asifa-sf

June 16–August 25

Studio Ghibli’s stunning films—marked by exquisite artistry, emotionally resonant themes, and absolutely memorable flights of fantasy—have forever altered the animated feature. This series showcases the full range of the Japanese studio’s output, from films for the youngest viewers, such as the utterly magical My Neighbor Totoro, to darker narratives like Whisper of the Heart, to Ghibli’s newest release, From Up on Poppy Hill, a realistic coming-of-age story. Don’t miss this chance to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of these films on the big screen.

The schedule is here

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The French animated feature The Painting (Le tableau) is currently playing in the bay area, it can be seen at Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley and Opera Plaza Cinemas in San Francisco.  Seek it out because it is one of the most original animated films I’ve seen in years.  This allegory about classes of people defined by their level of completion and a search for their creator is beautifully animated, though a bit light on plot and conflict.  I saw it in a dubbed version where the vocal performances seemed somewhat lacking, the French version is also playing, and that may be superior.  Even with those failings it is still very worthwhile, we must support those international efforts, so films like this and Triplets of Belleville, Chico and Rita, Cat of Paris and Secret of the Kells will continue to find an audience here.

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This month’s ASIFA-SF newsletter features a lengthy article by Karl Cohen on the topic of learning animation and landing a job.  It pulls together information from the recent panel discussion at SFSU on the subject, as well as other news and information that Karl has covered in past issues about animation schools and programs.  If you’re interested in breaking into this business this is a must-read article.

You can find it here, on our new Newsletters – Featured Article page.

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Second Annual ASIFA-SF Spring Show 
Sunday, June 23, 1:30pm

There are no forms to fill out and no entry fee.  Just send us a DVD or bring it the day of the show.
Please limit your entry to less than 10 minutes so all works submitted can be shown.  We will show all works on DVD. If you are thinking about entering a film, let us know before May 22 and your name and film title will be on the flyer listing expected contestants. You do not have to be an ASIFA member or even live in Northern California to enter, but you are invited to become a member (details here) and we hope you can be present to enjoy the applause.

Mail work in advance to:  ASIFA-SF, 478 Frederick, SF, CA 94117

The Show will take place at the Randall Museum Theatre
Admission is free, public invited, lots of free parking

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The opening of the new Exploratorium will have two showcases of interest to animation fans.  Obscura Digital will be projecting science related and abstract images on the face of the new museum at Pier 15, this is free to watch, it should begin 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Outdoors on the northwest side of the building (on the left as you face the building) and all the way back, will be a fascinating performance by world-renowned animator and performance artist Miwa Matreyek.  She performs as a silhouette behind and in front of her personal animations at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.  She is able to  precisely interact with her projected environment in very clever ways.  Museum admission is required to see this.  (last night it was not a full house, so don’t let that get in the way of your coming out to see this). Oh, by the way, the Exploratorium is one of the San Francisco treasures, allow lots of time to play there.

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Fans of the stop-motion animated comedy television series, Robot Chicken should cross the road to the Walt Disney Family Museum.  They will be hosting the crew of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for a panel discussion about the making of the series on Saturday, April 27, at 2:00pm in the Theater.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the museum web site.

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