The Last Black Man in San Francisco

"The Last Black Man in San Francisco" was already a historic document well before the film’s first screening.

"We can all relate to the basic theme of this movie that we all need a place to call our own – for us to have a home. Yes, that’s what Jimmie ultimately wants. “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” also works as a valentine to the city where it takes place. Talbot and his cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra conjure up a gorgeous cinematic city by the bay. And the friendship at the heart of the film also makes it relatable and a strong leitmotif for us to latch on to. All of the above is ascertained and enjoyed on a surface evaluation of this fantastically ambitious film. But Talbot and Jimmie Fails – are dealing with richer and complex themes including how gentrification has adversely affected black America. “This is the edge – the final frontier of Manifest Destiny,” says Jimmie.

It’s a not-so-subtle but still entirely perfect analog for S.F. natives’ quest to hold on to The City we know and love amid a housing affordability crisis, one that will resonate with anyone who loves a city. Any city.

An indelibly beautiful story of love, family and loss in America from two childhood friends turned filmmakers.