Mark your calendars: The schedule for outdoor spring movie screenings at Hayes Valley's PROXY is finally here. The film series features an eclectic lineup, ranging from a documentary on the Black Panthers, to a dog-friendly ode to canine companionship, to Sundance shorts and an evening with popular podcast The Organist and more.
The large movie screen in the PROXY space was completed last year, after architecture firm envelope A+D, which is behind the interim-use activation of the Hayes & Octavia space, created the non-profit Here For Now to raise funds for the outdoor theater project.
The Fall Film Festival premiere in the PROXY space, which ran in October and November, drew large crowds as people gathered to watch new indie film releases such as "Me And Earl And The Dying Girl" and "The Wolfpack."
This year's festival kicks off on March 26th—hopefully past the worst of the El Niño rains. All screenings start at 7:45pm, but we recommend you arrive early to claim a spot, as real estate fills up quickly. PROXY has a full list of guidelines for the event, but in summary: no outside booze (though you can purchase beer there), bring your own blankets and low chairs, and have fun!
Here's the lineup (descriptions via PROXY):
March 26th
Heart of a Dog
Directed by Laurie Anderson, 2015
Bring your dog night!
"Hello, little bonehead. I'll love you forever." So begins musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson's dream-like cinematic meditation on love, memory, and her bond with her beloved dog—a rat terrier named Lolabelle. Weaving together 8mm home movies, animation, photographs, and music, Anderson invites us on a hypnotic journey through her life and her mind. Both playfully funny and deeply inquisitive, the film is an unforgettable examination of the ways we make sense of our lives.
April 2nd
Sense and Place
Short films presented by Exploratorium Cinema Arts
Brought to you by PROXY and The Exploratorium
Exploratorium Cinema Arts presents an interactive array of films designed to inspire wonder, play, and discovery. Drawn from the Exploratorium’s film collection, the selections include a mind-opening mix of short animations, experimental films, and sensual documentary work. This full night of visual delights features 16mm and video work rarely screened outside the museum.
April 8th
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Directed by Stanley Nelson, 2015
Brought to you by PROXY and KQED
Award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson revisits the turbulent 1960s, when a new revolutionary culture emerged with the Black Panther Party at the vanguard. A conversation with local figures sets the stage for this timely look at a pivotal movement and all its reviled, adored, misunderstood, and mythologized history.
April 15th
An evening with The Organist
Featuring a live performance by Christopher Owens (from GIRLS)
Brought to you by PROXY and McSweeney's
Join us for an evening under the stars with The Organist, an award-winning arts and culture podcast produced by McSweeney’s and the Believer magazine along with KCRW. Featuring a musically illustrated interview with Christopher Owens (GIRLS), followed by a live set of music, along with live storytelling and performances from some of the best writers and producers on the planet.
April 22nd
Award-winning and selected short films from the 2016 Sundance Film Festival
Brought to you by PROXY and Sundance
A rare chance to see some of this year's best short films, fresh from their debut at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Featuring staff picks and award-winners, the evening will showcase emerging talent and unique visions. Sundance's very own Senior Programmer for Short Films, Mike Plante, will be in town to present the films and share his insights.
April 29th
(Film to be announced with SFIFF Program on March 29th)
Brought to you by PROXY and SF International Film Festival
Experience the SF International Film Festival outdoors with a free screening of one of this year's official selections.
June 7th
Second Annual PROXY-SFJAZZ Neighborhood Block Party
34th San Francisco Jazz Festival Kick-off
Brought to you by PROXY and SFJAZZ
In a reprisal of last year’s event, PROXY and SFJAZZ host a neighborhood block party to kick-off the 34th San Francisco Jazz Festival. This free community soiree features live music from Brass Band Mission and Beso Negro, accompanied by movies on the big screen, a beer garden, and food trucks. Runs from 5-10pm.
