Comic Vignettes from a Pioneer of American Independent Film

The 47th San Francisco International Film Festival is set to open on Thursday, April 15, 7:00 pm, at the historic Castro Theatre with Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes, a humorous collection of café conversations on various offbeat topics.

Coffee and Cigarettes stars an assortment of beloved performers including Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Alfred Molina, Tom Waits, Iggy Pop, Roberto Benigni and members of Wu-Tang Clan discussing various eclectic subjects and fueled by nicotine and caffeine. Topics covered include Abbott and Costello, Elvis conspiracy theories, the proper preparation of English tea, the inventions of Nikola Tesla, the fictitious rock band Sqürl, Paris in the '20s and the use of nicotine as an insecticide. The film is distributed by United Artists.

Roxanne Messina Captor, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, said, “Coffee and Cigarettes continues Jim Jarmusch’s delightful investigation into the offbeat, featuring his familiar brand of humor, a cast of internationally known actors and musicians and evocative black-and-white photography.” Jarmusch, Pop, Waits and members of Wu-Tang Clan are among the in-person guests expected.

The Opening Night party begins at 9:30 pm at the San Francisco Design Center’s Galleria, a glamorous, four-story glass palace. Guests will be able to explore surprising vignettes on each floor amidst great food, fabulous beverages, live music and dancing. Thirst-quenching and culinary delights will be available from over 16 Bay Area food purveyors with libations from Sterling Vineyards, SKYY Vodka and Guinness. Tickets for the Opening Night festivities are $125 VIP / $85 regular / $75 for SFFS members. Opening Night is sponsored by Sterling Vineyards.