize coming their way, too.

Lynn Hershman Leeson's "Culture" war

Lynn Hershman Leeson discusses her new project, ÔStrange Culture'.

"The King of Kong;" "2 Days in Paris"

SF360.org reviews a masterpiece of train-wreck voyeurism and "Sunset" stripped.

"American Cannibal" and Reality TV

List: American Cannibal documents two down on their luck television writers, Gil Ripley and Dave Roberts, as they sell their souls to the reality television circuit.

Mike White's Alter Egos

White's heroes and heroines are content with their mundane lives until some uninvited intruder or unforeseen event exposes their frustration and complacency.

Reviews: "Color Me Kubrick" and "Pride"

One film shows how an inspirational movie can actually inspire; the other that a con sometimes looks better on paper.

Rory Kennedy and 'The Ghosts of Abu Ghraib'

Filmmaker Rory Kennedy talks about her process and approach with making her new chilling documentary Ghosts of Abu Ghraib.

"Alternative Visions" at the PFA

The Pacific Film Archive's standing as a cinema-centric educational institution brings the avant-garde into conversation with a broad program of film history.

Cheryl Eddy, Behind the New "SF360 Movie Scene"

The latest launch under the SF Film Society's SF360 banner premieres this week on ComcastSF, Channel 11.

Cheryl Eddy, Behind the New "SF360 Movie Scene"

The latest launch under the SF Film Society's SF360 banner premieres this week on ComcastSF, Channel 11.

A "Backstage" Breakdown

Teenager Lucie's (Islid Le Besco) encounter with her idol, the pop diva Lauren Waks (Emmanuelle Seigner), turns into a twisted and creepy psychological relationship.

Music Videos At the Museum

MTV's boat has long since sailed, but music videos are as ubiquitous on YouTube and Myspace as YBCA brings music videos to its downstairs gallery.

A Cinequest 35

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

KQED's Wild West in "Truly CA"

The weekly series is a platform for independent filmmakers in California, showcasing short and full-length documentaries about the state.

Mary Badham, On a "Mockingbird" Mission

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