Feb 2, 2026
SFFILM
San Francisco, CA—February 3, 2026—Today, SFFILM announced Closing Night of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival with a very special Star Wars Day screening of STAR WARSTM: EPISODE V—THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. The event is presented at the newly renovated Castro Theatre in collaboration with storied Bay Area entertainment leaders Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment. Actor Anthony Daniels, who has portrayed the legendary golden droid C-3PO in every film of the Star Wars Saga, will join for an onstage conversation with his lifelong friend, Lucasfilm veteran and SFFILM Board Vice President Howard Roffman. Roffman’s three decades of work on the Star Wars franchise helped redefine merchandise licensing as we know it today.
Closing Night takes place on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm at The Castro Theatre. Tickets will go on sale exclusively for SFFILM Members tomorrow, February 4, and to the general public on Friday, February 6. The full program for the SFFILM Festival will be announced on April 1.
“No other movie has had more global, cultural, and generational influence than STAR WARS, and it all started right here in the Bay Area,” said Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. “We are thrilled to close the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival with The Empire Strikes Back in the beautifully renovated Castro Theatre. This collaboration with Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment not only celebrates our shared cinema history but, more importantly, will bring audiences together to experience film in as grand a way as possible. What could be a better backdrop for a space opera?”
“Teaming up with SFFILM and Lucasfilm to present The Empire Strikes Back feels like the perfect way to celebrate this moment,” said Gregg Perloff, Another Planet Entertainment, CEO and Co-Founder. “Bringing audiences together for a Star Wars Day screening in this beautifully restored theatre honors both the Bay Area’s deep connection to the Star Wars saga and APE’s commitment to revitalizing this iconic venue. After years of dedicated work to restore the Castro Theatre, we’re proud to host an event that brings the community together around the magic of movies on the big screen.”
ABOUT STAR WARS: EPISODE V—THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion’s defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin. But when Luke battles Darth Vader, he learns the shocking truth of his past.
Actor Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and SFFILM Board Vice President Howard Roffman will join for an onstage conversation.
TICKETS + MEMBER BENEFITS
Tickets will go on sale for SFFILM Members on Wednesday, February 4 at 10 am at sffilm.org and thecastro.com. The online box offices will open to the general public on Friday, February 6 at 10 am. Ticket prices for General Admission are $45, and $40 for SFFILM Members. Senior, student, child, and ADA are $42. All ticket prices include fees.
VENUE
Closing Night of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival will take place at the newly restored Castro Theatre at 429 Castro Street in San Francisco.
To learn more about their accessibility resources, parking, and transit go to https://thecastro.com/venue-info/parking-directions/
ACCESSIBILITY
SFFILM is committed to providing accessible experiences at all events whether in-person or online. Event pages will be updated with accessibility information as it becomes available, which may be after tickets go on sale. sffilm.org/accessibility
All venues are ADA accessible. At this time, The Castro Theatre is not equipped with closed captioning or audio description devices. To request ADA accommodations, contact ada@sffilm.org.
For more information about accessibility at specific venues or programs, please visit sffilm.org/accessibility or contact ada@sffilm.org.
About The San Francisco International Film Festival
Since 1957, SFFILM has brought global and independent film to the Bay Area in a gathering of curious and dedicated audiences, filmmakers, and partners at the San Francisco International Film Festival. As the longest-running film festival in the Americas, the program uniquely represents the endurance, and the future of film. At its heart are 11 days of expertly hand-selected films, world-class talent, premieres, early sneak peeks, and captivating talks. The Festival cultivates a vibrant Bay Area film culture with programs including a film industry summit, college days, and a schools program exclusively for local students and educators all focused on the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers. The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival will take place April 24–May 4, 2026.
ABOUT SFFILM
For nearly 70 years, SFFILM has been transforming the world through the creativity and inspiration of film. As the Bay Area’s premier film institution since 1957, SFFILM cultivates an enduring and vibrant film culture, expertly connecting singular storytellers with passionate audiences. With world-class festivals, accessible youth programs, and robust filmmaker support, SFFILM champions cinema as a force for connection, creativity, and change. Our annual film festivals include the San Francisco International Film Festival and Doc Stories. The SFFILM Presents series and Family programming give Bay Area audiences early, exclusive access to film events all year. SFFILM’s youth Education program empowers over 15,000 local students and educators with learning opportunities that foster media literacy, global citizenship, and a lifelong love of movies. And, SFFILM propels the careers of independent filmmakers from the Bay Area and beyond through vital grants, residencies, and diverse creative development services in our Artist Development initiative.
For more information visit sffilm.org
This press release is available online at sffilm.org/press/releases
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About Lucasfilm
Founded in 1971 by George Lucas, Lucasfilm is one of the world’s leading film and entertainment companies. Lucasfilm is an American film and television production company based in the Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco, California. The studio is best known for its films, such as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, as well as its leadership in developing special effects, sound and computer animation for film.
About Another Planet Entertainment
SF Bay Area-based Another Planet Entertainment is the top independent concert promoter in the United States. APE is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, the Fox Theater in Oakland, Channel 24 in Sacramento, Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, The Castro in San Francisco, and The Independent in San Francisco, as well as co-promoter of The Bellwether in Los Angeles. Our annual festival and events include San Francisco’s Outside Lands and Golden Gate Park Concerts. Another Planet also includes Artist Management and Special Events divisions.
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