Who’s in town

Inigo Manglano-Ovalle, an internationally recognized conceptual artist known for his activist-inspired public works, speaks at the San Francisco Art Institute. [7:30 p.m., 800 Chestnut St., S.F.]

Lectures

Nuclear power: Speakers discuss whether nuclear power is dead in the water or poised for revival due to the need for carbon-free energy. [6:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Eliminating landmines: Photographer Fiona Willoughby and HALO Trust chief executive Guy Willoughby show images of landmine-caused ruin and discuss lifesaving de-mining efforts. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Karin Sveen: The Norwegian poet tells the story of Peder Sather — a Norwegian immigrant, important financier and founder of UC Berkeley. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Literary events

Charles F. Adams: The locally based writer talks about “1939: The Making of Six Great Films From Hollywood’s Greatest Year.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Anchee Min: The author of the bestselling memoir “Red Azalea” reads from its sequel “The Cooked Seed.” [7 p.m., BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., S.F.]

Ted Grippo: The retired lawyer presents “With Malice Aforethought: The Execution of Sacco and Vanzetti.” [6:30 p.m., Italian Cultural Institute, 814 Montgomery St., S.F.; RSVP: www.iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it/IIC_Sanfrancisco]

Food books: Judith Newton (“Tasting Home: Coming of Age in the Kitchen”) and Rebecca Coffey (“Nietzsche’s Angel Food Cake”) discuss their books. [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Hunter Lovins: The lawyer, activist and environmentalist argues that little of the out-of-control economic system has changed since the 2007 recession. [7 p.m., California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., S.F.]

Human-rights cinema: The USF’s 2014 Human Rights Film Festival begins. Films that involve global human-rights issues screen over three days. [Noon to 8:45 p.m., USF, Presentation Theater, 2350 Turk Blvd., S.F.]

At the public library

Thursdays @ Noon Films: “Silent Movie” (1976), directed by and starring Mel Brooks, screens. [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

Stand-up

Comedian and actor Aziz Ansari, seen on “Scrubs” and “Parks and Recreation,” presents his “Modern Romance” show. [7 and 10 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Local activities

Modern rock: The Cult, the British post-punk band that first hit it big in the 1980s, appears at the Regency Ballroom. [8 p.m., 1300 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Singer-songwriter: Folk, indie and soul singer-songwriter Sean Hayes, whose songs include “A Thousand Tiny Pieces” and “Powerful Stuff,” performs at the Chapel. [9 p.m., 777 Valencia St., S.F.]

Anniversary show: Cultural Odyssey presents its 35th-anniversary showcase, featuring Idris Ackamoor, Rhodessa Jones and others. Performances include part of a new work by Jones’ The Medea Project. [6 p.m., Buriel Clay Theatre, 762 Fulton St., S.F.]

The Slanted Door: The cellophane noodles, with green onion, Dungeness crab and sesame, are recommended today. Also look for the grilled lamb rack, with sunchokes, purple fingerlings and tamarind sauce. [1 Ferry Building, No. 3, S.F.; (415) 861-8032]

Music

Singer-songwriter: Chuck Ragan, with his band the Camaraderie, co-headlines a show with The White Buffalo. Jonny Two Bags opens. [8 p.m., Slim’s, 333 11th St., S.F.]

Dance

Panel discussion: CounterPULSE and Dancers’ Group’s free series presents “Discourse Project #18: Exploring Choreographic Thinking.” [7:30 p.m., CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission St., S.F.]

Film

Synesthesia Film Festival: Short films from around the world are on the bill at the screening series and filmmaker gathering presented by the Film Clubs. [7 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.]

Food and Farm Film Festival: Movies about food are paired with edibles created by local chefs at the fourth annual, four-day series, opening today with a program of short films. [7 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.]artsAziz Ansari