47th SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH
JIM JARMUSCH’S COFFEE AND CIGARETTES:
Comic Vignettes from a Pioneer of American Independent Film

The 47th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 15–29) is set to open on Thursday, April 15, 7 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 the Wu-Tang Clan discussing various eclectic subjects and fueled by nicotine and caffeine. Topics covered include Abbott & Costello, Elvis conspiracy theories, the proper preparation of English tea, the inventions of Nikola Tesla, the fictitious rock band Sqürl, Paris in the twenties 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, which presents the Festival, 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.”

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.