Actor Brendan Fraser gives an interview at the premiere of “The Whale” at 45th Mill Valley Film Festival at the Outdoor Art Club on Oct. 13, 2022, in Mill Valley, Calif.

Bay Area film lovers are in for a treat with this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival, one of the most underrated yearly local events. Now in its 48th year, the 11-day festival running Oct. 2-12 brings huge stars into town for early screenings of Hollywood blockbusters, prestigious award bait and international films you likely won’t see anywhere else. It’s arguably the week where you’re most likely to spot an A-list actor in town.

This year’s slate of “Big Night” centerpieces leans heavily on standouts from other festivals like Sundance,........

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