This portrait of Liz, a first-time-mom,
is one of many that'll go on display on
May 12. Photo by Margaret Silverman/IMOW

They are, whether we'd like to admit it or not.  Tomorrow, May 12,  you can see this literally outside the San Francisco Public Library:  Photos of San Francisco moms, ranging from 5 to 15 feet tall, will be glued onto the building walls (the photos, not the mothers).  Some of the mothers will be there in person, too, and as the artwork is installed, youngsters and adults can do arts and crafts activities. The photos are part of a global project by the online International Museum of Women.

Get the details on the installation, and other ways to honor moms, in our guide to Mother's Day in San Francisco.

Mother's Day is a week away--but it's never too early to start showing gratitude to moms, who drive us crazy but are under-appreciated workhorses and cheerleaders, too.  In fact you can begin today, by treating Mom to some comic tributes at the Shelton Theater, and continue with flowers and more tributes on Thursday.  By Sunday, Mom may well be rendered speechless by your consideration and thanks.  Just follow our  guide to Mother's Day in San Francisco, and you're golden.

Actor Rosemarie DeWitt talks about improvising
the lines in Your Sister's Sister, the Centerpiece
feature of the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Photo by Tommy Lau, courtesy San Francisco Film Society.

Your Sister's Sister is a humorous, clever drama about sibling, friend and romantic relationships--and for being the San Francisco International Film Festival's Centerpiece feature last night, it was under-the-radar. The screening at the Sundance Kabuki wasn't sold out. The after-party at the Clift Hotel was small and subdued, with most party-goers conversing in small huddles or pouncing on the passed-around nibbles; Kiefer Sutherland was spotted.

What's notable about Your Sister's Sister is its predominance of off-the-cuff dialogue, which actor Rosemarie DeWitt discussed on stage after the film showing. For the 12-day shoot, director Lynn Shelton gave a "half-script, half-treatment" to the actors to work from, DeWitt said. Pivotal scenes--such as DeWitt's and Mark Duplass' (of the Duplass brothers directing duo) characters bonding over tequila after a disastrous first meeting, and DeWitt's character embarrassing her sister (played by Emily Blunt)--resulted from impromptu brains and wit.

"Mark is a brilliant improviser," DeWitt said, recalling that Duplass launched into their tequila-scene shoot with "Let's talk about your butt."

Last night was the only screening of Your Sister's Sister at the SF film fest, but it opens in theaters in mid-June. SFIFF continues through May 3.

The San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) is in its final days, though there are still many directors and actors in town and lots of film screenings left.  The closing film on May 3 focuses on Bay Area band Journey's new lead singer,  who made the improbably journey from Manila poverty to world concert tours before adoring crowds. Arnel Pineda and his Journey band-mates are due to attend the screening. Check out the highlights, and what Bay Area films to catch, in our run--down of the festival's last week.