SFIFF52 Closing Night: Unmade Beds May 7, 2009

The 52nd San Francisco International Film Festival (April 23–May 7) will wrap with the West Coast premiere of Alexis Dos Santosʼs strikingly original second feature, Unmade Beds (England, 2008), at 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 7, at the Castro Theatre, San Franciscoʼs landmark movie palace. Director/writer Alexis Dos Santos is expected to attend, along with lead actors Déborah François and Fernando Tielve. A celebration at 9:30 pm at Mezzanine will make sure the 52nd International has a rousing close.
When a wide-eyed young Spaniard arrives in London searching for the father who abandoned him at birth, he lands in the creative hotbed of an underground squat filled with a multicultural collective of expats and colorful free spirits. The squat is also home to a beautiful Belgian haunted by memories of a recent failed love affair and seeking to restore her faith in romance. Separately they pursue momentous encounters and romantic adventures in an exquisitely tender tale of modern youth adrift in a foreign city.

The lively, romantic spirit of Unmade Beds is reminiscent of the playful spontaneity of the films from the French New Wave. Dos Santosʼs lush story of youthful awakening is pushed along by a fresh and upbeat soundtrack, a vibrant environment, a stream-of-consciousness mood collage and subtle slapstick. Following the directorʼs excellent debut with Glue (2006), this winning second filmʼs effervescent spirit and unique sensibilities signal the beginning of a bright filmmaking career. Written by Alexis Dos Santos. With Déborah François, Fernando Tielve, Michiel Huisman, Iddo Goldberg, Richard Lintern.
“I love this beautiful, lyrical film,” said Graham Leggat, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society. “Itʼs sweet and tender and poetic and at the same time smart and technically sophisticated as a piece of filmmaking.”
At 9:30 pm the Closing Night party kicks off at Mezzanine, located at 444 Jessie Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Partygoers will celebrate the culmination of SFIFF52 with exotic drinks, delicious hors dʼoeuvres and hot music.

Admission for the Closing Night film and party is $75 for the general public and $60 for San Francisco Film Society members; VIP tickets are $125. Film-only tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for SFFS members. For tickets and information go to www.sffs.org or call 925-866-9559.

Official Website: http://www.sffs.org