SFFILM Announces the Lineup for the 68th San Francisco International Film Festival

Posted on March 29, 2025 by admin

L to R top row: Josh O’Connor, Lily LaTorre in REBUILDING. Nicole Beharie, André Holland in LOVE, BROOKLYN. Asia Kate Dillon, Ridley Asha Bateman in OUTERLANDS. L to R, bottom row: filmmaker Chris Columbus, and actor André Holland. Top row photos and A. Holland headshot courtesy of rights holders. C. Columbus photo courtesy of Netflix; photo by Giles Keyte.

Today, SFFILM announced the full lineup for the 68th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival), the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Taking place April 17-27, the Festival returns to its full 11-day run bringing the best of this year’s global filmmaking to Bay Area audiences in theaters across San Francisco’s Marina and Presidio neighborhoods, the Mission, and in Berkeley. The festival lineup includes over 150 films from more than 50 countries including 11 World Premieres, 10 International Premieres, 10 North American Premieres, and six US Premieres. All feature films in competition, special events, and Marquee sections are California premieres. In addition to many filmmakers returning to the Festival, the program also includes 11 SFFILM Supported titles which are projects that received support from the organization’s youth education and artist development programs as grants, residencies, or funding, reflecting the year round mission of SFFILM.

“I am over the moon that we are back with 11 days of screenings, special Tributes, Awards, free talks, our annual Industry Days Conference, parties, city tours, and much more. It has been a delight to curate over 150 films for this year’s festival and we cannot wait to welcome local and international creatives to the city by the Bay,” said Jessie Fairbanks, SFFILM’s Director of Programming. “The program is packed with discovery titles, emerging storytellers, buzzy new films, A-list talent, and a special horror retrospective—that will be sure to delight audiences and filmmakers alike.”

The Festival opens with Max Walker-Silverman’s Rebuilding, a poignant exploration of communal love and resilience in the wake of devastating wildfires. This intimate, timely drama stars Josh O’Connor (Challengers, La Chimera, The Crown) as a man determined to restore his family’s ranch and rediscover his purpose. The Centerpiece presentation is Rachael Abigail Holder’s Love, Brooklyn, a layered romantic comedy exploring urban isolation and Black life in the modern age. Executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and starring André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise, the film generates plenty of sparks and humor. The Centerpiece film is presented alongside a Festival Tribute celebrating the career and craft of André Holland (Selma, Moonlight, Passing) who has been dazzling audiences on stage, television, and screen over the past two decades. Alongside the Centerpiece film, Holland offers a remarkable performance in Andre Gaines’s The Dutchman in the Marquee spotlight.
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The “Electric Lounge” Returns to Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

Posted on March 4, 2025 by admin

The “Electric Lounge” returns to Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival May 16-18, 2025.

Today, Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, in collaboration with Tiki’s Music, makes its highly anticipated return from last year, bringing an exciting new experience to festival-goers! The Electric Lounge is back, bigger and better than ever, with an expanded space, a fresh vibrant look, and a dynamic lineup that promises to elevate the dance music scene The lounge will immerse attendees in a space filled with infectious beats, retro-inspired art, and unexpected surprises throughout the weekend. Get ready for a high-energy atmosphere that will keep you dancing all day and night.

This year’s Electric Lounge curates an eclectic mix of artists from across the country and South America, blending a range of dance music styles while maintaining a cohesive flow each day. With a nostalgic funk aesthetic, colorful lighting, and immersive décor, the space is designed to radiate electric energy, creating the perfect setting for free-flowing movement and expression.
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My Chemical Romance, blink-182, Deftones To Headline Shaky Knees 2025

Posted on February 25, 2025 by admin

My Chemical Romance, Blink-182 and Deftones will headline the 12th edition of Shaky Knees Music Festival, taking place September 19-21 at its new home in downtown Atlanta’s crown jewel, Piedmont Park.

The massive lineup includes Vampire Weekend, Lenny Kravitz, returning for his first performance in Atlanta in nearly seven years, Cage The Elephant, Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys, Sublime, “Weird Al” Yankovic, The Marias, Public Enemy, Lucy Dacus, Devo, Pixies, The Backseat Lovers, TV On The Radio, The All-American Rejects, Idles and many more for over 50 performances across four stages.

Fans can sign up now at ShakyKneesFestival.com to receive an SMS access code for the presale on Thursday, February 27 at 10am ET with access to the lowest-priced tickets. 1-Day and 3-Day GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets will be available.

Outlaw Music Festival Celebrates 10 Years With A Superstar Lineup For 2025 Tour

Posted on February 3, 2025 by admin

The Outlaw Music Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since its 2016 inception in Scranton, PA, the festival has become a hallmark of authentic Americana, developing into one of North America’s largest annual touring franchises.

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour, led by cultural and musical icon Willie Nelson, unites music legends with today’s superstars in celebration of the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music. Artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, John Fogerty, John Mellencamp, Luke Combs, Neil Young, Phil Lesh, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Sheryl Crow, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, Tyler Childers, Van Morrison, Zach Bryan, ZZ Top, and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour, creating unforgettable music memories.

This milestone year promises to be the biggest yet, with 35 stops across 22 states featuring an incredible lineup of artists, vibrant festival experiences, and special tributes to its storied history. Join us as we honor a decade of trailblazing music and memories, with the Outlaw Music Festival continuing to set the stage for the next generation of legendary performances. See the Outlaw Music Festival’s 10th Anniversary gallery at http://outlawmusicfestival.com/10years.

“What an amazing lineup to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. I can’t wait to join friends and family in bringing this celebration to the fans we love,” says Willie Nelson.

20th Annual GEMFest Kicks Off With Premiere Screening Of “One Must Wash Eyes”

Posted on January 30, 2025 by admin

Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver Announces Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Sepideh Yadegar’s One Must Wash Eyes as the Opening Night Film for the 20th Annual GEMFest.

Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) has announced the Opening Night Film for the 20th annual GEMFest, set to take place in-person at VIFF Centre in Vancouver from March 5-9, 2025. GEMFest kicks off with the premiere screening of One Must Wash Eyes, Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Sepideh Yadegar’s feature film debut, inspired by the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. This year’s festival, celebrating two decades of championing women and gender-diverse filmmakers, features a robust schedule of feature films, panels, networking events, and special programming designed to advance gender equity in the film industry, which will be announced in full on February 5th.

The hometown premiere of the award-winning One Must Wash Eyes at GEMFest on March 5th, follows a successful festival run and marks the first time B.C. audiences can see the film. The screening will be followed by an exclusive panel and Q&A session with some of the filmmaking team including writer/director Sepideh Yadegar, moderated by GEMS Board President, Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Ghazal Elhaei.

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Sundance 2025: Psychological Horror Film “Rabbit Trap” Premiere

Posted on January 24, 2025 by admin

Psychological horror film “Rabbit Trap” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan 24, 2025 in the Midnight section, with producer Elijah Wood, writer-director Bryn Chainey and cast and crew in attendance.

Logline says: “When a musician and her husband move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives.”

Photos: aipimaging.com

Rabbit Trap

Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, Shinedown To Headline Inaugural Boardwalk Rock 2025

Posted on December 11, 2024 by admin

Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, and Shinedown are set to headline the inaugural Boardwalk Rock, bringing some of the most legendary names in rock and roll to Ocean City, Maryland, May 17-18. From C3 Presents, producers of the beloved Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals, and hosted by legendary radio personality Eddie Trunk, the two-day powerhouse lineup debuts with over 25 artists across three stages on the shores of Ocean City Inlet Beach at the historic Ocean City Boardwalk.

Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, 3 Doors Down, Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Bret Michaels, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm and more are also set to take the stage, and fans can find the entire lineup and by-day breakout on the Boardwalk Rock website.

Tickets will be available on Friday, December 13 with the presale beginning at 10am ET, followed by the public on-sale if tickets remain at 11am ET.

Jerome Yoo’s MONGRELS Wins FIPRESCI Prize at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)

Posted on November 26, 2024 by admin

Jerome Yoo’s debut feature film MONGRELS has won the prestigious FIPRESCI Critics Prize at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). The award, which is presented by a jury from the International Federation of Film Critics, promotes film art and supports new and young cinema globally. MONGRELS was also presented with the First Feature Competition’s Special Jury Prize For the Cast. Vancouver and Seoul-based Yoo was present to accept the award at the PÖFF ceremony on November 23rd in Estonia.

This is the second festival and second award win for Yoo, who recently had a sold out world premiere of MONGRELS at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) where he was honoured with the Director’s Guild of Canada’s Horizon Award for emerging Canadian director. MONGRELS was one of five films in post-production selected to be highlighted at the Udine Far East Film Festival’s FOCUS ASIA.
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Alan Jackson And Sturgill Simpson To Headline Two Step Inn 2025

Posted on October 23, 2024 by admin

Alan Jackson and Sturgill Simpson will headline Two Step Inn on April 5-6, respectively, from San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, TX. The legendary lineup also includes Saturday performances from Miranda Lambert, Flatland Cavalry, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Gavin Adcock, ERNEST, Eli Young Band, Randall King, Tracy Byrd, Diamond Rio, and many more along with additional Sunday powerhouse performances from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen, Nelly, Shane Smith & The Saints, Sammy Kershaw, Ole 60, The Panhandlers, and more. View the entire lineup here.

The third-annual Two Step Inn will once again bring fans the world’s largest outdoor honky-tonk with a passionately curated lineup that celebrates country’s iconic classics, while leaving room for musical discovery. Alan Jackson will appear at Two Step Inn for the first time in his storied career; like all performances on his Last Call: One More for the Road tour, this will be the final chance ever to see the country music icon perform in the Austin area. Additional stand-out highlights include Sturgill Simpson performing his critically acclaimed catalog and newest album of powerful hits, Passage du Desir, under the name Johnny Blue Skies on the main stage.
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Acclaimed Composer Ólafur Arnalds Joins ARI’S THEME as EP Ahead of Hot Docs World Premiere

Posted on April 27, 2024 by admin

Salazar Film announced today that award-winning Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and composer Ólafur Arnalds has joined the TELUS original documentary feature ARI’S THEME as an Executive Producer ahead of the film’s world premiere at Hot Docs on April 30th, 2024. The film, directed by filmmaking duo Salazar, Nathan Drillot and Jeff Lee Petry (Wizard Mode, Tegan and Sara Get Along), will screen to audiences for the first time in Toronto on April 30th and again on May 2nd, 2024 with the team in attendance. They also officially launched the ARI’S THEME trailer ahead of the fest.

Filmed in Victoria, B.C., ARI’S THEME follows Ari Kinarthy, a 34 year old music composer with a rare genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. The condition causes his muscles to deteriorate and will shorten his life. By sixteen Ari had lost the ability to move his arms but through a music therapy program he was introduced to composing, finding his life’s purpose. Now 18 years later with his diploma from Berklee College of Music, Ari feels the negative progression of his SMA. Focused on his legacy, Ari sets out to create the soundtrack of the most impactful memories of his young life.

“We can’t ever know how long we’ll be remembered or what impact we really made. But today I’m happy with the thought that if you find yourself humming one of my melodies, you will have invoked me and my story, and you will in turn remember me,” says composer & ARI’S THEME subject Ari Kinarthy.
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