The San Francisco International Film Festival is set to honor filmmaker Chris Columbus and acclaimed actor André Holland as the festival kicks off this week.
Columbus, known for works such as ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ will have his 2005 adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical ‘Rent’ and his romantic comedy ‘Nine Months’ screened during the event.
Holland, celebrated for his performances in ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ and ‘Moonlight,’ will have his upcoming roles in ‘The Dutchman’ and ‘Love, Brooklyn’ highlighted.
The festival runs from April 17 to April 27, commencing with ‘Rebuilding,’ a film that features Josh O’Connor as a farmer in Colorado dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.
The festival will conclude with the San Francisco-set feature ‘Outerlands.’
For those interested in attending, tickets and a full schedule of films and events can be found at sffilm.org.
Among the offerings, here are 10 films worth checking out during the festival:
“Operation Taco Gary’s” is a comedy directed and written by Michael Kvamme, who hails from Santa Clara.
This film features the quirky dynamic between San Francisco native Simon Rex and Dustin Milligan as estranged brothers on a road trip to Canada.
The storyline is filled with absurd humor and a significant amount of taco consumption.
Screening is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on April 20 at Presidio Theatre in San Francisco.
In R.T. Thorne’s Afrofuturistic debut film “40 Acres,” the narrative grips viewers from the very first scene.
It explores themes of America’s racist history while portraying the intense journey of a protective mother played by Danielle Deadwyler, who faces off against dangerous threats to her family.
The film dazzles with a stark portrayal that juxtaposes the country’s historical injustices with its present and future.
Screening is set for 8:45 p.m. on April 23 at Premier Theater at One Letterman.
Another poignant documentary, “The Chaplain and the Doctor,” directed by Jessica Zitter, delves into the lives of Betty Clark and Dr. Zitter as they work together in the Palliative Care department at the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital campus in Oakland.
The film showcases their impactful relationship as they care for patients in a healthcare system that often feels disconnected and impersonal.
Both Clark and Zitter will be in attendance for the festival screenings.
Screenings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 21 at Marina Theatre, San Francisco, and 4:30 p.m. on April 23 at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley.
“The Tallest Dwarf,” directed by Oakland filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman, tackles the historical stigmas attached to dwarfism.
Through intimate conversations with her family, Wyman uncovers both challenges and pride found within the tight-knit dwarf community.
The enlightening film will screen at noon on April 26 at Premier Theater at One Letterman, and again at noon on April 27 at BAMPFA.
Ryan Sidhoo’s documentary “The Track” presents an inspiring portrayal of three teenagers in Sarajevo as they pursue their Olympic dreams in luge.
The film starkly contrasts the glory of Sarajevo’s past hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics with the war-scarred reality of the present day, highlighting the dedication of young athletes and their determined coach.
The screening is slated for 8:30 p.m. on April 23 at Marina Theatre.
“Outerlands” is a closing night pick expected to resonate deeply with Bay Area audiences.
Writer and director Elena Oxman captures the complexities of urban life, focusing on Cass, a nonbinary nanny and restaurant server navigating their relationship with a co-worker’s daughter.
This character-driven drama highlights themes of connection and alienation in a vibrant city.
Screenings are at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m. on April 27 at Marina Theatre and Premier Theatre at One Letterman, respectively, with both shows sold out.
The film “The Last First Time” captures the whirlwind of young desire, following a teen named Eduardo as he explores his sexual identity during a visit to the city.
Director Rafael Ruiz Espejo portrays the chaos of self-discovery in a clubbing escapade filled with excitement and uncertainty.
This film will screen at 8:30 p.m. on April 24 at Marina Theatre.
Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s film, “Cactus Pears,” is a meditation on love and societal expectations as two childhood friends reconnect after years apart.
The film is filled with tenderness as the characters navigate their relationship amid social judgment, emphasizing hope over despair.
Screening times include noon on April 19 at Presidio Theatre and 7 p.m. on April 23 at BAMPFA.
“After What Happened at the Library” is a powerful 15-minute short based on a real event where a group of Proud Boys interrupted a Drag Queen Story Hour, resulting in a traumatic incident.
Performed by Kyle Casey Chu, the film captures the emotional impact of that day, showing resilience as the character confronts the aftermath.
Directed by Syra McCarthy, this short is one of the most affecting films in this year’s festival lineup.
It screens at 5:45 p.m. on April 23 at Marina Theatre as part of the ‘Shorts 2: Under Precarious Circumstances’ program.
Lastly, Thomas Percy Kim’s film, “Isle Child,” is poised to make a splash in the festival’s New Directors competition.
This debut feature explores the identity struggles of a high school senior discovering his South Korean heritage while grappling with life in a predominantly white environment.
Ethan Hwang delivers a remarkable performance as Si, navigating the complexities of belonging.
The screening is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on April 25 at Marina Theatre.
The San Francisco International Film Festival promises an array of thought-provoking films and a celebration of storytelling.
Whether it’s through humor, culture, or the exploration of identity, there is something for everyone in this year’s lineup.
For further details, films, and ticket information, interested attendees can visit the official website at sffilm.org.
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