Jan 20, 2010
SFFILM
The San Francisco Film Society’s lauded SF360 Film+Club, a bimonthly social screening series, presents a sneak preview of a new documentary film about Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields directed by Kerthy Fix and Gail O’Hara, Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm at Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street at Mint).
With his unique gift for memorable melodies, lovelorn lyrics and wry musical stylings that blend classic Tin Pan Alley with postmodern grooves, brilliantly idiosyncratic singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt has distinguished himself as one of contemporary pop’s most beloved and influential artists. This remarkably gifted and prolific tunesmith records and performs as a solo artist and also leads numerous alternative bands including Future Bible Heroes, the Gothic Archies, the 6ths and, most famously, the Magnetic Fields, whose 1999 three-disc opus 69 Love Songs is widely considered a masterpiece of traditional songcraft and irresistible synthpop.
In conjunction with the Magnetic Fields’ Bay Area appearances closing the Noise Pop music festival, SF360 Film+Club presents a sneak preview of a new documentary about the intensely private Merritt. Shot over ten years, this beautifully photographed film follows the indie-rock curmudgeon, details some of his personal relationships (most notably with Claudia Gonson, his childhood friend, bandmate and manager) and provides insight into an artist who has produced one of the most engaging and confounding bodies of work in the American songbook. Included is the backstory of Merritt’s first musical forays, his development as a writer-from proofreader and copy editor at Spin to becoming one of Time Out New York‘s most dynamic scribes-and his response to charges of elitism and racism. This is a unique opportunity for an advance look before the documentary has its world premiere at a closely watched U.S. film festival in the spring.
Guests expected for a question-and-answer session following the screening include Merritt, Gonson and Fix.
“Having been a fan of Stephin Merritt’s music for a long time now, I’ve always wondered whether he means it or not,” said Film Society programmer Sean Uyehara. “This documentary seals it-I’m definitely not sure.”
Tickets $12 year-round SFFS members, $15 general; tickets available online at www.sffs.org, by calling 925-866-9559 or by faxing 925-866-9597. Box office opens January 20 for SFFS members and January 27 for the general public.
The screening begins at 8:00 pm, doors open at Mezzanine at 7:00 pm. Must be 21+ to attend.
SF360 Film+Club was chosen Best Dance-Floor Flick Fix by the editors of the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay 2008 edition, who wrote, “Our favorite SF360 shindig is its SF360 Film+Club night at Mezzanine, which screens underground films to a room of intoxicated cinephiles.”
For more information: sffs.org/screenings-and-events
The Film Society is copresenting Noise Pop’s mini-conference Industry Noise, Saturday, February 27 at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco, featuring Claudia Gonson. Gonson and Merritt met in high school in the early ’80s and have worked together ever since. Gonson has been Merritt’s manager since they met, involved in all aspects of music management including licensing songs to films, ads and TV, creating theater shows, album production and touring. In addition, she performs on many of Merritt’s albums, including 69 Love Songs, and frequently appears with him as part of the quartet that comprises the Magnetic Fields.
Noise Pop’s mini-conference discusses independent music, technology and the changing industry. Attendees can meet industry pros, listen to influential speakers and learn more about current possibilities and opportunities. In addition to panels and speakers, there are small discussion groups and individual mentoring. Additional panelists will be announced soon. Industry Noise Badges are now on sale on for $65 or $50 along with the purchase of a full festival badge. For more information: noisepop.com/2010/industry_noise
For interviews contact hilary@sffs.org.
For photos and press materials visit http://download.sffs.org/press.