International Cinema

Julie Keeps Quiet

Julie Keeps Quiet is a film that tells the story of a rising tennis star navigating the challenges of her sport amid personal turmoil. The film, directed by Leonardo van Dijl, explores themes of pressure and anxiety as Julie deals with the suspension of her coach amid rumors of abuse. With compelling performances, especially from Tessa Van den Broeck in the lead role, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of the inner struggles faced by athletes. The screening is part of the 68th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Sat, Apr 26 • 5:30 PM

I Dreamed His Name

Through powerful and poetic storytelling, *I Dreamed His Name* follows director Ángela Carabalí and her sister Juliana as they traverse Colombia’s Indigenous farmlands to investigate the disappearance of their father. Thirty years ago, the Afro-Latino farmer became a victim of the violence enveloping the country during a period of civil unrest. Now, as Ángela and Juliana probe their missing parent’s story, they encounter others who lost family members in similar circumstances. Gorgeous and intimate cinematography further illuminates the tenderness in each frame of Carabalí's moving documentary debut, a chronicle not only of loss but also of the love the sisters have for their family and for one another.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Sun, Apr 27 • 2:30 PM

The Outbursts (My mouth, my revolt, my name)

A companion film to Georges’ first feature, May They Rest in Revolt (2011), The Outbursts follows migrants in Calais as they attempt to cross into England. Fragments of voices, laughter and rage; snatches of words, images and memory reflect the struggles against the colonialism and unacceptability of the world as it is. The film is preceded by the shorts No Border (2008) and Nocturne White Hunter (2015). After the screening, director Sylvain George will be present for a Q&A. This film is part of a multi-day retrospective titled NO BORDER: The Films of Sylvain George playing across the Bay Area, supported by various institutions.

Roxie Theater

Mon, Apr 28 • 6:00 PM

Obscure Night - Wild Leaves (The Burning Ones, the Obstinate)

The first part of a larger cycle of films, Obscure Night – Wild Leaves follows young men as they risk their lives to board ships headed for Spain. Melilla, a Spanish enclave in Morocco, serves as a land border between Africa and Europe, where young migrants face perilous journeys driven by their desperate quest for a better life. This screening is part of NO BORDER: The Films of Sylvain George, a multi-day retrospective playing across the Bay Area, featuring Sylvain George in person. Supported by the Jean Monnet Center of Excellence, the UC Berkeley Institute for European Studies, and the UC Berkeley Department of French.

Roxie Theater

Tues, Apr 29 • 6:00 PM

DUKE ELLINGTON CELEBRATION: Paris Blues (with PIANO TRIBUTE from Nathan Kruse) ~ 7:30 PM

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Duke Ellington's birthday featuring a solo piano tribute by Nathan Kruse and a screening of the iconic film 'Paris Blues' (1961). The event takes place on April 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the 4 Star Theater in San Francisco. Duke Ellington, a legendary composer and bandleader, created nearly 2,000 compositions during his illustrious career. This event honors his musical legacy through a delightful evening of music and cinema.

4 Star Theater

Tues, Apr 29 • 7:30 PM

Luis Buñuel’s Él

Join us for a special screening of Luis Buñuel's 'Él', a newly restored classic from his Mexican period. This captivating film explores themes of paranoia, jealousy, and sexual obsession through the story of Francisco Galván de Montemayor and his tumultuous love for Gloria. As Francisco's devout nature contrasts with his violent passions, viewers are treated to a portrayal of unresolved existential fears set against an oppressive societal backdrop. 'Él' remains one of Buñuel’s significant works, offering insights into the irrationality of human desires amidst religious and social hypocrisy. Don't miss your chance to experience this dark melodrama in a stunning 4K restoration.

Roxie Theater

Wed, Apr 30 • 6:30 PM

Obscure Night—Goodbye Here, Anywhere

Join us for a special screening of Sylvain George's acclaimed film 'Obscure Night—Goodbye Here, Anywhere,' which captures the poignant journeys of African migrants in Spain seeking a better life. This black and white cinematic piece highlights the struggles and dreams of the protagonists, presented through stunning imagery that resonates with the viewers. The film will be followed by a discussion featuring notable guests, including Sylvain George himself. Don't miss this insightful exploration of migration and hope.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Wed, Apr 30 • 7:00 PM

Björk: Cornucopia

Björk: Cornucopia, the highly anticipated concert film recorded live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s groundbreaking tour that mesmerized audiences worldwide for five years. This unique cinematic experience immerses viewers in Björk’s spectacular stage production, featuring a setlist spanning her iconic early works to the visionary Utopia (2017) and Fossora (2023). The production showcases bespoke instruments, including a magnetic harp, a circular flute, an aluphone, and a reverb chamber, along with a strong supporting musical ensemble. Directed by Ísold Uggadóttir, the film melds live performance with immersive visuals and Dolby Atmos audio to create an unforgettable experience. Cornucopia pushes the boundaries of live performance, offering an immersive experience unlike anything seen before.

Roxie Theater

Wed, May 7 • 6:00 PM

San Francisco - AIMONS-NOUS VIVANTS - IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO

Join us for the screening of the new French romantic comedy 'AIMONS-NOUS VIVANTS - IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO', starring Valérie Lemercier. This film, released in France on April 16th, explores themes of love and connection with a humorous twist. It's set to delight audiences with its charm and wit, making it a must-see for fans of French cinema.

Marina Theater

Thurs, May 8 • 7:00 PM

CAAMFest 2025: A Travelers Needs

Part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, this film features Iris (Isabelle Huppert), who finds herself adrift in Seoul and without means to make ends meet. Turning to teaching French, she employs a peculiar method leading to a series of encounters that slowly reveal the mysteries of her situation. Directed by acclaimed Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo, this latest work premiered at the 29th Busan International Film Festival and marks his third collaboration with Huppert.

Roxie Theater

Fri, May 9 • 5:00 PM

CAAMFest 2025: Boat People

Part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, Boat People is a powerful cinematic exploration of the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Directed by Ann Hui, the film chronicles the experiences of a Japanese photojournalist (George Lam) who travels to Vietnam three years after the Communist takeover. He befriends a local teenage girl (Season Ma) and her impoverished family, revealing the stark contrasts between the government's portrayal of a reborn Vietnam and the harsh realities faced by its citizens. The film employs haunting imagery to highlight themes of political repression and desperation that forced many Vietnamese to flee their homeland. Boat People is recognized as one of the seminal works of the Hong Kong New Wave.

Roxie Theater

Fri, May 9 • 7:00 PM

CAAMFest 2025: Mistress Dispeller

As part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, 'Mistress Dispeller' takes viewers into the emerging industry in China dedicated to preserving marriages amidst infidelity. Focusing on Wang Zhenxi, a 'mistress dispeller,' the film explores his methods to restore marital bonds and dismantle affairs. Through an intimate and real case of infidelity, the narrative shifts sympathies between the husband, wife, and mistress, highlighting the complex interplay of emotions and cultural norms that shape contemporary relationships in China.

Roxie Theater

Sat, May 10 • 12:00 PM

Caught by the Tides

The preeminent dramatist of China’s rapid 21st-century growth and social transformation, Jia Zhangke has taken his boldest approach to narrative yet with his marvelous 'Caught by the Tides'. Assembled from footage shot over a span of 23 years—a beguiling mix of fiction and documentary, featuring a cascade of images taken from previous movies, unused scenes, and newly shot dramatic sequences—'Caught by the Tides' is a free-flowing work of unspoken longing, carried along more by music than dialogue as it looms around the edges of a poignant love story. The film primarily follows Qiaoqiao, played by Jia's muse Zhao Tao, as she searches for her long-lost lover Bin in an increasingly unrecognizable country. Through Zhao’s delicate expressiveness, the film evokes the passage of time and change, presenting a profound narrative about love and loss.

Roxie Theater

Fri, May 16 • 6:30 PM

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (35mm)

Must end January 9. In anticipation of Pedro Almodóvar’s eagerly awaited The Room Next Door (starting January 24 at The Roxie), we invite you to rediscover the film that made the world fall in love with his bold, singular style. This fast-paced celebration of hysteria put Almodóvar on the map by joyfully parading his depthless obsession with women – especially the wild ones. Driven to the brink by her married lover, Pepa (Carmen Maura) cries at work, lights her bed on fire, and loads the gazpacho with barbiturates. Her girlfriends don’t fare much better in this melodramatic farce that runs at a constant parody-level soap-operatic pitch.

Roxie Theater

Sat, Dec 20