Reel to Real NightLife

Get ready for your close-up this week with film screenings, filmmaker talks, and other cinematic surprises in honor of the SF International Film Festival.

In African Hall, settle in to watch a trio of short films against a backdrop of adorable African penguins.

First up, animated short The Damkeeper, which snagged a 2015 Oscar nod and took home the SFIFF57 Golden Gate Award.

Stick around to hear behind-the-scenes insights from one of the film's directors Robert Kondo (and catch a live painting demo from him later in the night).

Make it a double feature and check out a screening of Google Advanced Technology and Projects Spotlight Stories, a collection of short films that blend art, technology, and storytelling into one award-worthy experience.

Plus, hear from Buggy Night director Mark Oftedal, a founding member of Pixar and Toy Story animator, and Brian Collins, Tech Art Lead for the Google ATAP series.

Don't miss Advantageous, the evening's final screening of clips that earned top honors at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, then talk special effects with filmmaker Jennifer Phang.

In the Piazza, get your groove on at a Silent Disco featuring some of your favorite movie soundtracks from the 1980's with the synth-pop sounds of the New Wave City DJs and guitar-heavy riffs of the 1970's with DJ Andy Trice.

Practice your best red carpet pose as you strut on over to the "step and repeat" wall to have your photo snapped (while waving to Claude the albino alligator in the swamp below)!

21+ only