Dakota Fanning is coming to San Francisco. The War of the Worlds actress is scheduled to attend the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) which opens October 3rd.

With her new film Effie Gray the one-time child star is out to once again prove that she has what it takes to command the big screen.

The role, as a Victorian child-bride marks the first time the Georgia native will play lead and attempt to carry a film as an adult.

Shot in the British Isles, the Effie Gray is receiving strong notices. Dakota’s performance has been called “mesmerizing” – a word which we like, we just hope it means in a good way.

If you want to see the star, you better grab tickets soon. There’s only on screening. So mark your calendar for Saturday, October 12 at 6:30pm. That’s when Fanning is scheduled to arrive at the Christopher B. Smith Film Center in San Rafael, located a hop and a skip north of San Francisco.

In addition to the screening of Effie Gray, the MVFF “Spotlight” program will also feature an on-stage conversation with the actress followed by a special award presentation. A reception in Marin County follows.

Also, look for Alan and Gabe Polsky’s The Motel Life at MVFF (Oct. 10 and 11). Dakota Fanning’s supporting role in this thriller which received four awards at the Rome Film Festival is perhaps aimed at shedding her good-girl image, as she continues to make the transition to more adult roles.

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