SF Chronicle “Datebook Pick” by Allen Johnson
Just as in the United States, illegal immigration is a huge wedge issue in Europe too. In the acclaimed film “Behind the Haystacks,” a fisherman faced with mounting debt begins to smuggle refugees across a lake on Greece’s northern border, leading to unforeseen repercussions for his family.
That is the opening night film of the 21st annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival, which runs Saturday, March 16, through March 23, both in person at the Delancey Screening Room and online. A total 41 films will be screened, comprising eight narrative features, nine documentaries and 24 short films. Movies in Greek and other foreign languages will be presented with English subtitles.
“Behind the Haystacks” will be followed by a reception. Several filmmakers and actors are confirmed to attend, including Mavroeidis Zacharias, director of the LGBTQ-themed “The Summer With Carmen” (7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19) and Choursoglou Periklis, director of the closing night film “The Promotion,” described as “a father-son train journey, with time running backwards.”
San Francisco Greek Film Festival: Saturday, March 16, through March 23. $15 regular screening, $50 each opening and closing nights. Delancey Screening Room, 600 The Embarcadero, S.F. grfilm.com