Melissa Pennel
Image Courtesy of Melissa Pennel
San Francisco, CA
Peter Zerzan’s ‘The Tourist’ Begins Its Festival Journey at the 20th San Francisco Short Film Festival
In the realm of independent cinema, few narratives resonate as deeply as the journey of self-discovery. Peter Zerzan’s film, The Tourist, is one such piece of fiction that encapsulates the reality, discomfort and liberation that exist in soul-searching. Now, the film embarks on its festival journey, presenting at the 20th San Francisco Short Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in its cinematic voyage.
The debut screening is intended to introduce the audience to the film’s rich cultural and creative tapestry while setting the stage for its anticipated presence in future festivals worldwide. “I’m excited for the screening,” Zerzan shares. “I think the film looks best on the big screen. We shot it specifically for that, on location. It’s meant to feel big.”
Set against the lush coastlines of Goa, India, The Tourist follows the journey of Akiko, a Japanese businesswoman who travels to Goa to attend a crypto convention and finds herself at the crossroads between following her heart and following the path she thought was right. Her journey unfolds as she encounters a local man, leading to a transformative experience that challenges her perceptions of success and fulfillment.
Zerzan’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame. The film was intentionally created for the big screen, employing anamorphic lenses and a carefully curated color wheel inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Theory of Colors. “Colors can hold many emotions and narratives within themselves; they’re pivotal to storytelling,” Zerzan shares. “As Akiko’s journey progresses, her wardrobe transitions with the color wheel too, symbolizing her emotional and personal evolution.” That kind of meticulous attention is emblematic of Zerzan’s approach, striking a balance of cinematic craft and human resonance.
With co-writer Melissa Pennel, Zerzan has brought to life a narrative that delves into themes of authenticity and inner peace. With the upcoming film festival screening debut, Pennel takes pride in her words materializing on the screen. “As a longtime writer, I’ve always trusted that my words would find a way to someone; that necessary belief is what keeps me pounding away alone at the keyboard,” she reflects. “But as a writer that’s new to film, this isn’t something I get to witness often. It’s a thrill to hear the words I typed alone at my desk come to life through talented actors.”
Collaborating with Zerzan, Pennel adds, was a lesson in both creativity and generosity. “Peter was a dream collaborator. He welcomed feedback and new ideas with such openness that it made the process feel fluid and creative. His experience helped us make decisions about when a scene’s cost might outweigh its impact, laying a solid foundation for the story.”
The San Francisco Short Film Festival has been a platform for independent filmmakers and films like The Tourist to be celebrated. “It’s nice that we’re still having festivals and events where independent films have a place,” he says, noting the post-COVID challenges that have reshaped the theatrical landscape. “Film festivals give new work a moment to be seen and valued, which is essential when the industry is so focused on the same things over and over again.”
Zerzan’s reflections touch on broader industry concerns as well. Amid a climate increasingly dominated by franchise filmmaking and AI-assisted content, he sees film festivals as a crucial equalizer, a space for originality, creativity and human perspective to persist. “AI is inherently backward-looking,” he says. “It works with what’s already been done. Festivals let fresh voices exist, and they remind audiences what the medium can do when creativity comes first.”
As The Tourist embarks on its festival journey, the team looks forward to sharing Akiko’s story with a broader audience, hoping to inspire reflections on personal fulfillment and the pursuit of authenticity. “I hope people leave with the reminder that we don’t have to chase anyone else’s idea of success,” Zerzan shares. “True satisfaction comes from being real, from living in a way that feels true, and from noticing the beauty and awe around us.”
The film’s debut marks the first stop on what Zerzan hopes will be a longer festival journey. “This is the start of sharing it with as many eyes as possible,” he says.
Those viewing the screening will encounter a narrative that is visually deliberate and emotionally expansive. In the cinematic landscape often dominated by franchise-driven narratives, The Tourist stands as a testament to the power of original storytelling and the enduring impact of film festivals in nurturing creative voices, all while paying it forward for the industry.
San Francisco, CA
50 Beagles Rescued From Wisconsin Lab Arrive in Bay Area, SF Activist Faces Felony Charges
Animal rescue groups persuaded a Wisconsin breeding lab to sell 1,500 beagles after activists worked for a decade to free them, and 50 of the dogs arrived in the Bay Area Sunday. Meanwhile, an SF activist faces 12 years in prison for rescuing some of them prior to the deal.
Last month, several animal rights activists attempted to free 1,500 beagles at Wisconsin-based Ridglan Farms, the second-largest breeder of beagles for laboratories in the US, as KGO reported last week. Four activists, including Dean Guzman Wyrzykowski of San Francisco, were arrested during the rescue operation and charged with felonies, with up to 12 years in prison, according to a post by Wyrzykowski on social media.
“There are thousands of dogs just like her in laboratories across the country,” says Wyrzykowski, while holding the dog he’s accused of stealing.
Last week, animal rights group Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which is based in Florida, and DC-based Center for a Humane Economy made a confidential agreement with the lab to purchase the animals to be adopted out by rescue groups. Per KGO, well-known Berkeley activist Zoe Rosenberg, who brought one beagle named Chester home with her, was among the volunteers helping the dogs in Wisconsin after they were rescued.
As KGO reports, the Northern California Beagle Rescue Group brought 50 beagles to the Bay Area via school bus Sunday, and they’ll be adopting them out to homes in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and nearby cities once they’ve received veterinary care.
The dogs had likely never touched grass until after leaving the lab, and they’ve been slowly acclimating to their new lives. Some were reportedly malnourished and most had bad teeth and were in need of dental work.
“It was very emotional,” says Wendy Lansdon, a volunteer with Northern California Beagle Rescue, speaking to KGO about when the bus full of dogs first arrived in the Bay Area. “Some of them were really quiet when we got in there, some of them were happy, and the other ones were terrified.”
Prior to the dogs’ arrival, the Northern California Beagle Rescue Group announced on social media it was seeking foster home volunteers in Fremont, San Jose, and Sacramento — near where the beagles will be receiving veterinary care. The group is also requesting donations to help fund the dogs’ vet care.
According to the site Save the Dogs, activists had been pushing for the closure of Ridglan Farms for almost 10 years, as investigators, whistleblowers, veterinarians, and others worked to spread the word about the inhumane conditions of the lab, which stayed in operation for decades, despite being hit with hundreds of state-level cruelty violations.
“The dogs born there were treated as inventory: bred, confined, sold to research, disposed of,” says Save the Dogs.
Save the Dogs notes that activists are now targeting Marshall BioResources, the largest breeder of dogs for laboratories in the country, which has operations in New York and the United Kingdom.
Image: Northern California Beagle Rescue/Facebook
Division-leading Dodgers aim to snap home losing trend as they open series against the Giants in a matchup of NL West foes
After dropping their second straight home series over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers head into Monday night’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants sitting atop the National League West Division standings, aiming to avenge a series loss to the Giants from two weeks ago. San Francisco has lost nine of its last 12 games overall and have dropped seven in a row on the road as they begin a 10-game road trip that will keep them away from home until Memorial Day Weekend. The Giants will start Trevor McDonald (1-0, 1.29 ERA) in his fourth start in the Majors while the Dodgers will counter with second-year Japanese import Roki Sasaki (1-3, 5.97 ERA) who has given up a home run in five consecutive outings.
How to Watch San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers:
Date: May 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
TV Channel: MLB Network
Location: Dodgers Stadium
Live Stream the San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers game on Fubo: Start watching now!
Dodger center fielder Andy Pages, who has helped Los Angeles claim World Series titles in each of his first two years in the Majors, leads the team this season hitting .333, ranking the 25-year-old Cuban third among all hitters in MLB. Pages is hitting .371 so far in May with five extra base hits and 10 RBIs and has successfully reached base in 13 of his last 14 games.
With nine hits in seven games so far this month, Giants second baseman Luis Arraez is hitting a team-leading .310 at the plate in 2026 and is on pace for his eighth career 100-hit campaign. Arraez is one of only two active players with a career batting average above .300, hitting .316 for his career and leads Houston’s Jose Altuve by 15 points.
What time is Giants vs Dodgers?
Coverage of the San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers starts Monday, May 11, at 10:00 p.m ET. Tune in to see if the Dodgers can beat the Giants for the fifth time in the last six games at Dodger Stadium or if San Francisco can beat LA for the fourth time in the last five head-to-head matchups.
What channel is the Giants vs Dodgers game on?
Looking to watch the game? Subscribers can tune to MLB Network to catch the action. Make sure you subscribe to Fubo now to watch this matchup at home or on the go with the Fubo TV app.
Watch the San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers game on Fubo: Start watching now!
Regional restrictions may apply.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the McCoven who hopefully have better things to do than watch this dreadful baseball team. But if this is your chosen way of spending the day, then welcome, and may the Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the series for you.
Right-hander Tyler Mahle takes the mound for the Giants, as the veteran makes his eighth start of the year. He’s 1-4 on the season, with a 5.00 ERA, a 4.91 FIP, and 34 strikeouts to 18 walks in 36 innings. He was very strong his last time out, pitching 5.1 shutout innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.
For the Pirates, it’s right-hander Bubba Chandler, a 23-year old in his second season. In seven starts this year, Chandler is 1-4 with a 4.76 ERA, a 5.60 FIP, and 31 strikeouts to 26 walks in 34 innings. Chandler gave up two runs in five innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks in his last game. He has issued the most walks in the Major Leagues, so he’s probably foaming at the mouth to face the Giants, who apparently believe that drawing walks is a sin on par with murder.
Enjoy the game, everyone. Go Giants! Go moms!
Who: San Francisco Giants (15-24) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (22-18)
Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM
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