Critic’s Corner – An Animated “Magnificent Life”

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The new feature film A Magnificent Life is an animated biography of the great French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. His first successes on film were “The Marseille Trilogy” composed of Marius, Fanny, and César. He continued making movies, adapting some for stage and writing numerous books that have also been adapted to screen by others such as the popular Manon of the Springs, Jean de Florette, My Father’s Glory, and My Mother’s Castle.starring many of the best actors in French cinema.

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Film, Food, and Fun in the Heart of the Wine Country

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By Geneva Anderson                                                                           (March 22, 2026)

Famous for its food, wine, parties, and laid-back vibe as well as exceptional films, the 29th Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF), begins Wednesday, March 25th, at venues all round Sonoma’s historic town square. This year’s five-day lineup presents 104 films from 37 countries —41 narrative features, 16 documentary features and 47 shorts.  Vivian Sorenson and Jonathan Nastasi’s important documentary, “Fork in the Road,” about America’s broken food system, celebrates its world premiere at SIFF in a culinary line-up that includes three powerful docs, a feminist dramedy and two food shorts.

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“Monet and Venice” Dives Deep into Venetian Waters

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By Noma Faingold.       (March 18, 2026)

Claude Monet of France (1840-1926), the founder of Impressionism and the movement’s most prolific painter, reluctantly visited Venice in October of 1908. At the time, he had grown disenchanted with the way his “Water Lilies” paintings were progressing. His dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel, rejected the work, leading Monet to cancel the upcoming show at the Paris gallery and to destroy many of the paintings in the series.

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Cooking with the “IT!” Girl

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A Supper with Clara Bow curated by Jenny Hammerton.                                                             (March 17, 2026)

I’ve been collecting the favorite recipes of movie stars and trying them out, for over 25 years.  There are a surprising amount of weird and wonderful signature dishes on record in books, magazines and advertising ephemera and my culinary collection now numbers over 10,000.  My favourite celebrity chefs are Vincent Price, Sophia Loren and Yul Brynner, but I have an enduring love for recipes shared by stars of the silent era too.

To celebrate the San Francisco Silent Film Festival’s showing of Clara Bow in “It” at the restored Castro Theatre on Sunday, March 22 accompanied by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra,  I offer you a menu of Clara favorite recipes.  Full screening info and to buy tickets here. 

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24 minutes with “Berlin & Beyond’s” Sophoan Sorn

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An interview by Geneva Anderson.     (March 16, 2026)

Sophoan Sorn. Festival director of Berlin & Beyond at the Castro Theater which screens three German dramas on March 19.   Image: Sophoan Sorn

The Berlin & Beyond film festival (B&B) (March 19-23) will celebrate its 30th anniversary in style, with Opening Night at revamped Castro Theater on March 19.  The evening unfolds with Ido Fluk’s drama, “Köln 75,” the exhilarating back story to Keith Jarrett’s famously improvised 1975 piano concert, along with a special Opening Ceremony and tribute to actor Mala Emde, who stars in the film. Continue reading →

Clara Bow Runnin’ Wild- On Making “IT”

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By David Stenn

(Editor’s note:The San Francisco Silent Film Festival will return to the restored Castro Theatre on Sunday, March 22 at 7pm with Clara Bow in “IT” live accompaniment by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. Information and tickets here.  Best selling author David Stenn shares his chapter on the making of “IT” and we have added a gallery of stunning images at the end.)

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Bouquets to Art

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By Noma Faingold.          (February 8, 2026)

More than 100 of Northern California’s top floral designers are donating their talents, time and materials to the 42nd annual Bouquets to Art exhibition. Approximately 50,000 people will tour the de Young and Legion of Honor museums to encounter the enhanced galleries during the exhibition fundraiser, March 3-8.

Installation view of Bouquets to Art 2025, Legion of Honor. Photograph by Randy Dodson

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Be Our Valentine

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Curated by Gary Meyer.     (February 8, 2026)

Several years ago I curated a large selection of odd and ironic Valentine’s Day cards and nostalgia with movie stars and celebrities joining in. Plus a gallery about food and drink as the way to our hearts.

This year we thought a lot more vintage images and some contemporary selections could make your heart laugh and would brighten your week. But be warned, some of these cards are cringy. Others are surprising (women’s suffragettes featured on cards—to balance to the horny little boys that dominated these cards for decades). We have some fun videos, “My Funny Valentine” as performed by two of our favorite singers plus Bad Bunny’s Valentine’s videos. Continue reading →

Harris Dickinson’s “Urchin” is a promising debut defined by empathy

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By Claire Wu                             (February 7, 2026)

Previously known for his roles in popular films like “Babygirl,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “The Iron Claw,” BAFTA-nominated Brit heartthrob Harris Dickinson made his directorial debut with the psychological drama “Urchin.” With “Urchin,” Dickinson demonstrates his artistic prowess beyond his acting versatility, pulling from his own lived experiences while volunteering at numerous homeless charities. Through his lens of empathy, he crafts a compelling narrative following Mike, a homeless youth struggling with the cyclical nature of addiction and incarceration as he traverses the East London streets in search of purpose and connection. Continue reading →