The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival has set a Star Wars Day screening of Star Wars: Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back as the Closing Night event.
Actor Anthony Daniels, who has portrayed the legendary golden droid C-3PO in every film of the Star Wars Saga, will join Lucasfilm veteran and SFFILM Board Vice President Howard Roffman for an onstage conversation.
Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back is set after the destruction of the Death Star, where 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.
“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.”
Closing Night takes place on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm at The Castro Theatre, and is presented in collaboration with storied Bay Area entertainment leaders Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment.
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