Vive le SFIFF!

Thursday marks the start of the 55th San Francisco International Film Festival, and ITVS is proud to have three documentary films honored in the festival lineup, including Bitter Seeds, The Invisible War, and The Waiting Room.

The San Francisco Film Society is encouraging opening night attendees to go French glam for tonight’s Farewell, My Queen screening by filmmaker Benoît Jacquot. Join the convivial throng at the Castro Theatre for a special screening then head to a lavish party at the elegant contemporary art gallery Terra in SOMA to enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, sophisticated cocktails and, of course, dancing. Unable to join in on the opening night festivities? Not to worry, Bay Area film fanatics have 15 full days of the best in world cinema to soak up before the festival closes on May 3, 2012. With more than 200 films in the lineup and more than 45 countries represented, the 55th San Francisco International Film Festival is an extraordinary showcase of innovation and cinematic discovery.

ITVS has a strong presence in the documentary category, with Bitter Seeds, The Invisible War, and The Waiting Room all in the festival lineup. For film descriptions and screening information, please see below.

Bitter Seeds by Micha Peled

Biotechnology is changing the way farming is done all over the world. Advocates believe the “New Green Revolution” is the only way to provide sufficient food for the world's growing population while opponents raise environmental concerns and fear that GMOs drive small-scale farmers off the land. Bitter Seeds explores the controversy — from a village in India that uses genetically modified seeds to U.S. government agencies that promote them. Click here for screening and ticket information.

The Invisible War by Kirby Dick

 Winner of an audience award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, this moving indictment of the systematic coverup of military sex crimes chronicles women’s struggles to rebuild their lives and fight for justice. Interviews with high-ranking officials and members of Congress confront the military’s epidemic of rape, leading to a forceful call for change. Click here for screening and ticket information.

The Waiting Room by Peter Nicks

The Waiting Room is a cinema verité portrait of a California city's public safety-net hospital as it struggles to handle patient overload in a swooning economy and a constantly shifting landscape of health care policy. Click here for screening and ticket information.

To learn more about the 55th San Francisco International Film Festival, click here.