WHO’S IN TOWN
Australian filmmaker Cathy Randall attends the 2009 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, which opens today with a presentation of her directorial debut, “Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueberger.” [8 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.]
AT THE COLLEGES
Outdoor science talk: Margot Gerritsen, assistant professor and energy-resources expert, gives a “State of Energy” address. [7 p.m., on the lawn outside Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University]
LECTURES
David Phillips: The foreign-affairs scholar talks about Muslim movements that have started the transition from taking up arms to partaking in politics. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
LITERARY EVENTS
San Francisco International Poetry Festival: The four-day celebration presents its opening-night kickoff party. [7 to 8:30 p.m., Jack Kerouac Alley, connecting Columbus and Grant avenues, S.F.]
AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
‘Films to Draw By’: Film series presents “Sketches of Frank Gehry” (2006), a documentary. [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Aquatic wildlife: The Marine Mammal Center presents “Marine Mammals of California,” for ages 8 and older. [2 p.m., Main Library, Fisher Children’s Center, 100 Larkin St.; RSVP: (415) 557-4554]
DINING OUT
Pot de Pho: Chef Khai Duong is featuring ahi tuna pho, a Vietnamese-style soup with ahi tuna on the side, plus fresh noodles and bean sprouts. For dessert, look for a crispy baby banana with tapioca sauce. [3300 Geary Blvd., S.F.; (415) 668-0826]
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Political satire: A preview screening of “In the Loop,” a satirical film from Britain, benefits the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. [7:30 p.m., Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F.; RSVP: [email protected]]
Cuban rhythms: The Museum of the African Diaspora launches a five-part summer salon series featuring live Cuban music and dancing. The Fito Reinoso Band appears tonight. [6 to 8 p.m., MOAD, 685 Mission St., S.F.]
Russian music: The San Francisco Symphony, joined by pianist Orion Weiss, presents “My Classic Russian Composers.” [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
