Bernal Heights Preservation Society Honoring the history of San Francisco's Bernal Heights and supporting the preservation
of its architectural heritage and character
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In the Spotlight
In the Spotlight
Have you seen Bernal Heights in a movie or television show? Has Bernal Heights been mentioned in a book you've read? It's not unlikely -- this is a very creative neighborhood. Let us know!
MOVIES
Around the Fire - 1998
The interior of a Bernal home was used for a doctor's place in this coming-of-age drama directed by John Jacobsen and starring Devon Sawa, Bill Smitrovich, and Eric Mabius.
Bernaltown - 1997
A sweet neighborhood fable filmed entirely in Bernal Heights and starring neighborhood folks (written, directed, and produced by Gregory Gavin, a San Francisco artist). A copy can be found at the Bernal branch of the San Francisco Public Library.
Bolerium -- 2005
This short documentary by Bernal resident Keary Kensinger looks at the Mission Street bookstore Bolerium, which specializes in rare and out-of-print books, posters, and ephemera on social movements.
Bullitt - 1968
The famous Steve McQueen car chase starts on the border of Bernal Heights (Cesar Chavez and Bryant) with a shot of the hill in the background.
Fearless - Jeff Bridges stars in this 1993 movie about a man who survives a plane crash and begins to believe he is immune from danger. Also starring Isabella Rossellini. Directed by Peter Weir.
Humans Being - 2003
Independent film shot around Bernal Heights and in the interior of the home at 334 Park Street. The film's creator, Ken Shelf, is also a Bernal Heights resident.
Joy Luck Club - 1993
The house at 180 Manchester Street was the home of chic, successful Waverly Jong in this movie adaptation of Amy Tan's best-selling novel. (Incidentally, the name Waverly came from the name of an alley in Chinatown.)
Welcome to Bernal Heights -- work in progress
This short documentary mostly focuses on the work of the Neighborhood Center, but includes interviews with local seniors and looks at our annual Fiesta. Contact lisa@superhitsfilm.com for information and screening details.
Wildflowers - 2000
The house at 3340 Folsom Street is featured in this coming-of-age drama starring Daryl Hannah, Eric Roberts, and Clea DuVall. Directed by Melissa Painter.
**Notes: Four Star Video on Cortland carries many local movies. For a list of our local filmmakers, be sure to visit the website for Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema.
TELEVISION
Nash Bridges - 1996-2001
Curb Appeal, Home & Garden Television network, 200?
The home at 44 Bradford was featured on this show. Email us if you know the episode name/number.
MAGAZINES/NEWSPAPERS
Los Angeles Times, June 9, 2005
Feature on Bernal architecture.
Sunset, June 2004, page 98
Feature on the porch of the home at 187 Peralta Avenue.
Fine HomeBuilding, Summer, 2003
Feature on the home at 475 Nevada Street.
BOOKS
Marcia Muller's detective series
Muller lived in Bernal Heights when she started writing about PI Sharon McCone, and the neighborhood is featured in many of her books. Her books have even been translated into Chinese!