52nd San Francisco International Film Festival April 23, 2009

The San Francisco International Film Festival (April 23–May 7) opens its 52nd year with an
inspired array of films from around the globe and a broad range of accompanying festivities. Highly anticipated by its loyal and passionate audiences, championed by civic and community leaders, admired and adored by filmmakers and closely watched by industry professionals, SFIFF is one of the most important events in the Bay Areaʼs cultural calendar and an important stop on the international festival circuit. SFIFF52 opens April 23 and runs through May 7, with over 150 films from more than 50 countries, including four world premieres, eight North American premieres, four U.S. premieres and 47 West Coast premieres.

Opening Night begins at 7:00 pm at the historic Castro Theatre, where the curtain rises on Peter Brattʼs stirring second feature, La Mission (USA), a compelling redemptive drama about the powerful ties of family and community. The Festivalʼs Centerpiece screening, a not-to-be-missed date night showcasing the latest work from a celebrated new director, this year features the West Coast premiere of Marc Webbʼs 500 Days of Summer. The Festivalʼs Closing Night offers a rousing finale on Thursday, May 7, 2009, beginning with the screening of the West Coast premiere of Unmade Beds, the youthful, sensuous and beautifully assured second feature from Argentine filmmaker Alexis Dos Santos.

For more information please visit http://fest09.sffs.org.

Official Website: http://fest09.sffs.org