Mill Valley Film Fest opens its starry floodgates
Our complete guide. Plus: Festus Ezeli and Six Feet Apart are Best
48 Hills Daily is supported by 3rd i Film Fest, Litquake, King Lear, Terror Vault, Hag-stravaganza, Songs of the Slow Burning Earth, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
POLLS CLOSE SOON! VOTE NOW FOR BEST OF THE BAY 2026!
Best Burrito? Best Street Fair? Best Drag Show? Best Date Restaurant? Best Shoe Store? Best Dive Bar? Vote in our 52nd annual Best of the Bay Readers' Poll and tell us what you love!
OCTOBER KICKS OFF WITH A 'HAG-STRAVAGANZA'
Join us for a rare screening of Joan Crawford starring in William Castle's Strait-Jacket (1964) hosted by DJ Dank and Valentine. Drag performances by Katya Smirnoff-Skye, Thee Pristine Condition, and Lucy Borden, a Crawford costume contest, Joan trivia, and a Joan To The Bone video tribute. October 2, sponsored by Sunset Connect.
COME CELEBRATE 3RD i'S 24TH ANNIVERSARY
The annual SF International South Asian Film Festival — "Beyond Bollywood" will present award-winning films from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, France, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. From dark comedy to riveting drama, and from heartwarming social satire to unique documentaries, 3rd i offers groundbreaking cinema from South Asia and its Diaspora, with festival guests!
Today's headlines:
Screen Grabs: Starry floodgates open at Mill Valley Film Fest 49
By Dennis Harvey
Oscar bait, celeb sightings, and some real gems. Plus: Tsui Hark flabbers gasts, Joan Crawford's Hag-stravaganza, more movies
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Festus Ezeli
By Tamara Palmer
The former Warrior now leans into his foodie side, highlighting local mom-and-pop restaurants that could use some spotlight.
Best of the Bay Editors’ Pick 2026: Six Feet Apart Productions
By Dorothy Odonnell
Vibrant storytelling organization launched online during the pandemic and has since spread its tales into live spaces and new frontiers.
In case you missed it:
Live Shots: Pervy and proud at Folsom Street Fair
LA is taxing mansions to building affordable housing. Why is Lurie opposing a similar plan?
Good Taste: Summer’s gone—but it left us great cafes
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND ACCLAIMED FILM 'SONGS OF THE SLOW BURNING EARTH'
Unflinching documentary depicts the mass tragedy of people who came face to face with a large-scale war in Ukraine—and how they had to adapt in dire circumstances. Meet director Olha Zhurba and producer Darya Bassel at Rialto Berkeley on Sept. 28 and Four Star SF on Oct. 1.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE AT TERROR VAULT: SLASHED
The latest immersive horror experience from diabolical creators Peaches Christ and Michael Flowers takes over the San Francisco Mint with a tale inspired by '80s slashers! October 1-November 7
JOIN US FOR ANOTHER SEISMIC LITQUAKE
Litquake, San Francisco's literary festival, is back from October 8–24. Presenting 80+ events across the Bay Area, from readings and performances to panels and workshops. More than 75% of events are FREE to attend.
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN—OR HEARD—'LEAR' LIKE THIS
Michael Socrates Moran directs a bold new production of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, featuring a cast of 30 and live music composed by Paul Dresher. September 25—October 11 at Z Space!