Top 5 San Francisco Film Festivals [Must Attend]
If you are part of the ever-growing community of film-lovers, then you have to attend the San Francisco film festivals. Pick and choose from over 50 film festivals all screened throughout the year that showcases different talents and cultures from the diverse San Francisco film production community. Some festivals are dedicated to displaying various ethnic groups, whereas others focus on educating the public on specific social issues. Here are the top 5 San Francisco film festivals that you have to participate in this year.
1. San Francisco International Film Festival
Established in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival is one of the longest-lasting film festivals not only in the San Francisco bay area but the Americas as well. Not to mention, it is one of the largest as it features over a hundred and fifty films originating from fifty countries. Praising the innovative programming of the festival makers, extraordinary experiences are made for audiences of all kinds. Some of the film productions which have been appreciated are Sorry to Bother You, Short Term 12, and Cutie and the Boxer. Moreover, the San Francisco International Film Festival showcases a variety of film forms and programs, which involves:
- narrative feature films
- television and theater documentaries
- live-action shorts
- animated shorts
- experimental work
- seminars and panel discussions
- award ceremonies
- film tributes
- Schools at the Festival Program
Location:
SFFILM
39 Mesa Street, Suite 110
The Presidio
San Francisco, CA 94129
Contact:
Phone: 415-561-5000
Email: [email protected]
2. San Francisco Dance Film Festival
These innovative dance films are showcased at the light-hearted festival known as the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. With a mission statement to support artists and filmmakers through workshops, screening, and panels, the festival groups film and dance professionals into various communities of dance. These groups make unprecedented collaborations to give dance fanatics professional works of art. The film festival welcomes submissions of documentaries, music videos, live performance captures, and more. Some categories of awards are:
- Best Documentary
- Best Live Performance Capture
- Best Student Film
Location:
San Francisco Dance Film Festival
601 Van Ness Avenue
Suite E426
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact:
Phone: 844.567.3333
Email: [email protected]
3. San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival pays homage to the Jewish community through short films, full-length feature films, and documentaries. Independent filmmakers are given the opportunity to tell stories of Jewish history, traditions while elevating themselves from their community to the global stage. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival also plays a role as an Academy Award-qualifying event for the category, Documentary Short Subject.
Location:
145 Ninth Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact:
Phone: 415.621.0556
Email: [email protected]
4. San Francisco Green Film Festival
The San Francisco Green Film Festival is the West Coast’s leading event for films that discuss and debate ideas of environment-friendly ideas. Brought to the public in the form of documentaries and short films, the pro-environmental ideas are meant to ignite change on a global scale. Usually, for the San Francisco Green Film Festival,
- over fifty environmental films are featured
- numerous filmmakers and guest speakers
- expert panel discussions
- and encapsulating audience discussions
This only goes to show how crucial ecological change is on a global scale, and countless individuals are aware of it.
Location:
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
145 9th Street, Suite 220
San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact:
Phone: 415.767.1977
Email: [email protected]
5. San Francisco Frozen Film Festival
The San Francisco Frozen Film Festival was created in 2006 and is a non-commercial organization committed to allowing independent, young filmmakers to make a name for themself. Through this avenue, they come together as a community to highlight their talents and hard work to the broadest possible audience. Held periodically at the Mission and Union Square district, the Frozen Film Youth Program is the occasion of providing attainable pathways for young people to fulfill their dreams.
Location:
588 Sutter St. #103
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact:
Phone: (415) 846-1375
Email: [email protected]
San Francisco film festivals continue to give possibilities to people of various backgrounds, cultures, and religions so that they can make the most of their abilities. This also extends to the audience as they will get the chance to experience the artistic talents that San Francisco has to offer. The creative skills exhibited at these film festivals are a sight to behold.