Mill Valley Film Festival 2011 Films

The 34th Mill Valley Film Festival kicks off today, running through Oct. 16, in Mill Valley, San Rafael, and beyond, bringing brilliant new films, including major studio releases, under-the-radar indie films, and foreign cinema to the Bay Area. With a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival, the prestigious noncompetitive event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts, and children's films. This year, the festival will feature 34 premieres, including US premieres, North American premieres, and world premieres. Film admission is priced per screening, and there are also tickets still available for tonight's opening gala event, which begins at 9 p.m. after the first two screenings, Albert Nobbs and Jeff Who Lives at Home.

Here's the short list of spectacular films you shouldn't miss at the festival.