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How could anyone resist a Bay Area film festival with a lineup that includes “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then Bigfoot” and “This Taco Truck Kills Fascists”?
That’s just part of the appeal of the 21st annual IndieFest, popping its cork Jan. 30 and bubbling its way through Feb. 14 in San Francisco.
To no one’s surprise, IndieFest embraces the quirky and the scrappy, showcasing works of up-and-comers from the Bay Area and beyond. The fest is also known for throwing fun events.
Things gets rolling Jan. 30 with “The Unicorn,” a feisty romantic comedy with a neurotic SoCal couple spicing up a stuck-in-a-rut relationship by trying to find a third party to bring in some sexual satisfaction. Actor/director/screenwriter Robert Schwartzman’s first feature is sly and sexy, plumbing a tricky topic with humor and insight. Nick Rutherford — who co-wrote the screenplay — and Lauren Lapkus are hilarious as the angsting couple. The screening is followed by a showing of Disney’s “Fantasia” set to a live score from The Firmament. (7 and 9 p.m., both screenings at the Victoria Theatre).
At 7 p.m. Jan. 31, the Roxie gets into the fest action with “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then Bigfoot,” an extraordinary tale about Calvin Barr (Sam Elliott), the government hire who, well, the title pretty much tells you what you need to know.
The festival will also screen Walnut Creek director Laura Van Zee Taylor’s poignant documentary on how yoga helped transform the life of a teen, “I Am Maris,” at 5 p.m. Feb. 8 and 10 at the Roxie. Meanwhile, Bay Area audiences get another chance to catch San Francisco filmmaker Richard Levien’s award-winning immigration-themed drama “Collisions.” It’’s another good one and screens at 5 p.m, Feb. 9. Both are recommended.
The festival closes Feb. 14 with the tempting drama, “Waterlily Jaguar.” Indie poster actor James LeGros portrays a best-selling novelist whose attempt to produce something more serious upends his life.
In total, the festival is set to screen 45 features and 8 short-film compilations. Popular recurring events such as the Big Lebowski Party and the 9th Super Bowl: Men in Tights Live Comedy Show will once again bring in the crowds.
Here are quick takes on a few films not to miss.
“Little Woods”: Can Tessa Thompson do no wrong? In this somber drama, the “Sorry to Bother You?” actress aces the part of a growing-ever-desperate ex-con trying to stay legit in rural North Carolina. But after a series of unfortunate events, her last resort could be going back into dealing prescription drugs. Nia DaCosta’s award-winning debut achingly captures the plight of these characters and the harsh landscape in which they live. (7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Victoria)
“Harvest Season”: In this telling and topical documentary, Bernardo Ruiz offers an eye-opening look into an eventful year in the Napa Valley wine region. Through the stories of the three main people, Ruiz probes what life is like for immigrant workers and the challenges — including the 2017 fatal wildfire — confronting vintners. Vanessa Robledo’s story particularly stands out in the male-dominated wine world. (5 p.m. Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Feb. 6, the Roxie)
“Donovan Reid”: Ever devour an entire guilty pleasure mystery in one sitting? That’s sort of what the experience is like getting lured into Austin Smagalski’s compelling and shocking feature debut. It’s sometimes rough around the edges, but the plot is twisty and Smagalski keeps us on the edge of our seats. A young man (Weston Lee Ball) claims he’s the long-been-missing son of a Dillon Beach couple. His sudden emergence isn’t greeted with warm hugs and kisses. Smagalski’s shifty tale is well-played and hints of even better things to come. It receives a world premiere at the fest. (7:16 p.m. Feb. 2, 9:16 p.m. Feb. 7, the Roxie.)
“Guardian”: It would be a crime not to see San Francisco filmmaker Courtney Quirin’s gorgeous documentary on the big screen. It’s such a visually transportative experience. Quirin spotlights two guardians, environmental gatekeepers checking on the numbers and varieties of salmon in the Great Bear Rainforest. Once part of a team, both are now the last of their ilk, playing a more vital role in protecting the ecosystem around them. It’s a must-see. (12:31 p.m, Feb. 2; 7:01 p.m., Feb. 4; Roxie)
“Is That You?”: Horror films don’t need gore to creep you the hell out. Rudy Riveron Sanchez’s feature debut probes dark matters without relying on graphic violence and the result is an unsettling experience in which things that are only hinted at are far more ghastly that anything you see. “Is That You?” is the first psychological horror film from Cuba, and Sanchez uses that environment to his best advantage. He’s a bona-fide talent to watch, as is his young star, Gabriela Ramos, playing a teen wanting to do more about her dad’s untimely demise. (9:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 9:15 p.m. Feb. 14, Roxie)
“Wildland”: In this gripping and immersive documentary, filmmakers Alex Jablonski and Khalil Hudson tag alongside a team of firefighters in Grants Pass, Oregon, during two brutal seasons. Their film — which expands on the PBS Independent Lens special that aired last October — shows how volatile fire can be and explores the compelling backstories of the heroic firefighters. This is a must-see. (5 p.m. Feb. 8, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9, the Roxie)
“Rock Steady Row”: Actor/director Trevor Stevens justly took home two awards at last year’s Slamdance film festival for this high-energy, wildly inventive comic thriller, his feature-length debut. Two frats feud over stolen bicycles at a rundown university overseen by a corrupt dean. “Rock Steady Row” is crazy fun, shifting into high gear from the start and never slowing down. There are even lessons to be learned, such as don’t mess with the freshman. (9:30 p.m. Feb. 1; 9:15 p.m. Feb. 4, the Roxie)
SF INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
When: Jan. 30-Feb. 14
Where: Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St.; Victoria Theater, 2961 16th St.; 518 Gallery, 518 Valencia St.; all in San Francisco
Tickets: Most screenings $13 advance/$15 door; sfindie.com
