Obviously, the 43rd Annual Mill Valley Film Festival will be one to remember. A drive-in opening night, ten days of streaming feature films and shorts, all happening with very little social contact.
Besides the community gatherings and celebrity sightings, the Mill Valley Film Festival also raises funds for the California Film Institute. This year, because of the pandemic pivot, covering costs – let alone raising funds – will be a challenge. Hence Make it Better Media group has stepped in to help with a fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $10,000 for this important organization through social media. It’s time to mask up and help future filmmakers!
You Play – We Pay
Take a photo of yourself at one of the Bay Area’s famous film locations and tag @MarinMagazine and @CFIEducation to help fund CFI: each post is equal to a $100 donation. Three posts become $300, if you bring your family along, it could easily be $500!
But wait, there’s more. Dress as the character in the scene, and another $100 is added on. Explore the coolest movie locations in the Bay Area (see below) AND raise money for this important community resource? It’s a win-win for sure. If you know of film location not listed, no problem, just let us know.
Films in the Bay Area
Here are just a few films to consider. The options below correspond to the feature illustration above, by Dave Urban (click on the image to enlarge). Have fun! See you on social.
American Graffiti (1973)
San Rafael
Fourth and Main streets serve as the film’s main drag.
Bandits (2001)
Mill Valley
Some scenes were shot at the Fireside Motel, 115 Shoreline Highway.
Basic Instinct (1992)
San Rafael
Scenes at a college were filmed at Dominican University.
The Birds (1963)
Bodega Bay
In the film, screaming children take refuge in St. Teresa of Avila’s Church.
Blue Jasmine (2013)
Belvedere
Future lovers meet at a mansion on Britton Avenue.
Dark Passage (1947)
San Quentin
Shots of the prison appear as Parry makes his escape.
Dirty Harry (1971)
Larkspur
The final showdown was shot at the Hutchinson Rock Quarry.
The Godfather (1972)
Ross
Kay Adams and Michael Corleone stroll down a tree-lined street.
The Fog (1980)
West Marin
Point Reyes Station serves as the town of Port Antonio.
Gattaca (1997)
San Rafael
The Marin Civic Center served as the space exploration agency.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
San Anselmo
Near Drake High, cameras captured exterior shots of Jones’ home.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Novato
Airport scenes were filmed at the Hamilton Air Force Base.
Foul Play (1978)
Sausalito and Belvedere
Opening-credits drive in Sausalito; party scene in Belvedere.
Play It Again, Sam (1972)
Sausalito and Stinson Beach
Woody Allen and cast members visit the beloved Trident Restaurant.
The Right Stuff (1983)
Novato
Location shooting largely occurred at Hamilton Air Force Base.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Muir Woods
Mostly shot in Vancouver, but Muir woods has some cameos.
Salomy Jane (1914)
San Rafael
Jane and Jack share a famous kiss near Lagunitas Creek.
Scream (1996)
Tomales Bay
The real Stu’s house can be found on Tomales Road.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Woodacre
Jedi wound around Roy’s Redwood Preserve’s tall redwoods on speedy bikes.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
Mount Tamalpais
Tucker drives his iconic car along a winding Marin road.
How to Help
For more ways to support local businesses, go here.
