By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 23, 2023 | People, Parties, News and Features, Culture, Celebrity, Art, Events, Women of Influence Latest, Television, Movies, Entertainment, Local, List - Entertainment,
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Mark your calendars, as the 66th San Francisco International Film Festival is almost here, and its vast lineup of incredible films is more spectacular than ever! Officially kicking off on April 13, this cinematic extravaganza will once again bless several theaters in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland for 11 days with over 90 of the most diversely talented, thought-provoking, and captivating films curated from over 30 countries and 5,000 submissions and invitations.
Not only is this unmissable festival the longest running in the Americas, but this year is also the third consecutive in which half of the entire program showcases female or non-binary filmmakers, an aspect so integral to both SF Film and San Francisco's cultural identity that SF Film is truly proud of.
From a compelling film about women who operate a sauna, to an intriguing look into Dali's life, and to a whimsical giant living in Oakland from a local superstar, if you don't know where to start at this festival, here is our helpful guide to some of the essentials to anticipate.
See also: Margot Robbie, Ryan Coogler, And More Honored At The Spectacular SFFILM Awards Night
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When: Thursday, April 13, 6:30pm.
Where: Grand Lake Theatre, Oakland.
Directed By: Peter Nicks.
About: A documentary showcasing athlete Stephen Curry's childhood and basketball career. Expected Guests at the screening include members from the East Oakland Youth Development Center, Oakland Unified School District, and the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.
Length: 123 min.
When: Saturday, April 15, 5:30pm.
Where: BAMPFA, Berkeley.
Directed By: Emanuele Crialese.
About: A slighly manic woman (Penelope Cruz) raises three kids while in a loveless marriage, with her eldest daughter experiencing gender dysphoria in 1970's Rome where the term is almost nonexistent.
Length: 103 min.
When: Saturday, April 15, 6:45pm.
Where: CGV 2, San Francisco.
Directed By: Claudia Sainte-Luce.
About: Billy (Roberto Quijano), a former teen pop icon, now lives a boring, upper-middle-class life, until a neighbor arrives who happens to be a mega-fan and heartwarmingly and comically inspires him to confidently enter music making again.
Length: 87 min.
When: Saturday, April 15, 7:45pm.
Where: BAMPFA, Berkeley.
Directed By: Mary Harron
About: An art-school dropout (Christopher Briney) becomes swept into the vivid and hedonistic, yet fraught and dysfunctional world of Salvador Dalí (Ben Kingsley) and his wife Gala (Barbara Sukowa). Expected guests at the screening include Director Mary Harron and screenwriter John C. Walsh.
Length: 103 min.
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When: Saturday, April 15, 12 pm.
Where: CGV 2, San Francisco.
Directed By: Adamu Chan.
About: An inside look at Chan's life within the San Quentin State Prison during COVID and his journey outside of the carceral system. Premiering with two shorts, "How We Get Free," and "Sol in the Garden."
Length: 119 min.
When: Monday, April 17, 7:30pm.
Where: Premier Theater, San Francisco.
Directed By: Matt Johnson.
About: A fascinating look at the trajectory of the world’s first smart device beginning in the mid-90's, starring Jay Baruchel, Cary Elwes, and Michael Ironside. This film is the recipient of the Sloan Science on Screen Award for its compelling depiction of science in its narrative, as part of SFFILM’s Sloan Science in Cinema initiative
Length: 178 min.
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When: Tuesday, April 18, 8pm.
Where: Castro Theatre, San Francisco.
Directed By: Celine Song.
About: Two childhood friends drift apart but reconnect twice over 12 years with heartbreak and reconciliation in this poignant and tender drama. Starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, this film received widespread acclaim at Sundance and Berlin.
Length: 106 min.
When: Friday, April 21, 5:30pm.
Where: CGV 3, San Francisco.
Directed By: Rooth Tang.
About: The story of divisive journalist and Bay Area activist Rose Pak, and her interactions with Mayors Willie Brown, Gavin Newsom, and Ed Lee as she advocated for the Asian American community.
Length: 119 min.
When: Saturday, April 22,12 pm.
Where: BAMPFA, Berkeley.
Directed By: W. Kamau Bell.
About: An HBO Documentary detailing childhood issues and interactions growing up mixed-race.
Length: 59 min.
When: Saturday, April 22, 12:45pm.
Where: CGV 3, San Francisco.
Directed By: Kevin Duncan Wong, Tod Sills, and Kar Yin Tham.
About: A documentary highlighting San Francisco's SRO and unhoused residents.
Length: 92 min.
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When: Saturday, April 22, 3pm; Sunday, April 23, 3 pm.
Where: CGV 2, San Francisco; BAMPFA, Berkeley.
Directed By: Babak Jalali.
About: Jeremy Allen White joins Anaita Wali Zada who plays Donya, who lives among the Afghan diaspora and works writing fortune cookie epigrams in this moving and biting drama.
Length: 91 min.
When: Sunday, April 23, 12 pm.
Where: CGV 3, San Francisco.
Directed By: Kelly Fremon Craig.
About: A modern and fresh adaptation of Judy Blume’s beloved 1970 story starring Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie as Margaret’s parents, and the brilliant Kathy Bates as her grandmother. This showing is free to the public, especially families, with simply an RSVP.
Length: 105 min.
When: Sunday, April 23, 6 pm; Sunday, April 23, 7:30pm.
Where: CGV 3; CGV 2, San Francisco.
Directed By: Boots Riley.
About: A coming-of-age centering on a 13-foot-tall young Black man (Jharrel Jerome) who navigates situations in Oakland, with Walton Goggins, Mike Epps, and Olivia Washington. Talented local Boots Riley is expected to be in attendance.
Length: 115 min.
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“We are thrilled to bring an array of exciting new films and filmmakers to our discerning and passionate Bay Area film lovers,” gleamed Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. There are certainly plenty more than mentioned here, from a multitude of awards, short films, family programs, and more, and so for a complete program detailing every film, visit their main website. Tickets are on sale now.
We can't wait for this awe-inspiring city tradition to kick off and fill our Bay Area with magnificent movie magic!
See also: Unidentified Objects Film Receives Astronomical Acclaim At SF LGTBQ+ Film Festival
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