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The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival team is rolling out the red carpet today as it opens for its 25th edition.
This year’s festival features a variety of themed series including “25 Years of Memorable Movies”, the hugely popular “Surf Nite” and a timely political series titled “Fighting Fascism.”
Here’s a quick rundown of festival highlights.
Tuesday: Opening Night
The festival kicks off with a showing of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” with Katharine Ross, star of the film. The Western classic is based loosely on the true story of the Wild West outlaws on the run after a string of train robberies.
Ross will be speaking about her career before the film and will also join the Malibu Coast Silent Film Orchestra to perform a mixed-media rendition of “Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express.”
Wednesday: Local Showcase
SLOIFF’s Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase presents the work of directors with roots here in the 805.
The showcase presents a variety of local premieres including Dina Mande’s “Tin City” about the wine country community in Paso Robles and Jody Belsher’s “Sobriety Road” which features many San Luis Obispo County residents.
A slew of other local films will be shown throughout the day including “More Milk”, “Cascaron” and “A Door Closed.”
Thursday: Wine with Tyler Florence
As the festival continues into its third day, Food Network’s Tyler Florence will also show “Uncrushable,” a documentary about the impact of the 2017 Northern California wildfires on the state’s wine country.
Florence will attend receptions before two local screenings of the documentary where participants have the chance to sample wines.
Friday: Surf Nite
As one of the festival’s well-known events, the festival presents a range of films celebrating surfing culture and community.
The night begins with a spotlight on South Africa with “Can’t Steal Our Vibe” about a program to inspire youth in the country. “Satori” also focuses on the South African coast with surfer Rod Torr and director Rick Wall.
Saturday: Filmmaker Awards
Participants of the George Sidney Independent Film competition will be presented with awards in categories that include Narrative Film, Documentary Film and Specialty Presentations.
The festival will also honor actor Alfred Molina, who has played major roles in classic films such as “Raiders of the Lost Arc”, “Boogie Nights” and “Frida.” Molina will be presented with the King Vidor Award for his accomplishments.
Sunday: Closing Night
SLO’s own Hannah Marks presents her directorial debut “After Everything” about a young couple’s relationship that quickly develops when one of them is diagnosed with cancer.
Marks’ film premiered at South by Southwest in 2018 and the 25-year-old director was named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 under 25 Artists Changing the World.
For more info on SLOIFF, visit the festival’s website.
