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Sunday, March 20, 2011
SJIFF Focus: Day #4 - March 20th: Free Shows at Tillie Lewis Theatre - 4th San Joaquin Int’l Film Festival

Saturday, March 19, 2011
SJIFF Focus: Day #3 - March 19th: Diversity & Humanity Shines at 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival

Thursday, March 17, 2011
Video: Sophoan Sorn, SJIFF Founder and this year's Guest Curator, sends a heartfelt congratulations from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Video: Shane Williamson, SJIFF Chairman, on Sacramento & Company TV show with host Guy Farris

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Announcing TEEN TRUTH Film Festival's Line-Up and Performers

Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The World is on View at the 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival

Friday, January 28, 2011
4th San Joaquin International Film Festival (March 17-26, 2011) to Open with "The First Beautiful Thing" - Italy's 2011 Academy Awards Entry

Releases

The World is on View at the 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival

Published: Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

Stockton, California, USA - Some of the finest and most noteworthy films from around the world can be seen March 17th-26th, 2011 when the San Joaquin Film Society (SJFS) hosts its 4th annual San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF4). The Stockton-based film society has assembled a collection of award-winning and educational films for this year’s festival that opens at Stockton’s Empire Theatre March 17th and closes at Modesto’s State Theatre March 26th.

“Our selections for this year’s festival run the gamut from 'Bhutto,' a riveting documentary about Benazir Bhutto - Pakistan’s powerful female leader who was assassinated in 2007 - to the adult tragicomedy 'Vincent Wants to Sea,'" says festival film selection coordinator Shane Williamson, who adds, “Our goal is to present the best in ‘world cinema’ and the program we’ve assembled accomplishes that in a very powerful way.”

In addition to the presentation of international films, SJIFF4 includes an educational film symposium, works by local filmmakers, live music and after parties in Stockton and Modesto. Sophoan Sorn, director of San Francisco’s Berlin & Beyond Film Festival, serves as guest curator in the programming of international films. Sponsors for SJIFF4 include the Stockton Arts Commission, The State Theatre of Modesto, University of the Pacific Library, the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County, The Miracle Mile, Cultural Awareness Programs of San Joaquin Delta College, the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, Ulmer Photography and Wells Fargo Bank.

Advance tickets for all shows be purchased online at www.sjiff.org/tickets. To purchase advance tickets online for screenings at The State Theatre, visit www.thestate.org, or purchase tickets in person, or by calling the box office at (209) 527-4697, from noon to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. For film details and movie trailers, visit www.sjiff.org.

VENUES

• Stockton Empire Theatre: 1825 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204. (March 17-19, 2011)

• Tillie Lewis Theatre at San Joaquin Delta College: 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207. (March 20, 2011)

• The State Theatre: 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354. (March 25-26, 2011)

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 17th - at Stockton Empire Theatre

• 7:00pm - OPENING NIGHT: "The First Beautiful Thing (La Prima Cosa Bella)" (122min.; Directed by Paolo Virzì; Italy) - A lighthearted comedy about a misanthropic professor who returns to his hometown to assist his dying mother. The film was Italy’s official Academy Award submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category. Starring Valerio Mastandrea. In Italian with English subtitles. (Admission: $10.00)

• 9:30pm - After Party at La Palma: 2301 Pacific Avenue, Stockton. (Film and Party package at $20.00)

Friday, March 18th - at Stockton Empire Theatre

• 6:00pm - TEEN TRUTH Film Festival: Young filmmakers ages 12-24, local and from across the country, will be able to showcase their films (www.teentruthlive.com). Live performances by teenage artists include: a vocal solo by Manteca native, Cheyenne Milligan; an acoustic set by Morgan Manifacier; Hip Hop freestyle by Delta College’s own Hip Hop Congress; and a spoken word performance from With Our Words. (Admission: $6.00)

• 8:30pm - CENTERPIECE FILM: "Undertow (Contracorriente)" (100min.; Directed by Javier Fuentes-León; Peru, Colombia) - Peruvian director Javier Fuentes-Leon’s illuminating and fearlessly honest portrait of a poor, married fisherman who struggles to reconcile his devotion to his male lover with his town’s rigid traditions. Peru's national entry to the 2011 Academy Awards. Starring Tatiana Astengo, Manolo Cardona and Cristian Mercado. In Spanish with English subtitles. Short Film: "SIS" (11mins; Directed by Deborah Haywood; UK) will precede the Feature. (Admission: $10.00)

Saturday, March 19th - at SJCOEbacklot

• 1:00pm-4:00pm - TEEN TRUTH Film Symposium: The film symposium will feature local filmmakers Matt Marconi (Producing - "Truce"), Scott Duns (Acting - "Bad Faith"), and Erahm Christopher (Directing - "TEEN TRUTH: Body Image"). San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOEbacklot): 2911 Transworld Drive, Stockton. (Free Admission)

Saturday, March 19th - at Stockton Empire Theatre

• 1:00pm - "Bhutto" (111min.; Documentary; Directed by Duane Baughman, Johnny O'Hara; USA, UK) - A riveting documentary about the rise to power and assassination of Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto, the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation. In English. (Admission: $8.00)

• 3:30pm - "Eleanor’s Secret" (80 min.; Directed by Dominique Monfery; France) - In this animated tale, a 7-year-old boy must protect all of the heroes found in children’s literature! In English (dubbed). Appropriate for the whole family. (Admission: $8.00)

• 5:30pm - "Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen (Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen)" (110min.; Directed by Margarethe von Trotta; Germany) - A drama about the composer and religious visionary, German nun Hildegard Von Bingen. Starring Barbara Sukowa. In German and Latin with English subtitles. Short Film: "A Musing" (10min.; Directed by David Spies; USA) will precede the feature film. (Admission: $10.00)

• 8:30pm - "The Human Resources Manager" (103min.; Directed by Eran Riklis; Israel) - A tragic-comedy about a human resources manager whose mission takes him to the boondocks of Eastern Europe to meet the bereaved relatives of a murdered employee. Israel's national entry to the 2011 Academy Awards. Starring Mark Ivanir. In Hebrew, English and Romanian with English subtitles. (Admission: $10.00)

Sunday, March 20th - at Tillie Lewis Theatre: FREE admission all day.

• 2:00pm - "Kids With Cameras" (52min.; Documentary; Directed by Alex Rotaru; USA) - Following the progress, challenges and triumphs of a group of Autistic children aged 11 to 19, as they attend a film camp hosted by non-profit organization Actors for Autism, and taught by award-winning educator Brad Koepenick. In English.

• 4:00pm - "Broadcasting Sunshine" (30min.; Directed by Rick Cortez, Melissa Deverell, MJ Garcia, Carla Jay, Kitty Kennedy, Solomon Stadnter, Fia Fiasco; Locally-made in Stockton) A Work-in-Progress Screening by students from San Joaquin Delta College. Preceded by short film: "Whitebread & Goatman" (7min.; Directed by Steve Hosford; Locally-made in Modesto). In English.

• 6:00pm - Live music performed from the Original Score Livin’ by the Gun.

• 6:30pm - "Livin’ by the Gun" (90min.; Directed by James Miller; Locally-made in San Joaquin) - Set in the California Gold Country during the late 1800’s, Livin’ By The Gun is a cautionary folktale of betrayal, redemption and death. The main character, Uncle, becomes heartless hired killer when his dream of a normal life is shattered. Twenty Years after tragedy destroyed his dream, Uncle returns to the remnants of his family homestead. He is confronted by his headstrong twenty-year old niece. In English. A Q&A session will follow the screening.

Donations are encouraged for all free screenings at Tillie Lewis Theatre.

Friday, March 25th - at The State Theatre, Modesto

• 7:00pm - "Road, Movie" (95min.; Directed by Dev Benegal; India, USA) - A film based out of India about a young man's journey across the mythic Indian landscape, where he and fellow travelers lead a life-changing odyssey with a traveling cinema. Starring Abhay Deol. In Hindi with English subtitles. (Admission: $10.00)

Saturday, March 26th - at The State Theatre, Modesto

• 2:00pm - "The Illusionist (L'illusionniste)" (Rated PG; 80min.; Directed by Sylvain Chomet; UK, France) - A French cinema manager, forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments, meets a young fan who changes his life forever. Animated. In English, French, Gaelic and English with English subtitles. (Admission: $8.00)

• 4:30pm - "The Frontier Boys" (85min.; Directed by John Grooters; USA) - The Frontier Boys is the story of four high school boys whose undefeated basketball season and friendship are threatened after a drive-by shooting leaves one of them in a coma and one of them with a secret. In English. (Admission: $8.00)

• 7:00pm - CLOSING NIGHT FILM: "Vincent Wants to Sea (Vincent will meer)" (96min.; Directed by Ralf Huettner; Germany) - Vincent suffers from Tourette's Syndrome and, after his mother's death, is institutionalized by his father. He ultimately escapes with two fellow patients -- an anorexic named Marie and the obsessive-compulsive Alexander. His mission is simple. He wants to bury his mother's ashes in the seas off Italy, as was her dying wish. Written and starring Florian David Fitz. In German with English subtitles. (Admission: $10.00)

• 9:00pm - After Party at Concetta: 1205 J Street, Modesto. (Admission: $10.00)

ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY

Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is a cinema arts organization dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through year-round film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after it was successfully launched in June, 2008. In its first year, SJIFF1 presented the work of filmmakers representing 14 nations from around the world. In 2009, SJFS held its 2nd San Joaquin International Film Festival and added the World Cinema Series, the San Joaquin Children's Film Festival, Cinema Italia, Jewish Cinema Day, French Cinema Day, Latino Cinema Day and the CalDocFest to its ambitious slate of film programs. In 2010, the organization expanded the 3rd San Joaquin International Film Festival to the State Theatre in Modesto, a city 45 miles south of Stockton. Each year, SJFS presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures in a six-day program that encompasses both Stockton, its home, and now Modesto, with future plans to expand the annual festival to other communities.

Official Website: www.sjiff.org

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CONTACTS

David Schmidt, Chairman
Email: dandrew.schmidt@gmail.com
Phone: (209) 676-0455
Official Website: www.sjiff.org

The First Beautiful Thing - Opening Night of 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival

4th San Joaquin International Film Festival (March 17-26, 2011) to Open with "The First Beautiful Thing" - Italy's 2011 Academy Awards Entry

Published: Friday, January 28, 2011, updated on March 1, 2011

Stockton, California, USA - The San Joaquin Film Society (SJFS) is proud to announce the 4th San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF4), taking place March 17-26, 2011 (March 17th-19th at Stockton's Empire Theatre; March 25th-26th at Modesto's State Theatre; with more dates and venues to be announced).

The Film Society's Board of Directors, along with Sophoan Sorn - director of San Francisco's Berlin & Beyond Film Festival, serving as Guest Curator of World Cinema - have assembled a collection of award-winning international films, educational programs and locally-produced works for this year’s festival.

On Thursday, March 17th at 7:00 pm, the Festival will open at the Stockton Empire Theatre with the Central Valley Premiere of "The First Beautiful Thing” ("La Prima Cosa Bella"). From the acclaimed Italian director, Paolo Virzì, and starring Micaela Ramazzotti and Valerio Mastandrea: It is Italy's national submission to the 2011 Academy Awards (The Oscars®).

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS

Film Only - $10.00; Film and After Party Package - $20.00. There are no discounts for Opening Night tickets. Opening Night tickets are now on sale via www.sjiff.org/tickets

The Stockton Empire Theatre is located at 1825 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, 95204. Party will be held at the La Palma, near from the theatre at 2301 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, 95204.

ABOUT THE FILM

A major box office hit in Italy with 6.6 million Euros in admission - in 2010, it won three David di Donatello Awards (Italy's Academy Awards) for Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Actor.

Synopsis from Palisades Tartan, the film's US distributor: "In a provincial Italian town in 1971, Anna, a beautiful mother of two young children, struggles to provide for her small family after the collapse of her marriage. With no career to fall back upon, she is desperate to find work and a new home. Despite the difficult times, Anna courageously teaches her kids to embrace the small joys of life and never loses her passion and optimistic nature, even after her beloved son ostracizes her. Years later, when she is diagnosed with a terminal disease, both children return to her bedside where following a series of startling revelations, the two finally come to understand their ever-unpredictable mother, their unconventional upbringing and also themselves." (122 minutes; in Italian with English subtitles; 2010)

Paolo Virzì (director, screenwriter, producer) made a name for himself with his debut film, "La Bella Vita" (1994) winning the David di Donatello and Silver Ribbon awards for Best New Director. Later, he wrote and directed eight other films for the screen, including the choral comedy "Ferie d’agosto" (1996), "Hardboiled Egg" (1997, Jury’s Special Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival), "Baci e abbracci" (1999), "My Name is Tanino" (2002), "Caterina in the Big City" (2003) and "N (Io e Napoleone)" (2006, starring Daniel Auteuil and Monica Bellucci). His penultimate feature film, "Tutta la vita davanti" (2008), won two Silver Ribbons (Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress, Sabrina Ferilli).