The San Francisco International Film Festival is celebrating its 62nd birthday by kicking off two full weeks of premieres, celebrity tributes and some of the best social gatherings in the Bay Area. Running from April 10th to the 23rd, there are lots of surprises in store for curious film buffs, including first-looks at some of the most anticipated movies of the year. Getting around the festival is also easier than ever, since most films have repeat screenings at the main event hubs, including two historic San Francisco locations, the Roxie and Castro theaters. With over 180 films to choose from there won’t be a shortage of cinematic options spread out across the city.

The festivities begin with the world premiere of Armistead Maupin’s new Netflix revival “Tales of the City,” a genuine San Francisco story destined to make a huge splash on opening night. Closing night belongs to the Sundance selection “Official Secrets,” a drama starring Keira Knightley, as a real-life whistleblower, tangled up in UK politics. These movies may bookend the two week event but in between those days there will be lots of parties and celebrities in town ready to greet festivalgoers; however, the big draw is the tributes that are awarded to some of the biggest names in film and this year’s lineup has no shortage of star-power. Laura Linney, John C. Reilly, Laura Dern and Claire Denis are among those set to participate in Q&A’s that will bring lively conversation among attendees. 

With so many diverse films to choose from we have chosen to spotlight some of the best titles from this year’s program that deserve your attention. The following selections (in alphabetical order) are a taste of what to expect at the festival with more movie picks and talent interviews to come in the weeks ahead.

BOOKSMART

Two academically-driven best friends (Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein) decide to make up for lost time and party it up the night before their high school graduation. What begins as a by-the-numbers raunchfest quickly turns into one of the most honest and heart-warming tales of friendship and empowerment put to screen. Modern high school culture and pre-conceived notions are surgically dissected in what is sure to be one of the funniest and overall best films of the year. Director Olivia Wilde and her main cast members will be at the April 16th Castro screening so expect a lively reception.

THE CHAMBERMAID

The story of a young chambermaid working at an exclusive Mexico City hotel may not seem engaging at first glance but director Lila Aviles and lead actress Gabriela Cartol, inject the film with a polished and assured style that leaves a valuable impression. Completely set within the confines of the hotel, “The Chambermaid” follows our titular character as she navigates her daily routine moving from room to room and deals with emergencies both work-related and personal.

THE DEATH OF DICK LONG

Dick has just died under mysterious circumstances and his best friends Zeke and Earl don’t want anyone to know what really happened to their hapless band mate and drinking buddy. In order to keep a lid on all the incriminating details, the duo will go to great lengths to make sure nobody in their sleepy Alabama town figures out what Dick was really up to. Directed by Bay Area native Daniel Scheinert (one half of the duo behind “Swiss Army Man”), “The Death of Dick Long” gets its motor revving hard and wastes no time cranking it up to 11. 

MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL

Whether you know much about Miles Davis or not, this thoroughly engaging documentary will wrap you up in his music and personal turmoil from beginning to end. The film navigates a perfect middle-ground between appeasing fans of his music and those coming to Miles’ legacy for the first time. Lively and honest storytelling from some of his best friends and partners, are what makes “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” stand out from an already crowded documentary field.

TEHRAN: CITY OF LOVE

A meek secretary, a curious party singer and a disciplined body builder all pine for the perfect love connection in the strange and comedic “Tehran: City of Love.” Each of the three main characters crave a significant other in the worst way possible, even if it means bending societal rules and playing dirty to achieve it. The result is a funny look at modern romance in an unforgiving city and what some people will do to find true love.

TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM

Director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders previously made evocative character studies with “The Black List” and “The Latino List” by profiling prominent people of color. This time he directly turns his attention to the life and times of prolific author Toni Morrison and the results are fascinating. The comfort level he gets from his subject becomes the catalyst for some of the most personal and deeply involving stories of Morrison’s life making for one of the best films playing at this year’s festival.

Tickets to these and all festival screenings can be found at sffilm.org.