Benjamin Bratt finally does something well — "La Mission" premieres tonight at the Castro Theatre

Courtesy of Filmcatcher

The San Francisco International Film Festival is one of the city’s great claims to fame. Known as the first of its kind in the nation, many films from overseas get their first premiere on our shores. Pretty exciting shit, since we are the first to see some fairly amazing films before they air.

One of the standout films that is already creating waves is the first film premiering tonight, La Mission. Benjamin Bratt finally lost his horrible “Cholera” fever and decided to do a film with some chops. Directed by Bratt’s brother, Peter, the entire film is a huge ode to the Mission culture that we tend to forget. Based around Bratt’s character, Che, the story illustrates his uphill climb to come out of crime and into a life that is comfortable for him and his son. 

Addressing both the stereotypes of crime and temptation that the Mission brings, this film is scheduled to be a huge hit for both Bratt and The City. Although advance tickets for the showing are sold out, there are tickets on rush status, which means waiting in a line outside the Castro Theatre, hoping to get in. The weather might not be as nice as Monday or Tuesday, but this film will be worth going early.

There will be an opening party for the festival and an afterparty at Brunos, which involves “international culinary delights” and lowriders. Fuck. Yes. 

Who: Benjamin Bratt and his bro team up on being gangstas in our backyard.

What: “La Mission” premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival

When: Today! Thursday, April 23rd at 7 p.m., After-party at Brunos at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Castro Theatre 

Why: Cause you want to see how beautiful our city looks on the big screen. Or if Bratt epically fails at becoming a bonafide Mission boy.