Documentary Screenings San Francisco

The American Astronaut in 35 mm !!

**The Roxie is showing one of my all time favorite weird movies - Cory McAbee's The American Astronaut (2001), in 35mm!** If you have a tiny soft spot for weird off-the-wall films do not miss this! It's an utterly unique experience. Showtime is 6 pm - we'll get in line at 5.30. **It is likely that this screening will sell out so get your tickets EARLY here:** https://roxie.com/film/the-american-astronaut/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uujG1ADn2zk **The American Astronaut** Samuel Curtis, an interplanetary trader, deals in rare goods -- living or dead. After getting a device which will clone the extremely rare "Real Live Girl," this sets off a series of strange trades throughout the universe which grabs the attention of his nemesis, Professor Hess (Rocco Sisto). Determined to find Samuel, Hess systematically kills every person who has come in contact with Samuel.

Something New: Friday Night at OMCA (End-of-Summer Gathering)

**Tonight we're leaving Alameda and closing out summer with [Friday Night at OMCA,](https://museumca.org/about-friday-nights-at-omca-with-off-the-grid/) the Bay's favorite free block party! Join us at Oakland Museum of California, featuring live music and food trucks from Off the Grid.** We'll meet on the lawn to relax and enjoy good food and music. I'll post our specific location once I arrive. You'll also be free to wander the grounds for a live DJ set, gallery tours and more. **What to Bring** Bring a blanket to sit on. **Off the Grid Food Trucks, & Drinks** Off the Grid food trucks line 10th Street, and there's beer, wine, and cocktails near the Koi Pond if you want a drink in hand. **Free Live Music** Tonight's music features [BULULÚ ](https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-bululu-3/)blending salsa, cumbia, merengue, calypso and joropo on the Garden Stage (6:30–7:45 PM) and Bay Area DJ [TIEDYE](https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-bululu-3/) with old-school R&B and Afrobeats in the amphitheater (6:45–8:45 PM). **Parking & Event Info** OMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, and event details and performances are subject to change. **Please view the [Garden Guidelines](https://museumca.org/visit/garden-guidelines/) and [Dog Policy.](https://museumca.org/visit/dog-policy-at-omca/)** Gallery Chats run 5:30–7:30 PM if you want to wander with a facilitator (look for the blue "Let's Chat" shirts). Museum admission is separate if you want gallery access; the block party itself is free. **Come spend a [relaxed evening with us](https://www.instagram.com/p/DWscqMsjqkK/)! Feel free to arrive early to participate** (on your own) in [Afro Dance Lessons and Gallery chats.](https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-bululu-3/) **RSVP by 5:30 PM, Friday, August 28.**

Center Stage (Stanley Kwan, 1991) - 4K restoration

International superstar Maggie Cheung (In the Mood for Love) embodies tragic screen siren Ruan Lingyu, known as the “Greta Garbo of China,” in this unconventional biopic by Hong Kong New Wave master Stanley Kwan (Rouge). Praised for her moving and emotive onscreen presence, Ruan’s private life, which was frequent fodder for the vicious Shanghai tabloids, began to mirror the melodramas which brought her fame, culminating in her suicide at age 24. Kwan and Cheung paint a kaleidoscopic yet intimate portrait of the ill-fated actress, deftly blending lush period drama, archival footage, and metatextual documentary sequences of Cheung reflecting on Ruan’s legacy. Showtime is 7.45 pm - we'll meet at 7.30 pm at the Roxie box office. Tickets: https://roxie.com/film/stanley-kwans-center-stage-4k-restoration/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzBtM0Zfckg

Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park - Free

**Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park 🎉** Join Rang De Bollywood for some high-energy, outdoor, bollywood fun! This event is sure to leave you feeling loved, lighter, and delighted in excitement after every session. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! 🎁 Free to attend – just bring your joy, your people, and your dancing feet! 🚶🏼‍♂️‍➡️Register for free so we can prepare at rang.eventbrite.com 🕔 5:30 – 7:00 PM – we’ll start with a beginner friendly dance lesson, followed by an open dance party! 💫 This is a repeating event, happening every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, May through October and you can register for as many dates as you like. Register now: [rang.eventbrite.com](http://rang.eventbrite.com) **About Rang De Bollywood** Hailing from the dream dance city of Mumbai and Amritsar, which is also home to Bollywood and Holy Vibes, our energetic, charismatic, and fun dance instructors-performers-entertainers, Manpreet (Certified in Indian Folk by India's Best and also an author) and Amit (percussionist, actor, dancer), have spread Indian dance music and moves across the length and breadth of India, USA, and Europe. Their recent performances were at National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai and Herbst Theater in San Francisco. **Important Notes:** * Enter through transit center building and take the elevator to rooftop. We will be close to the elevator. * No solicitors allowed. * Classes might be video taped for marketing purposes. * All choreographies are Copyrighted and Original Works of Manpreet Komal/Rang De Bollywood. *"I recently had the pleasure of attending Manpreet’s Bollywood dance class, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, this class caters to everyone's skill level. The highlight of the class was undoubtedly her teaching style. With a knack for breaking down complex steps into manageable chunks, even the most intricate routines felt attainable. The pacing was just right, ensuring that beginners didn't feel overwhelmed while keeping experts engaged. Highly recommend!" — Kavneet Bindra* **We can't wait to dance together, see you soon!**

Outsider Film Night

**OPEN CALL for short films 15 mins and under⚠️** **[Submit films HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ns9Xm8PoEtroysiheFtrk46rMbfJZp8MFj3iLlqiQV0/edit?usp=drivesdk)** **DEADLINE to submit is Sep 18 ⌚️⏱👀** **SCREENING takes place Sep 24❣️❤️‍🔥💞** **ADDRESS is [@clarion_sf](https://www.instagram.com/clarion_sf/) 2 waverly place 🙈** **5$ notaflof 7-9 PM🤷🏽‍♂️** **Come one come allllllllllll🙇🏽‍♂️**

GHOST - 2 Big to Rig

Look behind the scenes of one of the more controversial and fascinating rock bands - GHOST. This concert movie was filmed over two days in Mexico City as part of their "Skeletour" tour and gives you a front row seat along with a look at the enormous production. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyq_qXS4AA0 Tickets: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/ghost-2-big-to-rig-84091/showtimes?_r=theatre-select&date=2026-08-29 Showtime is 1 pm - meet 15 minutes before at the theater. Keep an eye on the comments for the exact meeting spot.

Out and About August: The Compton's Cafeteria Riot

\*\*2 TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE (as of 8/24)\*\* We're celebrating Trans\* History Month with a very special Out and About on August 28th. What are we doing? We're going to watch "Compton's Cafeteria Riot", the immersive theater production. Come experience this performance with us, and the best part is that this is on us- no cost to our community members! All attendees will be served breakfast food for dinner during the production. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is located at the Larkin Street Cafe (835 Larkin St, San Francisco, 94109). Please see registration link for accessibility information, event description and content warnings. **Tickets are extremely limited.** Please register using this link - [tinyurl.com/SMCPCOutandAboutAugust](tinyurl.com/SMCPCOutandAboutAugust) Questions? Email info@sanmateopride.org or call 650-591-0133

Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Maria Muldaur: Tribute to Blues Artist Victoria Spivey (Sold Out as of Aug. 26)

To celebrate her latest Grammy-nominated album, *ONE HOUR MAMA: The Blues of Victoria Spivey,* [Maria Muldaur](https://mariamuldaur.com/) will appear with stride piano master **Neil Fontano** in an acoustic performance of bawdy blues and swinging jazz from the '20s & '30s. The album is a tribute to pioneering blues artist and record label owner Victoria Spivey, who was one of Maria's mentors when she was young. I'm posting this concert earlier than usual because this duo's performance at another Bay Area venue last year sold out. *“Maria Muldaur channels blues legend Victoria Spivey with sass, soul & no apologies. One Hour Mama is a bold, bawdy tribute full of trad-jazz swagger, gritty truth, and timeless storytelling.”* –Blues Matters Magazine MORE INFO: https://events.humanitix.com/maria-muldaur-with-special-guest-neil-fontano ***NOTE that this event is on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON.*** EVENT COST: Tickets are about $34 per person online via Humanitix (that includes their small fee) -- or $35 at the door, with either cash or Venmo. **Buy your own tickets at the following link:** https://events.humanitix.com/maria-muldaur-with-special-guest-neil-fontano/tickets SEATING: General admission, mainly on couches, in a casual, pleasantly funky, coffeehouse-type setting WHEN/WHERE TO MEET: Meet me out front of the Back Room by 3:00 p.m., so we can get seats together. If we miss each other outside, look for each other in the seating area. (The show is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. and will likely consist of two sets, ending at about 5:30 p.m.) HOW TO FIND ME: I'm WF, about 5 feet tall, with short, salt-and-pepper hair, and glasses. (See my photo with my Meetup profile.) I'll send my cellphone number and more info to RSVPers prior to the event. **If I get seated before other Meetup RSVPers, I'll post a Comment on the Meetup Event Page saying where I'm located.** PLEASE TEXT ME IF YOU DON'T SPOT ME. (NOTE: NO food or drink is sold at the Back Room, but you are free to bring your own snacks or BYOB.) OPTIONAL POST-SHOW DINNER: At a nearby Korean fusion restaurant, on a walk-in basis. *Dinner limited to six people* (preferably Meetup members who haven't racked up a history of no-shows or late cancellations) to facilitate seating and other logistics. PHOTOS of the Back Room and more details about the space: http://backroommusic.com/about-the-back-room/ PARKING: Parking is easier to find as you get away from Shattuck OR as you go north of University. **There is also a paid parking lot directly across the street from The Back Room** \- but folks typically find free parking on side streets or main streets\. http://backroommusic\.com/transportation\-parking/ TRANSIT/LOCATION: The Back Room is located just off University, about a block from MLK (and Trader Joe's), on AC Transit bus routes, and less than a half-mile from the downtown Berkeley BART station. MORE INFO: https://www.houstonpress.com/music/maria-muldaur-pays-tribute-to-her-blues-mentor-victoria-spivey-20906065/ https://americanahighways.org/2025/07/08/review-maria-muldaur-one-hour-mama-the-blues-of-victoria-spivey/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Spivey https://mariamuldaur.com/bio

SF Mime Troupe - WRECKAGE - A Musical Tragicomedy @ Berkeley

Come and watch The San Francisco Mime Troup Perform a Musical Tragic Comedy as they take a look at all that remains now and after this national nightmare is over. How can people survive this mess? And how much more are we willing to sacrifice to salvage our lives and country? Can we restore the three branches of government to a system of honest, non-politicized checks and balances that actually serve “We the People”? We're looking forward to seeing you in the Park! This Performance will be playing multiple times and here's the schedule if you want to watch it another day: Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 PM at Willard Park, Berkeley Sunday, August 23rd at 2:00 PM at Willard Park, Berkeley Saturday, August 29th at 2:00 PM @ Cedar Rose Park, Berkeley Sunday, August 30th at 2:00 pm @ Cedar Rose Park Event Website Link: https://www.sfmt.org/event-details/live-oak-park-berkeley-2026 Important Information: Try to arrived 30 minutes to and hour early, since this performance is pretty popular, amazing, and wonderful that it gets pretty crowded and packed that it's gets difficult to find me and others at this performance. Plan according & ahead of time, since parking will be hard to find near the event and since the performance will be outdoors, it will get hot. I recommend that you bring portable camping chair or beach blanket / towels lay down on the grass and also to cover yourself from the sun, along with a hat, sunglasses and a fan to cover yourself and keep you cool.

Mini-Meetup: An Exotic Lunch at Middle East Cafe in Berkeley

SF Science Fiction Short Film Showcase

**Join us for the San Francisco SCIENCE FICTION SHORT FILM SHOWCASE on September 13th at the Marina Theatre in San Francisco** Celebrate some of the most year’s fascinating, creative and entertaining short films, online videos, streaming & television episodes. The program runs from 1pm - 5pm. Discounted tickets are available for our group - use discount code STEFAN Tickets & more info: [https://www.tastetv.com/scifi-awards-events/](https://www.tastetv.com/scifi-awards-events/) Hope to see you there!