Are you a film aficionado or are you somebody who just goes to the movies once in awhile for no particular reason? The latter group would probably not be interested in this story, but if you truly enjoy the motion picture arts and sciences, then this story is for you!
San Francisco Sentinel ran an interesting story about the San Francisco Film Society which produces the San Francisco International Film Festival which is now in its 50th year.
According to their own self-description, "the San Francisco Film Society embraces the art, technology and innovation of the world’s most imaginative storytellers who use the moving image to celebrate humanity while educating, entertaining and enriching the audiences of the world." Their self-description is a little over the top in fluffiness, but I think you get the picture.
Because San Francisco has a number of resident movie stars and because of the inter-stellar power of George Lucas' LucasFilm, which is based right here in San Francisco at the Presidio, all this has come together to create a very prestigious film society and an internationally respected film festival.
This year, for the first time, six films now playing at the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival will be available online.
Graham Leggat, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, and Gaurav Dhillon, Chief Executive Officer of Jaman, Inc., ‘a premier online community for world cinema,’ said the first International Online will focus on showcasing some of the Bay Areas most pre-eminent filmmakers, Robert Arnold, Les Blank and Rob Nilsson. The complete schedule of films and screening times can be found at jaman.com/festivals/sfiff
“The International Online is a ground breaking and visionary programming initiative synonymous with the San Francisco International Film Festival’s tradition of excellence,” said Gaurav Dhillon, CEO of Jaman, Inc. “We are extremely pleased to pay tribute to the pioneers of “social cinema” by showcase films from the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area film and media scene to Festival fans across the country and around the world.”
Unveiled as a new element of the landmark 50th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 26 – May 10), The International Online will offer online screenings of SFIFF feature films at better-than-DVD quality for viewing on Macs, PCs and home entertainment systems.
The six films selected for The International Online will be available worldwide for download to a limited number of viewers during an exclusive 24-hour window following their last SFIFF theatrical screening. Also, fans that register to view the International Online screenings will also be registered to win a 42” plasma TV from Jaman.
Schedule:
Thursday, May 3, Starting 9 am, EST
All in This Tea, directed by Les Blank and Gina Leibrecht (70 minutes, 2006). This absorbing documentary follows adventurer and world-renowned tea importer David Lee Hoffman as he travels through China in pursuit of the best handcrafted teas. After seeing this film, you’ll never drink a cup of tea the same way again.
Sunday, May 6 Starting 9 am, EST
The Key of G, directed by Robert Arnold (59 minutes, 2006). Robert Arnold’s moving documentary chronicles the life of a developmentally disabled 22-year-old who has difficulty integrating what he hears, sees and feels because the two halves of his brain do not communicate well.
The following four films for The International Online are recent works by Rob Nilsson who is featured in the Cinema By the Bay program, Carved Out of Pavement: The Work of Rob Nilsson.
Monday, May 7 Starting 9 am, EST
Winter Orange (73 minutes, 2000), set on a small island off the coast of Hiroshima focuses on a local resident torn between a desire to move to Tokyo and work in the theater or stay on the island with his wife who is expecting their first child.
Tuesday, May 8 Starting 9 am, EST
SAMT (72 minutes, 2001), shot in Jordan in collaboration with ZENID, a Jordanian social development institute run by Farah Daghistani. SAMT concerns a modern young woman named Ashtar who wishes to attend a youth conference and lies to her father in order to do so. In a broader context, it studies the role of women in Jordanian society.
Wednesday, May 9 Starting 9am, EST
Security (81 minutes, 2005), made for the Pacific Film Archive with the help of UC Berkeley students, examines the murder of a street person. The work leads to a broader exploration of the violence in Iraq and the nature of security in an insecure world.
Thursday, May 10 Starting 9 am, EST
Opening (85 minutes, 2006), an ensemble piece shot in three days about a diverse group of people confined to a Kansas City art gallery when tornadoes hit the city. Questions about art and its importance to particular communities are raised and explored.
For tickets and information go to www.sffs.org, call 925.866.9559 or visit the Main Ticket Outlet at the Sundance Cinemas Kabuki (1881 Post Street). For additional information telephone .
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