S M I T H R A FA E L F I L M C E N T E R
SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER DECEMBER-JANUARY . 19/20
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@SMITHRAFAELFILMCENTER1 #SMITHRAFAEL The Rafael is located at 1118 Fourth St. San Rafael
The indicates programs with in-person guests. Programs subject to change, including opening dates. For tickets, updates, and added shows visit RAFAELFILM.ORG Cover photo: VARDA BY AGNÈS see page 10
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Films marked with this logo are part of CFI’s gender equity initiative. Mind the Gap launched at the 2015 Mill Valley Film Festival. CFI is dedicated to actively working towards closing the gender gap in Hollywood and the rest of the global film industry.
RAFAEL SCHEDULE DAN ZASTROW Rafael General Manager & Co-programmer JAN KLINGELHOFER Co-programmer
ALEXANDRA CANTIN Rafael Program Associate SHELLEY SPICER Director of Marketing & Publicity JOANNE PARSONT Director of CFI Education
LEAH LOSCHIAVO CFI Marketing & Communications Manager BRIAN LEHMAN Print Layout/Production
CALIFORNIA FILM INSTITUTE Mill Valley Film Festival | Smith Rafael Film Center CFI Education | DocLands | CFI Releasing Smith Rafael Film Center is owned and operated by the California Film Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that also produces the annual Mill Valley Film Festival, DocLands Documentary Film Festival, and CFI Education programs throughout the year. © Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. No portion of Rafael publications may be duplicated in any form without written consent from the Smith Rafael Film Center and/or the California Film Institute.
WATSON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 7:00 In Person: Filmmaker LESLEY CHILCOTT Captain Paul Watson’s dedication to stopping illegal fishing activities anywhere in the world has earned him a reputation as a renegade activist and righteous warrior in defense of the oceans and its denizens. The Sea Shepherd founder recounts his remarkable journey in award-winning producer and director Lesley Chilcott’s gripping new film, Watson. Not Rated. Director: Lesley Chilcott (Australia/US 2019) 90 min. Presented in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival
PRECIOUS GURU
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 7:00 In Person: Director MARC WENNBERG, editor CATHERINE HOLLANDER, and film consultant VICTRESS HITCHCOCK Endorsed by his Holiness The Dalai Lama, Precious Guru is a feature documentary that gives vivid insight into the life, times, and legacy of “the second Buddha”: Padmasambhava, the 8th century Indian yogi who carried Buddhism over the Himalayas into Tibet. Revered for centuries in the Himalayan regions, Padmasambhava’s influence is now a global phenomenon. Director: Marc Wennberg (US 2019) 70 min.
FANTASTIC FUNGI
OPENS DECEMBER 6 Imagine an organism that feeds you, heals you, reveals secrets of the universe, and could help save the planet. It’s mushrooms! From director Louie Schwartzberg, Fantastic Fungi is a revelatory time-lapse journey, about the magical, mysterious, and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain, and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago. Director: Louie Schwartzberg (US 2019) 81 min.
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ENIGMA VARIATIONS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, NOON From The Royal Ballet’s classical origins in the works of Marius Petipa, to home-grown choreographers, this mixed program highlights the versatility of the Company. Petipa’s Raymonda Act III is Russian classical ballet summarized in one act, full of sparkle and precise technique, while Frederick Ashton’s Enigma Variations is quintessentially British in every way. Concerto, Kenneth MacMillan’s fusion of classical technique with a contemporary mind, completes a program that shows the breadth of The Royal Ballet’s heritage. $15 general, $13 seniors/youth, $10 CFI members
THE TWO POPES
OPENS DECEMBER 13 The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and reluctant ascension of Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) is dramatized in Fernando Meirelles’ (The Constant Gardner, City of God) highly anticipated The Two Popes. Behind Vatican walls, a struggle commences between both tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront their pasts in order to find common ground and forge a future for a billion followers around the world. Rated PG-13. Director: Fernando Meirelles (US 2019) 125 min. Winner, Audience Award, US Cinema, MVFF42.
THE KINGMAKER
OPENS DECEMBER 13 First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos became notorious for her lavish lifestyle while her country sank into unrest and economic turmoil, until she and her family were exiled in the 1986 revolution. She’s now back in the Philippines and in politics, a return captured in this unvarnished portrait of an iconic and divisive figure. Director: Lauren Greenfield (US 2019) 100 min.
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MR. KLEIN
DECEMBER 14, 4:15 DECEMBER 18, 7:00 Joseph Losey’s long unseen masterwork Mr. Klein, starring Alain Delon and Jeanne Moreau, returns to the screen in this beautiful new digital restoration from Rialto Pictures. In Occupied Paris of 1942, Mr. Klein exploits the situation of the Jews by buying and selling their works of art. When a Jewish man of the same name surfaces in Paris, Klein comes under suspicion and experiences the persecution of his countrymen firsthand. Director: Joseph Losey (France 1976) 123 min.
CFI French Cinema Sponsor
THE WINTER'S TALE
DECEMBER 15 & 29, NOON Featuring Judi Dench as Paulina and Kenneth Branagh as Leontes, Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption is reimagined in a new production co-directed by Branagh and Rob Ashford and recorded live at London’s Garrick Theatre. King Leontes appears to have everything: power, wealth, a loving family and friends. But sexual jealousy sets in motion a chain of events with tragic consequences. This new production also features Tom Bateman, Jessie Buckley, Hadley Fraser, and Miranda Raison. 190 minutes including intermission. $15 general, $13 seniors/youth, $10 CFI members
GORILLAZ: REJECT FALSE ICONS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7:00 For the first time in an incredible 20-year career, this documentary pulls back the curtain on one of the most revolutionary and mysterious bands of all time. Covering an explosive creative period, the film takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the recording of two albums and the performance of two world tours. With contributions from some of the 100 members of Gorillaz including De La Soul, Noel Gallagher, Mos Def, and George Benson. Director: Denholm Hewlett (US 2019)
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CHINATOWN RISING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 7:00 In Person: Filmmakers HARRY CHUCK & JOSHUA CHUCK Chinatown Rising is a documentary film about the Asian-American Movement from the perspective of the young residents on the front lines of their historic neighborhood in transition. In total, collecting more than 10 hours of film, Harry Chuck's exquisite unreleased footage has captured a divided community's struggles for self-determination. Directors: Harry Chuck and Joshua Chuck (US 2019) 112 min.
63 UP
OPENS DECEMBER 20 Michael Apted’s evolving masterwork, the Up series, has now reached its ninth installation: 63 Up. Unique in the annals of cinema and cultural history, 7 Up was created for British television in 1964, intended as a program that looked at education in the class system in England. Apted revisited the group of young people he documented at that time every seven years – with varying degrees of cooperation as these kids grew up. Director: Michael Apted (UK 2019) 138 min.
A HIDDEN LIFE
OPENS DECEMBER 20 Based on real events, from writer-director Terrence Malick, A Hidden Life is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife Fani and children that keep his spirit alive. Director: Terrence Malick (Germany 2019) 173 min.
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THE NUTCRACKER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, NOON Tchaikovsky's glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs, and The Royal Ballet's captivating dancing makes for a magical adventure on Christmas Eve for Clara and her Nutcracker doll. Their journey to the Land of Sweets creates some of the most familiar ballet moments, such as the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the “Waltz of the Flowers.” Recorded in 2016, Peter Wright’s choreography keeps true to the spirit of this Russian ballet classic, making this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience. Anticipated running time is 150 minutes, including one intermission. $15 general, $13 seniors/youth, $10 CFI members
LES MISÉRABLES STAGED CONCERT
DECEMBER 26 & 28, NOON Featuring an all-star cast, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular sold-out staged concert version of the musical phenomenon Les Misérables is an absolute must-see! Featuring an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas, and John Owen Jones, and classic songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More, and On My Own. This sensational staged concert is not to be missed! Director: Cameron Mackintosh (UK 2019) 180 min. $15 general, $13 seniors/youth, $10 CFI members
CUNNINGHAM
OPENS JANUARY 3 Cunningham is a 3D cinematic experience that traces legendary American choreographer Merce Cunningham's artistic evolution over three decades of risk and discovery (1944–1972), from his early years as a struggling dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of the world’s most visionary choreographers. 3D technology weaves together Merce's philosophies and stories, creating a visceral journey into his innovative work. A breathtaking explosion of dance, music, and never-before-seen archival material, Cunningham is a timely tribute to one of the world’s greatest modern dance artists. Rated PG. Director: Alla Kovgan (Germany/France/US 2019) 93 min. ___ Select screenings in 3D ___ RAFAELFILM.ORG
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Each year the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences invites countries to submit a single film for consideration in the competitive category of Best International Film. This year 92 films have been accepted for competition and for the 16th consecutive year, the Smith Rafael Film Center offers a sampling. This is a rare opportunity to view some of the most distinguished works in international cinema, many of which are top film festival award winners. Series curated by João Federici and Karen Davis.
Dates & times announced December 17: please check rafaelfilm.org
AMPAS and DGA Members welcome with picture ID and membership card. AFGHANISTAN
CANADA
Filmed in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, during several bomb attacks, this powerful movie follows three different women, facing their destiny alone. This unforgettable portrait was disqualified by the Academy® after submission, however, we believe this film deserves your consideration. Director: Sahraa Karimi (Afghanistan 2019) 86 min.
A riveting reinvention of Sophocles’ tragedy, in which teenage Antigone fights for justice – for her family, her peers, and for the rights of immigrants in 21st-century Montréal. Winner, Best Canadian Feature, Toronto International Film Festival. Director: Sophie Deraspe (Canada 2019) 109 min.
HAVA, MARYAM, AYESHA
ALGERIA
PAPICHA
Algiers, 1997. Young Nedjma refuses to allow the oppressive Algerian Civil War to prevent her from pursuing her passion for life and fashion design. Prohibited from release in Algeria, this significant film has received rave reviews from many international festivals. Director: Mounia Meddour (Algeria 2019) 105 min. BRAZIL
THE INVISIBLE LIFE
One of the most awarded films of the year The Invisible Life is considered a front-runner for Oscar® gold. Two devoted sisters raised in a traditional home in 1950s Rio de Janeiro aspire for more. Forced to live apart, both pursue their dreams while never giving up hope of finding each other. Director Karim Aïnouz (Brazil 2019) 139 min.
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ANTIGONE
COLUMBIA
MONOS
This Sundance Special Jury Awards 2019 winner is a breathtaking survivalist saga set on a remote mountain in Latin America. A vivid, cautionary tale, this unsettling look at human nature in the wild features an astonishing ensemble cast of brilliant rising stars. Director: Alejandro Landes (Colombia 2019) 102 min. CZECH REPUBLIC
THE PAINTED BIRD
´ Based on Jerzy Kosinski’s seminal novel, this beautifully filmed black and white 35mm saga follows a young Jewish boy struggling to survive as he traverses Eastern Europe during the brutal years of WWII. Venice’s UNICEF award-winner features a stunning performance from nine-year-old Petr Kotlar alongside veteran actors Harvey Keitel, Udo Kier, Stellan Skarsgård, and Julian Sands. Director: Václav Marhoul (Czech Republic 2019) 169 min. Warning: This film contains scenes of graphic violence
HUNGARY
RUSSIA
A 16-year-old Holocaust survivor reaches out to a grief-stricken doctor in this lyrical testament to the power of healing love in the midst of conflict, loss, and trauma. Telluride Film Festival selection. Director: Barnabás Tóth (Hungary 2019) 83 min. ICELAND
This ferocious and brilliant film by 27-yearold Russian director Kantemir Balagov had audiences buzzing at Cannes and emerged as a must-see on the festival circuit. Set in 1945 post-war Leningrad, the film depicts two young women attempting to restore purpose to their lives after fighting on the frontlines. Director: Kantemir Balagov (Russia 2020) 130 min.
THOSE WHO REMAINED
A WHITE, WHITE DAY
A story of grief, revenge, and unconditional love in a remote Icelandic town, classic thriller tropes converge with stunning cinematography and a distinctly Nordic sensibility. Winner, Cannes Critic Week Award for Best Actor. Director: Hlynur Pálmason (Iceland 2019) 109 min.
BEANPOLE
SPAIN
PAIN AND GLORY
In a career-defining performance, Antonio Banderas plays a once-beloved filmmaker (a proxy for Pedro Almodóvar himself) looking back reflectively upon his life. Winner, Best Actor, Cannes; World Cinema Audience Award, MVFF42. Director: Pedro Almodóvar ITALY (Spain 2019) 112 min. THE TRAITOR The stranger-than-fiction tale of Tommaso Buscetta, a Sicilian crime boss who became SWEDEN the 20th century’s most famous state’s witness AND THEN WE DANCED against the Mafia. Marco Bellocchio’s viscer- Set within the competitive world of Georal epic is a tale for the ages. Winner, Italian gian dance, Levin Akin’s film is a courageous Golden Globes: Best Actor, Best Director. Di- coming-out and coming-of-age tale, and a rector: Marco Bellocchio (Italy 2020) 135 min. vibrant celebration of life. Winner, Grand Prix and Best Acting, Odessa International Film Festival. Director: Levan Akin (Sweden MOROCCO 2019) 113 min. ADAM Set in Casablanca, Adam celebrates sister- hood and motherhood through the story of UK two women, a pregnant homeless woman THE BOY WHO and an aloof grieving widow, whose chance HARNESSED THE WIND meeting will change both their lives. Maryam The transformative journey of a teenaged Touzani’s first feature premiered at Cannes Malawian boy who is determined to save his and triumphed in prestigious festivals father (BAFTA winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 around the world. Director: Maryam Touzani Years a Slave), family, and community from (Morocco 2019) 98 min. drought and starvation. Winner Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, Sundance. Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor (UK 2019) 113 min. NORWAY
OUT STEALING HORSES
A powerful post-WWII saga of shared and split loyalties between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, neighbors and nations. Based on Per Petterson’s best-selling novel, and starring Stellan Skarsgård. Winner, Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, Berlin. Director: Hans Petter Moland (Norway 2019) 122 min.
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VARDA BY AGNÈS
OPENS JANUARY 10 Legend of French cinema and an institution unto herself, the delightful Agnès Varda conducts a personal career retrospective as only she can, with accomplished skill, inimitable charm, wit, reverie, and copious wonder. An apt tribute to a legend of French cinema, lovingly produced by Varda’s daughter Rosalie, Varda by Agnès is an essential and profound work of art, the reality and the representation of a transcendent artist revealing herself. In French and English with English subtitles. Not Rated. Director: Agnès Varda (France 2019) 115 min. CFI French Cinema Sponsor
ÁGA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 7:00 In a yurt on the snow-covered fields of the north Siberian Sahka Republic, Nanook and Sedna live following the traditions of their ancestors. Nanook and Sedna's traditional way of life starts changing – slowly, but inevitably. When Sedna's health begins to decline, Nanook decides to fulfill her wish and embark on a long journey in order to find their estranged daughter, Ága. In Yakut with English subtitles. Not Rated. Director: Milko Lazarov (Bulgaria/Germany/France 2017) 96 min.
CONTACT
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 7:00 In Person: EUGENIE SCOTT Fusing the best of science-themed cinema with entertaining post-film conversations, this series is hosted by North Bay journalist-playwright David Templeton. The series kicks off with Robert Zemeckis’ 1997 SETI-themed Jody Foster adventure Contact, followed by a talk with Eugenie Scott, former executive director of the National Center for Science Education. Director: Robert Zemeckis (US 1997) 149 min.
Science on Screen® continues with: February: HER March: THE LORAX and FIRST MAN -10-
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SUNDANCE SHORTS
OPENS JANUARY 17 From sharply-written comedy and drama to edgy genre and intimate family sagas, the 2019 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour is a 97-minute theatrical program of seven short films selected from the past year’s Festival, widely considered the premier showcase for short films and the launchpad for many now-prominent independent filmmakers for more than 30 years. Fueled by artistic expression and limited only by their runtime, short films transcend traditional storytelling. From documentary to animation, narrative to experimental, the abbreviated form is made for risk-taking. Not Rated. Various directors (2019) 97 min.
LURE OF THIS LAND
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 7:00 In Person: Filmmaker ALEXANDRA LEXTON Wildlife filmmakers, a zoo director, ecotourism hosts, a Rastafarian chef, a Civil War descendant, Mennonites, and Afro-Caribbeans are among the fascinating people who have taken a leap into the unknown and found belonging in Belize. Interwoven with these profiles, director Alexandra Lexton muses on the internal voyage of the wanderer: themes of leaving home to find home and letting go of the known for a truer, unexpected resonance with place and people and purpose. Glimpsed here is a universal longing for something meaningful and real. Not Rated. Director: Alexandra Lexton (US/Belize 2019) 67 min.
OSCAR® SHORTS
OPENS JANUARY 31 For the 15th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar®-Nominated Short Films. With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar® pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. Not Rated. Various Directors (2019) Join us at the Rafael for a live viewing party of the Academy Awards® Sunday, February 9.
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DOCLANDS
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DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
APRIL 30 – MAY 3, 2020 DOCLANDS.COM
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CFI EDUCATION CFI EDUCATION presents
FREE COMMUNITY CINEMA THE PUSHOUTS
MONDAY, DEC. 16 • NOON The Pushouts explores the high school dropout crisis and the critical state of public education through the inspiring story of Victor Rios, an Oakland gang member turned UC professor. Discussion following the screening with director Katie Galloway and co-director Dawn Valadez.
TRUE JUSTICE:
BRYAN STEVENSON'S FIGHT FOR EQUALITY
MONDAY, JAN. 27 • NOON True Justice explores the life and most memorable cases of Bryan Stevenson—Alabama public defender, advocate for incarcerated people, and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative—revealing a long history of racial injustice and complicity in the American justice system. Discussion and Q&A following the screening with guests TBA
Community Cinema screenings are free to the public. A ticket is required to reserve your seat. Visit cfieducation.org/community
SPECIAL SCREENING
2040
SUNDAY, JAN. 12 • 4:15 In a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter, director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we embraced the solutions already available to us to improve our planet and combat climate change. Panel discussion to follow with guests TBA. Presented in partnership with Children for Change $11.75 general, $8.50 seniors/youth, $7 CFI members CFI Education provides more than 8,000 students per year with opportunities to learn about themselves and the world through the art of film. For more information on other CFI Education programs, visit cfieducation.org or contact us at education@cafilm.org
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DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
LEADERSHIP Christopher B. and Jeannie Meg Smith Jennifer Coslett MacCready Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation Vickie Soulier INVESTOR Jim Boyce Trust and Kris Otis Gruber Family Foundation Gordon Radley Resonance Philanthropies Christine A. Schantz Michael and Susan Schwartz Fund PLATINUM Ken and Jackie Broad Family Fund Kamala Geroux-Berry and David Berry Genuine Article Pictures Vivian Kaufman Fund Daniel Kenyon and Michelle Marchetta Kenyon Mobley Family Fund Maggie O’Donnell and Josh Floum Jonathan and Deborah Parker The Jay Pritzker Foundation SILVER Anonymous Nancy Abodeely Kenneth Birdwell Susan Bolle Alice Corning Drusie and Jim Davis, Drusie Davis Family Fund Carol DiFeo Stephanie DiMarco Michael Dyett and Heidi Richardson Egide Family Foundation Dennis P. Fisco and Pamela Polite Fisco Lorrie and Mark Fishkin Linda Gomez Griswold Family Fund, Bob and Alex Griswold Maureen Groper Margaret E. Haas
Lynne Hale Tom and Barbara Harrison Andree and John Jansheski Willa Jefferson-Stokes Katz Family Foundation Pat Kendall Dr. Joe Keon Margaret Keon Marion Krott Caroline Labe K.C. and Steve Lauck Cynthia Maram Kenneth and Vera Meislin Harrison Miller and Clare McCamy Stephen and Mary Mizroch Linda Morgan Andra Munteanu Cathy and Robert Nourafshan Paragon Energy Capital Gertrud Parker Mary and Bill Poland Eric Schwartz and Magda Wesslund Jann Stanley and Soren Dalsager Mona Steinberg Patricia Tanoury Laura Tauber Henry O. Timnick Sue and Steve Weinswig Paul Zaentz BRONZE Anonymous (4) Clara Basile Jane Bay Dave and Ann Peckenpaugh Becker Susan and William Beech Inez Brooks-Myers Marc and Robin Bussin Anthony and Anne Campodonico Joe and Sue Carlomagno Tom Cohen and Kristi Denton Cohen Joel and Justine Coopersmith Suzette deVogelaere Gayle Donsky and Morton J. Stein Catherine and Peter Flaxman Janet Fox
Gerald L. and Sheree A. Friedman Michelle Griffin and Tom Parker Robin Hauser Richard J. Idell and Susan Kornblatt Idell Elisabeth and Howard Jaffe Amy Keroes and Jeff Fisher Sandra Kurtzig The Kustel Family Jan Marcus Cindy and John McCauley Catherine and Ted McKown Rosemary and Kevin McNeely James Mochizuki of Friends Productions Monahan Parker, Inc. Suki and Russell Munsell Alex Nourafshan Roberta O’Neale Lorne and Ilona Parker Morgan and Elizabeth Pierce Henry Pilger and Mary Mewha Tucky and John Pogue Put and Pari Carolyn Cavalier Rosenberg, Dr. Sanford Rosenberg and Media Research Associates Karen and Harry Rosenbluth Jack and Judy Sherman Jessica Sittig Susan and Joel Sklar Elliott and Shayna Stein Carol Tabb Mel and Lois Tukman Lucinda Watson Martha and Blair White Kate Wilson Teresa Wolf Zach and Marlies Zeisler Mel and Patricia Ziegler MAJOR FOUNDATION SUPPORT The Bernard Osher Foundation The EACH Foundation Fenwick Foundation Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Marin Community Foundation GOVERNMENT SUPPORT County of Marin