Today, SFFILM announced Closing Night of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival with a very special Star Wars Day screening of “Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back.” The event is presented at the newly renovated Castro Theatre in collaboration with storied Bay Area entertainment leaders Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment. Actor Anthony Daniels, who has portrayed the legendary golden droid C-3PO in every film of the “Star Wars Saga,” will join for an onstage conversation with his lifelong friend, Lucasfilm veteran and SFFILM Board Vice President Howard Roffman. Roffman’s three decades of work on the Star Wars franchise helped redefine merchandise licensing as we know it today.

Closing Night takes place on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm at The Castro Theatre. Tickets will go on sale exclusively for SFFILM Members tomorrow, February 4, and to the general public on Friday, February 6. The full program for the SFFILM Festival will be announced on April 1.

“No other movie has had more global, cultural, and generational influence than ‘Star Wars,’ and it all started right here in the Bay Area,” said Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. “We are thrilled to close the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival with ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in the beautifully renovated Castro Theatre. This collaboration with Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment not only celebrates our shared cinema history but, more importantly, will bring audiences together to experience film in as grand a way as possible. What could be a better backdrop for a space opera?”

“Teaming up with SFFILM and Lucasfilm to present ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ feels like the perfect way to celebrate this moment,” said Gregg Perloff, Another Planet Entertainment, CEO and Co-Founder. “Bringing audiences together for a Star Wars Day screening in this beautifully restored theatre honors both the Bay Area’s deep connection to the ‘Star Wars saga’ and APE’s commitment to revitalizing this iconic venue. After years of dedicated work to restore the Castro Theatre, we’re proud to host an event that brings the community together around the magic of movies on the big screen.”

About “Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back”

After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion’s defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin. But when Luke battles Darth Vader, he learns the shocking truth of his past.

Actor Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and SFFILM Board Vice President Howard Roffman will join for an onstage conversation.

Tickets + Member Benefits

Tickets will go on sale for SFFILM Members on Wednesday, February 4 at 10 am at sffilm.org and thecastro.com. The online box offices will open to the general public on Friday, February 6 at 10 am. Ticket prices for General Admission are $45, and $40 for SFFILM Members. Senior, student, child, and ADA are $42. All ticket prices include fees.

Venue

Closing Night of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival will take place at the newly restored Castro Theatre at 429 Castro Street in San Francisco.

To learn more about their accessibility resources, parking, and transit go to https://thecastro.com/venue-info/parking-directions/

Accessibility

SFFILM is committed to providing accessible experiences at all events whether in-person or online. Event pages will be updated with accessibility information as it becomes available, which may be after tickets go on sale. sffilm.org/accessibility

All venues are ADA accessible. At this time, The Castro Theatre is not equipped with closed captioning or audio description devices. To request ADA accommodations, contact a…@sffilm.org.

For more information about accessibility at specific venues or programs, please visit sffilm.org/accessibility or contact a…@sffilm.org.

About The San Francisco International Film Festival
Since 1957, SFFILM has brought global and independent film to the Bay Area in a gathering of curious and dedicated audiences, filmmakers, and partners at the San Francisco International Film Festival. As the longest-running film festival in the Americas, the program uniquely represents the endurance, and the future of film. At its heart are 11 days of expertly hand-selected films, world-class talent, premieres, early sneak peeks, and captivating talks. The Festival cultivates a vibrant Bay Area film culture with programs including a film industry summit, college days, and a schools program exclusively for local students and educators all focused on the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers. The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival will take place April 24–May 4, 2026.