On the heels of the exhilarating return of the Sequoia Cinema earlier this year, along with the unveiling of the ever-creative new Visual Design for the 2024 Mill Valley Film Festival by Marin’s Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, and the amazing news that BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law will appear at the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival (October 3–13), there’s even more exciting MVFF coming our way.
That includes “Conclave,” a Vatican-set drama that takes us inside one of the world’s most secretive events, will make its West Coast premiere as the opening night film of the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, with its star Ralph Fiennes set to appear in person. The California Film Institute, which runs the MVFF, also revealed that director Edward Berger, the acclaimed German filmmaker of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which won four Oscars — including best international feature at last year’s Academy Awards — plans to make it to the Bay Area for the fete, which runs through Oct. 13. The film is scheduled to screen at both the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael and the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley on Oct. 3. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with the two special guests and a gala opening party at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur.
“Conclave, with all its intrigue and significance, beautifully portrays the human side of the cardinals, reminding us that despite their rise to the highest levels of the Catholic Church, they remain human, possessing the same strengths and weaknesses as the rest of us,” MVFF founder Mark Fishkin said in a statement. Fiennes and Berger join actor Jude Law, a two-time Oscar nominee for “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999) and “Cold Mountain” (2003), among the MVFF’s star-studded lineup, with Law expected to appear for an in-person tribute.
Now comes word of the full announcement of the lineup of films for MVFF47.
The Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), presented annually by the California Film Institute (CAFILM), is proud to reveal the full lineup for its 47th edition, taking place October 3–13, 2024. Founder/Director Mark Fishkin and Director of Programming Zoë Elton will unveil a spectacular slate of acclaimed films from around the globe, showcasing the best of contemporary cinema. Screenings and events will be held across the Bay Area, with 11 days of programming at the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley and the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael. The festival also returns to the Lark Theater in Larkspur and the Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) for a selection of exclusive screenings. This year’s lineup features 129 films from 40 countries, including 77 premieres, with 51% of the films directed or co-directed by women or non-binary filmmakers.
“We are thrilled to welcome you to the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival,” said Mark Fishkin, MVFF Founder/Director. “Nothing compares to the magic of watching films on the big screen, sparking conversations and connections that will resonate long after the festival concludes. Over these many years, I’ve heard from audience members how a single MVFF film has moved them. It doesn’t matter if it was joy or tears – for them – the experience was palpable. Our hope is that you leave this year’s festival in a similar way. Whether moved by a single film or captivated by the entire lineup, our goal is to create a transformative experience. It has been a privilege to present our 2024 program from around the world. Our great thanks to these incredible filmmakers; the Mill Valley Film Festival class of 2024.”
“A noticeable trend at MVFF47 is the number of first-time feature filmmakers launching their works here, bringing fresh voices to our supportive audience. Films like My Dead Friend Zoe by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and Eastern Western by Biliana and Marina Grozdanova offer personal insight through beautifully made narratives,” said Zoë Elton, MVFF Director of Programming. “As the industry evolves, festivals like ours play a vital role in supporting the next generation, which we do through initiatives like the Mind The Gap Creation Prize. Alongside these emerging talents, films by established artists like Mohammad Rasoulof, Steve McQueen, and Andrea Arnold promise a rich eleven days of cinema.”
Festival Highlights:
Opening Night (October 3): MVFF kicks off with CONCLAVE, the highly anticipated new film by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front). Set amidst the intense secrecy of the Vatican, Conclave follows Cardinal Lawrence as he navigates the ancient process of selecting a new Pope, only to find himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.
Guests Expected: Ralph Fiennes and director Edward Berger.
Centerpiece (Thursday, October 10): BETTER MAN is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Robbie’s perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.
Guests Expected: Michael Gracey and Jonno Davies.
Closing Night (October 13): The festival concludes with NIGHTBITCH, Marielle Heller’s daring exploration of motherhood based on Rachel Yoder’s novel. With humor and suspense, Amy Adams (Arrival) shines as a woman who pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon, her new domesticity takes a surreal turn. Adams will be honored with the MVFF Award for her outstanding work during the closing night.
MVFF47 will feature several Spotlight Programs and a Tribute to Jude Law. A BAFTA winner and Oscar®, Tony®, and Olivier Award-nominated actor, Law’s three-decade career has left a lasting impact on cinema. This tribute will revisit key moments from his films and examine his unique portrayal of Henry VIII in Firebrand, a testament to his remarkable and diverse career.
Spotlight Programs include Mickey Madison for her breakthrough role in Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning Anora, Danielle Deadwyler for The Piano Lesson, and the ensemble cast of Emelia Pérez, featuring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofia Gascón, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez. Oscar®-winning director Adam Elliot will be honored for his animated feature Memoir of a Snail, and six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams will receive the MVFF Award during Closing Night for her stellar career and boldly exceptional performance in Nightbitch. The Mumbai-based acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia, winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, will receive the Mind the Gap Award for All We Imagine as Light.
Many local films and filmmakers are being celebrated during MVFF47, including Bay Area filmmaker Connie Fields’ latest documentary, Democracy Noir; the World Premiere of Damian Panetta’s Lost in Time: Druid Heights; Natalie Zimmerman’s Oceania: Journey to the Center; the 2022 DocPitch Industry Prize-winning film Standing Above the Clouds directed by Berkeley filmmaker Jalena Keane-Lee; World premiere of Bay Area filmmaker Julie Rubio’s The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & the Art of Survival; and Zurawski V Texas produced by Marin resident Blye Faust.