The 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF53) returns April 22-May 6 with more than 100 unique programs of the finest independent, documentary and international cinema, playing host to more than 80,000 film-lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. The International combines a range of marquee premieres, international competitions, hard-hitting documentaries, digital media... [read more]

The 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF53) returns April 22-May 6 with more than 100 unique programs of the finest independent, documentary and international cinema, playing host to more than 80,000 film-lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. The International combines a range of marquee premieres, international competitions, hard-hitting documentaries, digital media work and star-studded gala events. For full festival information, please visit http://fest10.sffs.org. Meanwhile, here are a few choice events:

BIG NIGHTS
Opening Night- Thursday, April 22
Kick off the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival with live entertainment, dancing, fabulous food, delicious drinks and a complimentary gift bag.
Film: Micmacs
Afterparty: The Regency Center

Centerpiece- Saturday, May 1
At the center of this year’s Festival is an extraordinary event that features an edgy new film by a celebrated director, followed by a chic lounge party.
Film: Happythankyoumoreplease
Afterparty: Manor West

Closing Night- Thursday, May 6
Dance the night away to hipster beats and spoil yourself with decadent bites and well-crafted cocktails.
Film: Joan Rivers—A Piece of Work
Afterparty: 1015 Folsom

For more on the Big Nights, please visit http://fest10.sffs.org/events/big_nights.php

LIVE & ONSTAGE
Musicians, comedians and filmmakers appear for a unique evening of live conversation and performances, featuring T Bone Burnett, the live documentary by Sam Green & Dave Cerf and A Drunken Evening with Derek Waters and Wholpin. http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=3

TRIBUTES
Over the course of the Festival we will honor extraordinary individuals for their contributions to film: Robert Duvall, Walter Salles, James Schamus, Don Hertzfeldt, and Roger Ebert.

NEW DIRECTORS
Over two dozen first & sophomore features from emerging directors on the international scene http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=7

WORLD CINEMA
From Japan and Thailand to Australia and France, acclaimed international directors with unique visions http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=8

THE LATE SHOW
Thrills & chills from around the world http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=6

DOCUMENTARIES
International nonfiction features about people, places, and ideas http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=9

SHORTS PROGRAM
The joy of shorts—multiple genres, many gems http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=10

CINEMA BY THE BAY
The creative heart of the west http://fest10.sffs.org/films/index.php?section=4