The 59th SF International Film Festival

I always look forward to the San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21-May 5) and this year's lineup doesn't disappoint. The Opening Night Film, Love & Friendship, stars Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny in a period comedy based on the Jane Austen novella Lady Susan. 

Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny in Whit Stillman's "Love & Friendship," playing at the 59th SF International Film Festival. (Courtesy of SF Film Society)

Here are a couple festival picks:

Journey to the Shore - A missing husband's ghost returns home to take his wife along a journey in Kiyoshi Kurosawa's supernatural drama. As Mizuki meets her husband's former colleagues and friends, each character deals with their own story of grief, loss and loneliness. A gorgeous and melancholy trek across Japan's peaceful landscapes, this meditative and wistful film deftly weaves magical elements with seemingly quotidian life in modern Japan.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Journey to the Shore." (Courtesy of Sayuri Suzuki and SF Film Society)

Microbe and Gasoline - Michel Gondry fans will enjoy the whimsical teen road trip. The two young protagonists, Daniel and Theo, escape the stifling constraints of family and bullying peers by embarking on an ambitious trip across the backroads of France. The charming tale is a different spin on the classic coming-of-age story, delivering gentle lessons on life and a few adventures along the way. 

Michel Gondry's "Microbe and Gasoline." (Courtesy of SF Film Society)

For more info and tickets: www.sffs.org/sfiff59

Comments

[Carolyn Jung]

I think I'd see Love & Friendship just for those glorious costumes alone.

[Tami]

Oh totally. Plus it would be fun to see Chloe Sevigny in a period costume.