I've previewed three more films that will screen in this year's San Francisco International Film Festival. Here's what I thought about them. In case you missed Part I, you'll find it here. All of these films will likely receive a theatrical release in the near future. So if you miss them at the festival, you'll … Continue reading SF International Film Festival Preview, Part II
Category: Festivals
SF International Film Festival Preview
So far, I've been able to preview two films (both documentaries) that will play at this year's San Francisco International Film Festival. Here's what I think of them. I've also included capsules of two classic films that will be screened. New Films B+ Women with Cows, Kabuki, Saturday, April 21, 3:30; Pacific Film Archive, Monday, … Continue reading SF International Film Festival Preview
This Year’s San Francisco International Film Festival
This has been a tough year for the San Francisco Film Society, the organization that produces the San Francisco International Film Festival. In August, Executive Director Graham Leggat died of cancer. Then his successor, Bingham Ray, suddenly died in January. But that's not stopping the Society from putting on a festival this year, and making … Continue reading This Year’s San Francisco International Film Festival
Buster Keaton Shorts Coming to San Fran Intl. Film Fest
It’s always good to laugh, and an evening of Buster Keaton, with live accompaniment, should supply the entertainment. I just got my first press release concerning this year’s San Francisco International Film Festival, which will run from April 19 through May 3. As is the festival’s custom, they leak several major events to the press … Continue reading Buster Keaton Shorts Coming to San Fran Intl. Film Fest
Noir City Report: 2 by Sam Fuller
I spent last night at the Castro, where I saw two crime thrillers by the great Samuel Fuller: House of Bamboo and Underworld USA--all part of the Noir City festival running through Sunday. The evening got off to a late start. Due to an error, the starting time was advertised as 7:00 in some publications … Continue reading Noir City Report: 2 by Sam Fuller
Two Films Playing at German Gems Festival in January
I've previewed two films that will be screened at the upcoming German Gems festival. Here's what I thought of them. Both films will screen at the Castro on Saturday, January 14 B+ Above Us Only Sky (Über uns das All), 4:30. Writer/director Jan Schomburg gives us a sad yet sexy story about the secrets that … Continue reading Two Films Playing at German Gems Festival in January
January Film Festivals in the Bay Area
At least two film festivals will play the Bay Area in January, both at the Castro Theater. First off is the modest German Gems, which will take over the Castro for one day--Saturday, January 14--to screen five German features. The films include a documentary on nuclear power, a missing-person psychological thriller, and a drama about … Continue reading January Film Festivals in the Bay Area
Movies and Showmanship
I know people who use the word showmanship to refer to a high technical quality in motion picture presentation—usually referring to old-fashioned technology. I don’t. When I think of "showmanship," I don't think of movies. I think of circuses, magic shows, and rock concerts. Showmanship isn't about technology, but about live human beings putting on … Continue reading Movies and Showmanship
Mill Valley Film Festival Preview
Here’s a quick preview of two films I’ve been able to preview for the Mill Valley Film Festival: B- Small, Beautifully Moving Parts, Sequoia, Saturday, October 8, 4:00; Rafael, Monday, October 10, 9:00. Sarah, a young, very pregnant technology geek (Anna Margaret Hollyman), sets out to find her estranged, irresponsible living-off-the-grid mother. Sarah’s unique personality … Continue reading Mill Valley Film Festival Preview
Marilyn Monroe Mistake
This morning I received a blurb advertising the Mill Valley Film Festival’s Centerpiece presentation of My Week with Marilyn. Here’s how the blurb described the film’s historical setting: In his memoir, The Prince, the Showgirl and Me, Colin Clark chronicled an epochal moment on the set with the legendary Laurence Olivier and luminous Marilyn Monroe, … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe Mistake
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