The press conference isn’t until next Tuesday, but the San Francisco Film Society has been sending out select announcements for weeks now.
Here’s what I know:
- The festival opens with Beginners, starring Ewan McGregor as a man recalling the life of his recently-deceased, gay father (Christopher Plummer).
- Christine Vachon, producer of Kids, Happiness and Boys Don’t Cry, will give the State of the Cinema Address. Usually an afternoon event, this year it will be in the evening–Sunday, April 24, at 9:00.
- I hate to admit this, but the Mel Novikoff Award, intended for those who have kept an interest in cinema alive, goes to someone whose work I’m not familiar with. Serge Bromberg is a collector, preservationist, exhibitor, and programmer. He will screen a collection of 3D shorts from artists including George Méliès, Chuck Jones, and John Lasseter.
- Frank Pierson will take home the Kanbar Award for life achievement in screenwriting. His presentation will include a screening of Dog Day Afternoon.
- Fellini’s La Dolce Vita has been restored, and the restoration will screen at the Castro on May 1st.
- The festival will close May 5 with On Tour, about American burlesque performers touring France.
[...] already reported some pre-announced events. Here are a few other tidbits from Tuesday’s press [...]