Dec 19, 2011
SFFILM
It’s a Wonderful Life (USA 1946), Frank Capra’s richly nuanced, beautifully crafted tribute to the human spirit, plays December 25 at SF Film Society Cinema (1746 Post Street).
The perennial classic, showing one day only! Frank Capra’s beloved film tells the story of George Bailey, who has spent his life helping the town and citizens of Bedford Falls. Left depressed and disillusioned in the wake of an evil millionaire’s deceitful behavior, George has his faith in life restored by a guardian angel who reminds him of his many good works. Like the proverbial fine wine, this is one of those films that gets better with age … and repeat viewings. In later years, both Capra and lead actor Jimmy Stewart chose the film as the favorite of their respective careers, and it’s not hard to see why. Written by Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich. With James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. Distributed by Paramount.
Showtimes 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 pm
Tickets $9 for SFFS members, $11 general, $10 senior/student/disabled. Box office now open online at sffs.org and in person at SF Film Society Cinema.
For photos and press materials visit sffs.org/pressdownloads.
At SF Film Society Cinema, the stylish state-of-the art theater located in the New People building at 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan) in Japantown, the San Francisco Film Society offers its acclaimed exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events on a daily year-round basis. For complete up-to-date information on all SFFS Cinema programming, including buying tickets, visit sffs.org.
Upcoming San Francisco Film Society programs
Through December 22: The Bride Wore Black New 35mm print. One of the most entertaining films of the French New Wave has Jeanne Moreau playing the femme fatale to the hilt in François Truffaut’s closest homage to his idol Hitchcock.
Opening December 23: Silent Souls The myths and traditions of a vanishing culture are beautifully woven into Aleksei Fedorchenko’s lyrical, sensual and dreamlike film about love and loss.
December 23 (late show): Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an archeological dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town! DVDs and poster giveaways for lucky winners-great last-minute stocking stuffers!
January 1-2 Buck and Bill Cunningham New York: Back by popular demand! Double-feature return engagement of two favorites from SFIFFs past, on the Academy Awards short list for Best Documentary.
January 3-5: Paul Goodman Changed My Life Jonathan Lee’s documentary chronicling the life and work of multidisciplinary thinker Paul Goodman.
Opening January 6: King of Devil’s Island Marius Holst’s true-story drama about a historic uprising at a Norwegian boys’ reform school.
January 13, 15: The Best of Annecy A dynamic and entertaining array of shorts from one of the most important animation festivals in the world.
January 16-17: Summer Pasture Lynn True, Nelson Walker and Tsering Perlo’s remarkably intimate documentary about the uncertain future of Tibetan nomads.
January 18-19: Samurai Classics Harakiri, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, The Seven Samurai Four of the most popular and influential Japanese films ever made.
Opening January 20: Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos Kazuya Murata’s highly imaginative tale of two brothers in an alternate world where alchemy is a highly sophisticated scientific application.
San Francisco Film Society
Building on a legacy of more than 50 years of bringing the best in world cinema to the Bay Area, the San Francisco Film Society is a national leader in exhibition, education and filmmaker services.
The Film Society presents 365 days of exhibition each year, reaching a total audience of 130,000 people. Its acclaimed education program introduces international, independent and documentary cinema and media literacy to more than 15,000 teachers and students and presents 120 classes and workshops annually. Through the filmmaker services program essential creative and business services, and funding totaling millions of dollars, are provided to deserving filmmakers of all levels.
The Film Society seeks to elevate all aspects of film culture, offering a wide range of activities that engage emotions, inspire action, change perceptions and advance knowledge. A 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, it is largely donor and member supported. Patronage and membership provides discounted prices, access to grants and residencies, private events and a wealth of other benefits.
For more information visit sffs.org.
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