Sam Rockwell and Hilary Swank in 'Conviction'

The Mill Valley Film Festival returns for its 33rd annual celebration of cinema Thursday (Oct. 7) with new films, closing and opening galas, workshops and more.

The first film up is “Conviction,” starring Hilary Swank as a high school dropout struggling to save her brother, played by Sam Rockwell, from a life in prison. It plays on two screens, at 7 and 7:15 p.m., Thursday at CineArts@Sequoia in Mill Valley.

Admission: $30 for the film only; $125 including gala.

The festival runs through Oct. 17. Information: www.mvff.com, (877) 874-6833.