SF IndieFest unspools 15 days of “absolutely independent” film + parties (Feb. 4-18)

Posted by Molly on Jan 26, 2010

HI-San Francisco is proud to be an official sponsor of the 12th annual SF IndieFest, a 15-day extravaganza hailed as "the real deal" in independent film festivals by the San Francisco Chronicle. Running February 4-18 at the Roxie Cinema in the Mission district, SF IndieFest prides itself on screening entertaining, provocative, and "absolutely independent" work.

Among the dramatic features screening at the festival is Kyle Patrick Alvarez’ provocative debut film Easier with Practice, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at CineVegas 2009. Based on an autobiographical article by Found Magazine creator Davy Rothbart, Easier with Practice stars Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker) as Davy, a disillusioned writer on a book tour who gets a mysterious phone call in his hotel room, igniting a long-distance phone sex relationship that provides a sharp contrast to his awkward and unfulfilling real-life relationships.

The feature documentary Corner Store follows Yousef Elhaj, a Palestinian immigrant who has worked day and night for ten years, building a small business in San Francisco’s Mission district, saving money in order to bring his wife and children to live with him in America. The film follows Yousef as he travels back to his homeland to finally reunite with his family — but much has changed in the past decade, in his family, his country, and himself.

Also on tap is David Silberber’s, Oh My God! It’s Harrod Blank!, an obsessively made documentary filmed over 18 years, which explores the creative life and adventures of eccentric art-car artist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Harrod Blank. According to the New York Times, the film "not only creates a vivid, fond portrait of the eccentric Mr. Blank (a man who seems to love chickens more than people), but also provides a profound meditation on the pros and cons of rugged individualism."

SF IndieFest is also well known for their parties, which happen almost every night of the festival. On February 6, pack up your skates, fire up the time machine, and get ready for the Roller Disco Party at Cellspace in the Mission district. Skates will be available for rent, and the hippest of retro tunes will be spinning on the sound system. (Cost: $10; $5 in costume; free with any IndieFest ticket stub or advance ticket receipt. 21+ only.)

Now in it’s seventh year, the Big Lebowski Party takes a load off on February 12 at Cellspace. Come dressed as your favorite Lebowski character. Enjoy some white Russians, bowl in the Fest’s mini bowling alley, follow in Maud’s footsteps down the zip line, and watch this 1998 Coen brothers’ film projected on the wall. But remember the Dude abides. (Cost: $10; $5 in costume; free with any IndieFest ticket stub or advance ticket receipt. 21+ only.)

In addition, this year’s IndieFest is preceded by the San Francisco Winter Music Fest, featuring Bay Area bands performing at Bottom of the Hill and Thee Parkside in Potrero Hill, Jan. 29 - Feb. 4.