46th SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL to OPEN with
ALAN RUDOLPH'S THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS

Insightful Portrait from a Pioneer of American Independent Film

The 46th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 17 - May 1) is set to open on Thursday, April 17, 7:00 pm at the historic Castro Theatre with Alan Rudolph's contemplative exploration of paradoxical human complexities, THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS.

THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS delves into the ordinary lives of husband-and-wife dentists who are jarringly ripped out of their complacent roots in this romantic fantasy of love, marriage and bad teeth, based on the acclaimed novella THE AGE OF GRIEF by Jane Smiley. Powered by sly performances by Campbell Scott, Hope Davis and the hilariously self-parodying Dennis Leary, DENTISTS is Alan Rudolph's most insightful, amusing portrait yet of the fantasies and failures of seemingly prosaic lives. The film is distributed by Manhattan Pictures International.

Roxanne Messina Captor, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, which presents the Festival, said, "THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS is a notably perceptive feature from the director of THE MODERNS and CHOOSE ME, a completely human portrait of a couple at a crucial moment in their marriage. We're delighted by the coincidence that a film by Alan Rudolph opens the Festival the same year that his early mentor Robert Altman receives the Film Society Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing."

The Opening Night party begins at 9:30 pm at the meticulously restored Beaux-Arts style Ferry Building, originally built in 1898 and under restoration for three years. The Film Society will be one of the first groups to enjoy this stunning San Francisco landmark, celebrating in true cinematic style. Stroll the majestic promenades, indulge in culinary delights from over 18 Bay Area food purveyors and enjoy libations from Sterling Vineyards, SKYY Spirits and Guinness. Tickets for the Opening Night festivities are $75 regular / $70 SFFS members. Opening Night is sponsored by Sterling Vineyards.

The 46th San Francisco International Film Festival runs April 17-May 1, 2003 at the AMC Kabuki 8 Theatres "The Home of the Festival", the Castro Theatre, the Pacific Film Archive Theater in Berkeley and the CinéArts at Palo Alto Square in Palo Alto. Advance ticket packages and Festival passes go on sale beginning February 17. Individual tickets for San Francisco Film Society members will be available beginning March 25, with individual tickets for the general public available starting March 31. To purchase tickets and for ticket information log on to www.sffs.org or call 925-275-9490. The Main Box Office, located in the atrium of the AMC Kabuki 8 Theatres at 1881 Post Street will open for Film Society members on March 25 and for the general public on April 1. There will also be a Satellite Box Office at Crocker Galleria, 50 Post Street, second floor, opening on March 26. For up-to-date Festival information log on to www.sffs.org or call 415-931-FILM.

The 46th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 17-May 1, 2003) is presented by the San Francisco Film Society, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to lead in expanding the knowledge and appreciation of international film art and its artists by showcasing the most compelling, thought-provoking international films, special tributes, major restorations and today's brightest stars.