SFist Wendy's favorite SFIFF film fest movie yet!

It doesn’t get any better than this. Really. We headed to the Clay Sunday night, very relaxed and content as it was, having spent one of the most beautiful days ever up at Stinson Beach (never mind all the flies, anyone know what the story was with those flies!?), and now happily anticipating the latest SFIFF romance Once, featuring Glen Hansard, the lead singer of the Irish indie folk-rock band The Frames.

We love the Frames (who played recently at Coachella), and have seen them play several times in the area over the past few years. When an SFIFF executive director introduced the film as – get this – not only his favorite movie of the festival, but of the year, we became even more enthused.

Set in Dublin, Once is not the typical romance for many reasons, and that’s what makes it even more refreshing. Hansard and Marketa Irglova are magical as musicians falling in love in the film, and we couldn’t wait to get home to listen some more. The Hansard/Irglova musical collaboration in the film (“The Swell Season") also provided us with hope and consolation in the wake of the recent split between Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan. (Note: The Frames opened for Damien Rice!)

You can watch the preview clip of the movie above -- and if you want a free preview of some of the music from the film, head to the film’s recently established website. Once will be out in theaters May 18, 2007. Mark your calendars.