A San Quentin basketball team that exhibits a true warrior spirit. An Oakland activist group spurring girls of color to get involved in their communities.
What do these stories have in common? They are focal points of documentaries with strong Bay Area ties that will be screened as part of the San Francisco International Film Festival April 10-23.
The festival one again features a strong contingent of Bay Area films and filmmakers. Here are a few.
“Q Ball”: Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant is executive producer of this documentary, directed by Mike Olajian, that tells the inspiring story of a San Quentin basketball squad and three of its members. The film gets its world premiere April 11 at the Castro, with Durant expected to attend along with other guests. The film is listed as sold out but see the film’s page on the festival website for information on a waiting list. The film is also expected to air on Fox Sports in the future.
“We Are the Radical Monarchs”: The film offers an overview of an East Bay group wherein girls of color rally and advocate for social justice. Linda Goldstein Knowlton’s film debuted at South by Southwest Film Festival and screens for free 1 p.m. April 13 at the Castro.
“Boots Riley: State of Cinema Address”: The Oakland filmmaker (“Sorry to Bother You”) musician (The Coup) and activist discusses a variety of topics, in particular the role social movements are playing in filmmaking. 2 p.m. April 13; Victoria Theatre, San Francisco.
“The Great American Lie”: Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s documentary takes a critical look at the American Dream in this film featuring Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf and Ruby De Tie, principal of Frick Impact Academy in Oakland, among others. Screens 7 p.m. April 15 at SFMOMA and 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Victoria.
“The Seer and the Unseen”: Berkeley filmmaker Sara Dosa journeys to Iceland, where a lava field — purported to be a hotspot for elves and trolls — is jeopardized by a planned road, in a showdown pitting environmentalists against those seeking to bolster the economy. Screens 5 p.m. April 13 at Dolby Cinemas, San Francisco; 8:30 p.m. April 17 at Grand Lake Cinema, Oakland; 3 p.m. April 19 at Creativity Theater, San Francisco.
“Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy”: Bay Area foodies will get their taste buds tantalized by Elizabeth Carroll’s documentary, which peers into the life of fearless 95-year-old Kennedy, a Mexican culinary icon. Berkeley’s Alice Waters and Gabriela Camara from San Francisco hotspot Cala, make appearances. Screens 6 p.m. April 12 at SFMOMA; 8:30 p.m. April 15 at the Roxie.
“Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly”: Bay Area-based director and gallery owner Cheryl Haines focuses on famed Chinese artist and advocate Weiwei’s ambitious installation on Alcatraz and its artistic symbolism and impact. Screens 7:30 p.m. April 14 at the Castro, San Francisco.
“United Shades of America: Season 4 Premiere”: Bay Area TV host, comedian and commentator W. Kamau Bell debuts his the newest episode of his Emmy-winning CNN series, which journeys throughout the U.S. presenting slices of American life. Screens 6:30 p.m. April 17 at the Grand Lake Theatre; admission is free but registration is required.
“Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America”: Award-winning Bay Area filmmaker Tom Shepard focuses on the stories of four LGBTQ refugees seeking to immigrate to the U.S.. Screens 7:30 p.m. April 17 at the Victoria; 8 p.m. April 18 at Grand Lake Theatre.
Claude Jarman Jr.: The onetime child actor and former leader of the San Francisco Film Society will receive the George Gund III Craft of Cinema Award for his work within the film community. In addition, Clarence Brown’s “Intruder in the Dust” — a 1949 adaptation of a William Faulkner novel that he starred in — will be screened. Noon April 20 at SFMOMA.
“Show Me the Picture: The Story of Jim Marshall”: Alfred George Bailey’s documentary delves into the iconic work and troubled life of the photographer who snapped legendary photos of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and others while chronicling the Bay Area music scene. Screens 8:30 p.m. April 18 at SFMOMA; 12:30 p.m. April 21 at the Roxie.
“When I’m a Moth”: Sonoma County resident Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak team up for an untraditional indie feature film about Hillary Rodham (played by Addison Timlin) when she lived in Alaska circa 1969. Screens 6:30 p.m. April 12 at Dolby Cinema; 6 p.m. April 15 at the Roxie.
Randy Myers is a freelance correspondent covering film and is the president of the San Francisco Film Critics Circle.
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
When: April 10-23
Where: Various theaters in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland
Tickets: Most screenings $8-$15 (special events cost more); sffilm.org