Graham Leggat, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society (the organization that runs the San Francisco International Film Festival and has just taken over the VIZ Cinema @ New People movie theater) announced this morning that he’s stepping down for health reasons. According to an article by Leah Garchik in this morning’s Chronicle, he … Continue reading Graham Leggat Steps Down
Category: SFFilm (San Francisco International Film Festival)
SFIFF: Summing Up the Festival
This year's San Francisco International Film Festival ended nearly a week ago. Either the festival programmers did an excellent job selecting titles or I had exceptional luck picking ones to see. Of the 16 new films I caught this year (two on preview DVDs and 14 at the festival itself), six earned a full A, … Continue reading SFIFF: Summing Up the Festival
SFIFF: Closing Night
This year's San Francisco International Film Festival closed last night with a screening of On Tour at the Castro, followed by a party at The Factory. I got to the Castro early--about 6:15 for a 7:00 show--and discovered something that would reasonably upset most moviegoers. Almost the entire middle section of the house was reserved … Continue reading SFIFF: Closing Night
SFIFF: Black Power Mix Tape
Managed to get to one movie at the Kabuki today—the last one I’ll see there at this year’s festival. B+ The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975. The nature of the civil rights movement changed dramatically in the mid-to-late 1960’s, and this American/Swedish documentary tracks the black power movement from Stokely Carmichael’s heyday until heroin ravaged Harlem. … Continue reading SFIFF: Black Power Mix Tape
SFIFF: Sunday at the Castro
I forsook the Kabuki for two San Francisco International Film Festival events at the Castro today. La Dolce Vita This was my second time seeing what many consider Fellini's masterpiece. The first time--maybe 15 or 20 years ago--was at the UC Theater (of blessed memory). That was also from a new restoration spearheaded by Martin … Continue reading SFIFF: Sunday at the Castro
SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
After the Kanbar Award event, I caught two other films at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Coincidentally, both were about teenagers. Both were also very good. B+ Children of the Princess of Cleves. In France as in every other country, adolescents must deal with ranging hormones, overly-strict parents (in their eyes, at least), tests … Continue reading SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
SFIFF: Kanbar Award Winner Frank Pierson
The San Francisco International Film Festival’s Kanbar Award tribute to screenwriter Frank Pierson started 10 minutes late. But it was worth the wait. Pierson’s work ranges from memorable ‘60s classics like Cool Hand Luke to one of the best TV shows of recent years, Mad Men. As the Festival speaker who introduced the event put … Continue reading SFIFF: Kanbar Award Winner Frank Pierson
SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
I skipped Oliver Stone’s tribute this evening at the San Francisco International Film Festival and I’m glad I did. In its place, I caught a French gem that’s the sort of movie you go to film festivals to discover. A Living on Love Alone “Youth,” as W. S. Gilbert wrote, “must have its fling.” But … Continue reading SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
I took yesterday off the festival, but made it here today (Wednesday). I had other business in San Francisco, so it was a good excuse. Unfortunately, at least with my first movie of the day, it wasn’t a good experience. C- At Ellen's Age. Flight attendant Ellen arrives home to her boyfriend, who’s strangely distant. … Continue reading SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Two years ago, the San Francisco International Film Festival screened the animated film Battle For Terra. Although the film was made in 3D, and screened for press that way, it was shown flat at the festival. A lot has changed in two years. To my knowledge, Cave of Forgotten Dreams is the first feature screened … Continue reading SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
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