San Francisco International Film Festival Opens with Star-Studded Premieres at Castro Theatre

The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival kicked off on Friday night at the Castro Theatre with two highly anticipated premieres, drawing major Hollywood talent and reaffirming the festival’s status as the longest-running film event in the Americas.

Actor and director Olivia Wilde premiered her latest film, The Invite, a relationship-driven comedy set and filmed in San Francisco. Wilde, who also stars in the movie, described screening it at the newly renovated Castro Theatre as a deeply meaningful experience.

“This will be my first time sitting in this exquisite theater, watching the film projected as it was intended. I’m very emotional about that whole experience, because when you see a film projected on a proper film projector, you’re experiencing it the same way they did 100 years ago,” Wilde said. “It just feels really special.”

The Invite follows two San Francisco couples whose casual dinner gathering takes unexpected turns. The film also stars Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Seth Rogen, with key scenes shot in neighborhoods including North Beach and the Mission District. Wilde emphasized that the city was integral to the story from the outset.

“The film was written to be about San Franciscans. It’s about people who live here, and it was in the DNA of the screenplay,” she said. “I loved that when I first read Will and Rashida’s script, because my mom’s from San Francisco. I’ve been coming here my whole life. I loved it here, and I was so excited to establish the characters as being from here.”

The evening also featured the premiere of Late Fame, the latest feature from Kent Jones, former director of the New York Film Festival. Starring Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee, the dramedy explores ambition, obscurity, and the echoes of youthful dreams through the story of a retired poet whose forgotten writings inspire a vibrant downtown bohemian circle.

Greta Lee, who stars in Late Fame, was also honored during the opening night festivities, participating in a on-stage conversation celebrating the career of Michelle Yeoh.

The Castro Theatre, a historic San Francisco landmark, served as the perfect backdrop for the festival’s return, with organizers highlighting the importance of the in-person theater experience.

As the oldest continuously operating film festival in the Americas, SFFILM continues to champion cinematic artistry while strengthening its ties to the local community and filmmaking talent.

Key Takeaways

• The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival opened on April 24, 2026, at the Castro Theatre.
• Olivia Wilde premiered The Invite, a comedy set and filmed in San Francisco, co-starring Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Seth Rogen.
• Wilde emphasized the significance of screening her film in a historic theater using traditional film projection.
• Greta Lee starred in the festival’s other opening-night premiere, Late Fame, and honored Michelle Yeoh during the event.
• The festival remains the longest-running in the Americas and maintains strong ties to Bay Area culture and storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival begin?

The festival opened on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.

What films premiered on opening night?

The opening night featured two premieres: Olivia Wilde’s The Invite and Kent Jones’ Late Fame.

Is the San Francisco International Film Festival the oldest in the Americas?

Yes, it is recognized as the longest-running film festival in the Americas.

Where is the Castro Theatre located?

The Castro Theatre is located in the Castro District of San Francisco, California.