Cinema

San Francisco is a picturesque city and its creative side has shown up both in film and behind the camera. The city is the backdrop in movies like "the Rock", "American Graffiti", "The Maltese Falcon", "The Graduate", "Sister Act", "The Joy Luck Club", "Mrs. Doubtfire", and "Dirty Harry". Behind the lens, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival celebrates the Asian American experience and its special ties to the city. The festival takes place every March and is the largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. In San Francisco, movie-goers are in no way confined to "just any old movie" experiences:

• Not afraid to be different, Foreign Cinema has made dinner and a movie unique. The two are combined as in a quintessentially San Francisco dining experience in that a daily changing California/Mediterranean-inspired menu is paired with an industrial setting as foreign and independent films are screened in the outdoor courtyard.
• 4-star Theatre shows primarily Asian movies in their original language with subtitles.
• Roxie Theatre is the oldest continually operating cinema in San Francisco. Built in 1909, the Historic Preservation Society has worked to preserve the beautiful marquee and vertical blade signs. The theatre also is home to Roxie Releasing, an independent film distributor most notably responsible for the 30th anniversary re-release of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Roxie Releasing specializes in documentaries.

For movie theatres in the area: www.when.com/movies/theaters. To look up what is playing: www.sfgate.com/eguide/movies/playing/ and read reviews at www.sfgate.com/eguide/movies/.

Nightlife

San Francisco is a town that likes to have a good time. Whether that means dancing to a glam band; having deep discussions with a mixed group of tyrannies, gays, and straights; drinking chardonnay in a quiet wine bar; or grabbing a pint and watching the latest soccer match, San Francisco has a place for you.

• Kimo's is a Polk Street landmark that features a live-music showcase upstairs of hot glam and punk (there is a discount on the cover charge for those dressed in drag or fetishwear). There is also a weekly stand-up-comedy night.
• Cafe Royale is an excellent spot to sample wine, tea, international beers or fine espresso. Along with the many things to put in ones mouth, Cafe Royale suits the eyes with works by Bay Area artists.
• Hyde Out is where you can do exactly what the name implies- hide. This tranquil corner pub serves over 30 beers, has free popcorn, and has plenty of places to gaze out at the busy street action.
• Divas in the Tenderloin is primarily a tyranny (transvestite) bar with three floors: shows on the ground level, dance area on the second, and a quieter bar area on the third.
• The Independent is a music venue with drinks on the side. The place has been offering live music for more than 30 years and has a new sound and light system that help pump up the sounds of national and local indie rock, pop, jazz and Americana.

For more options in the party scene, check out www.sanfrancisco.com/nightlife/, sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/, or www.10best.com/San_Francisco,CA/Nightlife/.