The Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) is always the best opportunity for Bay Area film goers to catch an early look at the Big Movies – the prestige films that will be released during Award Season. This year’s fest runs from October 7 through October 17.
The biggest movies playing at this year’s MVFF:
- Red Rocket: a Cannes hit from Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Tangerine).
- Dune: Denis Villeneuve’s take on Frank Herbert’s epic science fiction novel.
- Parallel Mothers: Pedro Almodovar’s latest, with Penelope Cruz.
- Spencer: Kristin Stewart as Princess Di.
- Belfast: Kenneth Branagh’s period coming of age film set amidst Northern Ireland’s Troubles. Branagh will appear in person at the MVFF.
- C’mon C’mon : Joaquin Phoenix’s performance has been described as “endearing” (huh?). Also wih Gaby Hoffmann.
- The French Dispatch: If you can bear to sit through another of Wes Anderson’s star-studded, overly precious self-indulgences, here it is.
- A Hero: The latest from Asghar Farhadi (A Separation, The Salesman).
The slate of documentaries includes:
- The Velvet Underground: Todd Haynes (Carol, Far from Heaven) looks at the seminal band.
- Like a Rolling Stone: The Life and Times of Ben Fong-Torres: About the pioneering rock journalist.
- Becoming Costeau: About the iconic Jacques Costeau, popularizing the worlds under the surfaces of our oceans.
Last year, MVFF brought us the year’s two most honored films: Nomadland and The Father. In 2019, MVFF showcased five films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: the winner Parasite, along with Marriage Story, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit and Ford vs. Ferrari. The 2018 festival featured Roma, Green Book, Shoplifters, If Beale Street Could Talk and Cold War; those five films combined for 28 Oscar nominations and 7 Oscars. You get the idea.
Take a look at the Mill Valley Film Festival program. Here’s the trailer for Parallel Mothers.