The poor devils in the rush line out in front of the Castro Theatre this evening had to face fierce winds while waiting to see if they’d be let in to see La Mission. A sell-out crowd enjoyed the movie as well as bacon bon bons and PopChips at the after party in la mision.
Click to expand. It sort of looks like the 1950’s, right?
A good time was had by all.
The 52nd Annual San Francisco International Film Festival, with 170 films from 62 countries, is kicking off tonight in the Castro with La Mission, directed by Peter Bratt and starring Benjamin Bratt. There’ll be an after party in the Mission as well – expect to see a few lowriders as a part of the celebration.
The nation’s oldest continuous celebration of movies is going to be mega this year. Watch the festival trailer here. More deets below.
Film
La Mission
7:00 pm
Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street (near Market)
Kick off the 52nd San Francisco International Film Festival with a West Coast premiere screening, special guests and a festive celebration with live entertainment, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a complimentary gift bag. Stars Benjamin Bratt, Erika Alexander, Jeremy Ray Valdez, Talisa Soto-Bratt and director Peter Bratt in person. Peter Bratt’s powerful and moving film is an ardent love letter to the vibrancy and daily struggles that take place in the streets of San Francisco’s Mission District. Full of affection for its characters, La Mission is a redemptive story of one man’s struggle to unlearn a lifetime of destructive habits.
Party
9:30 pm
Castro Theatre, Bruno’s/El Capitan Theatre
Celebrate Opening Night Mission style at two historic venues, the iconic Bruno’s and an adjoining outdoor setting on the site of the former El Capitan theater, with vintage lowriders from the film. Treat yourself to cool cocktails and international culinary delights while dancing to the Latin beats of salsa and rumba. You must be 21+ to attend the party.
FILM & PARTY members $70, general $85 Includes film and party, complimentary drinks, entertainment and hors d’oeuvres.
VIP FILM & PARTY $135 Includes reserved seating at the film, admission to the exclusive VIP Lounge, and complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Food generously donated by Aidells Sausage Company; All Seasons Catering; Bristol Farms Market; Café Claude; Casa Sanchez Foods; Chaya Brasserie; Ciao Bella Gelato; Delfina Restaurant; Destino; Farina Focaccia & Cucina Italiana; First Crush Restaurant, Wine Bar & Lounge; Gitane Restaurant & Bar; Judy’s Breadsticks; La Méditerranée; Piccolo Teatro; Poleng Lounge; PopChips; Ramblas Tapas Bar; Serendipity! a catering company; La Tempesta Bakery; ThirstyBear Brewing Company; Whole Foods Market and Wolfgang Puck Express.
Beverages generously donated by Blue Angel Vodka, FIJI Water, Honest Tea, Magnanimus Wine Group,
Martha & Brothers Coffee, Mendocino Farms, Stella Artois, Talmadge Collection and Zola Brazilian
Superfruits.
Well this was the scene today at San Francisco’s annual Cesar Chavez Parade and Festival on Mission Street. Read Linda Post’s account here at SF FYI.net and see a slideshow here.
Supervisor David Campos and Assemblymember Tom Ammiano were in the vanguard. Click to expand:
Newly-elected David Campos:
Hey look, it’s David Miles, Jr. and his rollerskating friends.
It’s the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU):
And now, time for some lowriders. Impala:
The Spirit of 76:
Trunk art:
Buick with external air conditioning unit:
Royal Cruisers NOR CAL:
WIKID 63:
And the Chevy Impala again:
See you next year!
San Francisco
Cesar E. Chavez
Holiday Parade & Festival 2009
Commemorate & Celebrate
the Life and Work of
Labor & Civil Rights Leader
Cesar E. Chavez
March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993
Saturday, April 4, 2009
24th Street Fair
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
24th Street / Harrison-Bryant
Music by Louie Romero Y Su Grupo
Mazacote
“Manzo” & Members of Malo
Native Elements
