In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, Film SF, in collaboration with San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Video Arts program and the San Francisco Public Library, is hosting a series of free film screenings to honor the work of local Latinx filmmakers. The city’s film commission has arranged a lineup that dives into the rich diversity and narratives of the San Francisco Bay Area's Latinx community. The film series kicked off today and will run through October at SFO, marking the venue as the only airport in the country to boast an accredited museum with a dedicated film program.
The screenings are available for airport visitors, providing a cinematic touch to travel, a perk not lost to travelers or local cinephiles. "We're excited for this new partnership with SFO Museum’s Video Arts Program and San Francisco Public Library to showcase the incredible and robust local talent our region boasts," said Manijeh Fata, Executive Director of Film SF, as per the City and County of San Francisco. The screenings include films such as "A Place to Call Home" by Clara Pérez Medina, a tale that weaves through three generations of artists, and "El Soñador" by Javier Roberto Carlos, which delves into the dreams of a blind street musician in San Francisco.
Complementing the screenings, attendees will have the unique chance to interact with the filmmakers themselves. An event scheduled for September 5 at the SFO Museum will allocate time for a candid conversation with the directors, followed by a community mixer. The series will culminate with a specific focus on two films: "Nosotros" by Lottie Pacheco-Lobatos and "Love Note to the West Coast" by Marilyn Montúfar, with screenings stretched throughout October.
The endeavor is not only about film admiration but also a platform for local artists to present their work to a broader, international audience. SFO’s Video Arts Curator Vincent Balgemino reflected this sentiment, stating, as per the City and County of San Francisco, "We aim to showcase the work of our local artists and changemakers, and to share their stories to a global audience." For those wishing to register for the kickoff event, further details can be found on Film SF's Facebook post, where potential guests are directed to an Eventbrite link for RSVPs.
