SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

Archives for 2025

Elementary School: 2nd Runner-Up – Dahlia Silva

Part of: 2025 Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest

Pets

There are two things I truly love in this world: short films and pets. So this film truly stood out amongst the eight other films we watched for the SFFILM festival that my class and I watched. I truly felt connected to and touched by the characters. I also loved how it showed how pets can help everyone, anytime. Lastly, I enjoyed that the film showed that you can find your purrfect pet in the most unexpected places.

I personally really connected with this film because I truly love pets, but I’m always afraid that something will happen to them. I felt that I was not alone in my love for pets, so when the interviewed kids started talking about the pets they had lost, I felt seen! Because nobody talks about that kind of thing. Who am I kidding, I may as well say it. I cried. I cried a tiny bit at the end. It was so bittersweet, I couldn’t help it! That’s how much I connected with this film.

Another thing I enjoyed about the film “Pets” was that it demonstrated that you find your soulmate pet in the oddest places. One example is an Italian kayaker, who was featured in Pets. He found a dog in the middle of the street, but he still loved it. They bonded, and inevitably, filled the something that the other was missing. One last example is two farmers.They adopted, not a dog… but a pig! They thought he was going to be a mini pig… but he got big. And even though Ziggy got huge, smelly and chaotic, he was still loved. When Ziggy passed away, the farmers made an animal sanctuary in his honor.

Lastly, I loved that the film “Pets” shows that everyone needs pets. The film featured an elderly japanese woman, she had recently lost her husband, and was having an extremely hard time. And I’ll have you know, that shelters in japan don’t let people over 60 adopt. Except for one. Once she adopted two dogs, she found herself, she…she finally felt like her old self again, in other words. Pets may have saved her life.

So, in conclusion, “Pets” is a wonderful film. I enjoyed it because of how I connected with it (and may or may not have cried), what it taught me, and . If you have not seen “Pets” yet, I highly recommend it.

Elementary School: Grand Prize – Tyler McClory

Part of: 2025 Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest

Looking at Snow Bears

If I had to pick one short film I saw to talk about it would be Snow Bears by Aaron Blaise. I like this movie because the bear was lonely but tried to find ways to have fun and be happy. I don’t live in the arctic but it reminded me of my first day at Madera because, just like the bear, I was in this big place and I had no friends. All I wanted was someone to have fun with and that’s when I met Maxwell. He was my first buddy at school and everything just got better and better from there. When you see the bear in the movie it looks big and tough because it’s a large polar bear but when they zoom out he seems so small in the place where he is living all alone. Its like being in a big new school.

I liked that this was a movie and not a book because I could see exactly what the creator wanted me to see and what he was thinking the bear should look like. When I read a book I can imagine how something looks but I can’t see exactly how the picture should be. Watching this made me wonder if the maker had something sad happen to him. Maybe he was lonely sometime and making this movie helped him not be lonely anymore. The person who made this movie probably had to get a whole team of other people to help him and maybe he made all new friends. I think the movie was trying to say that you should just stay happy and keep trying and things will get better. At the end of the movie the bear has a whole new family so he isn’t lonely anymore.

It’s super cool that the person who made this movie did all of it by hand. It made me think ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. When I grow up I want to be a video game creator because you can make whole worlds just like the one in this movie. I create things in my Minecraft world and in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom all the time. I even made a snow biome with a whole terrain of ice and snow just like in the movie. Me and my friend Jack are going to create a video game world where Link and Zelda, from Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, have a son and Link gets covered in gloom and their son would be half lite and half-darkness. It’s cool when I can work with other people to create ideas for games. I also like to use Legos and build monsters and weapons in my room when I feel lonely because when I do I feel in charge. Being creative is fun.

I like this movie because I felt lonely like the bear when I started school at Madera. I wanted the bear to have a happy ending and I also have a lot of friends now. It’s kind of cool to be able to make people watching your movie feel a certain way. I want to do that with my video games.

Social Media and Communications Intern

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

SFFILM is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Social Media and Communications Intern to support our digital engagement efforts across platforms, with a primary focus on Instagram. Reporting to the Digital Content Manager, this intern will develop skills and build experience in planning and implementing a social media strategy to grow awareness of SFFILM’s mission, programs, and events. Outcomes will include a portfolio of social media content and engagement impact results, with an emphasis on connecting with youth and young adult audiences.

This position is ideal for students passionate about storytelling, film, and the power of digital media to foster community and engagement. Candidates with interest in film and filmmaking are especially encouraged to apply.

This internship provides valuable exposure to arts marketing and communications, and building visibility in the film/media industry. The opportunity is based in San Francisco, requires 10-12 hours per week (availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from June through early September, 2025. This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours. Application review will begin June 2, 2025.

Opportunities + Outcomes

  • Create original and curated content for Instagram, including graphics, short-form video, and captions, with a goal of 2–4 posts per week
  • Monitor and respond to comments and messages to help foster community and brand connection
  • Learn to strategize with SFFILM’s Communications team to brainstorm and pitch ideas for increasing engagement with youth and young adult audiences
  • Use tools like Figma (for design) and Co-Schedule (for scheduling) to manage content pipelines
  • Learn to ensure content aligns with and meets SFFILM brand standards and Instagram platform guidelines
  • Contribute to defining engagement goals and success metrics for the internship period
  • Stay current with trends, tools, and best practices in social media, especially related to arts organizations and youth engagement
  • Support additional communications and digital projects as assigned

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college or university program or rising high school senior
  • Regular user of Instagram with an understanding of platform trends, voice, and best practices
  • Experience using design tools such as Figma, Canva, Adobe Suite, or similar platforms
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Enthusiastic about film, the arts, and youth-focused community engagement
  • Good research skills and willingness to learn beyond initial AI-based results
  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the SFFILM office and exhibition venues
  • Availability for scheduled weekday hours in the SFFILM office and some evenings for events
  • Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
  • Sharp critical thinking skills that are shown by expressing thoughts and ideas clearly, thoroughly, and mindfully
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to learn how to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced working environment

Benefits

  • SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization
  • Great introduction and experience in film / media education and film festival in addition to exposure to aspects of outreach and event management
  • Excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world class film organization and create personal connections
  • Complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership
  • Interns are able, and encouraged, to attend SFFILM preview screenings and events.
  • Class credit (if applicable)
  • Resume and network builder

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Development Systems & Planning Intern

We are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Summary

SFFILM’s Development Department is seeking a motivated intern with a passion for nonprofit capacity-building and film/media. This internship offers the chance to play a vital role in strengthening our fundraising systems, leading to greater long-term sustainability for the organization.

As a Development Intern, you’ll report directly to the Director of Development, assisting in the creation of essential documents like operating plans, individual prospect strategies, and research materials that will expand the department’s capacity in 2025 and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to reports and analyses of current operations, support the creation of materials for fundraising efforts, and prepare for SFFILM events this summer.

This internship provides valuable exposure to nonprofit management, operational planning, and the film/media industry. The opportunity is based in San Francisco, requires 10-12 hours per week (availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from June through early September, 2025, with potential extension. This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours.

Application Review will begin May 19th, 2025

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Development Operations and Planning: Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of annual and long-term fundraising, including campaign reports, targeted prospect lists, and year-round fundraising proposals.
  • Cultivation and Stewardship: Help design and create a donor-centric funding model, supporting the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donors with documents that make them feel valued by SFFILM.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Opportunity to work with programming, communications, and events staff to understand how development strategies align with broader organizational goals, gaining insight into how fundraising supports SFFILM’s mission.

Qualifications

  • Energetic, detail-oriented team player with strong organizational and writing skills.
  • Ability to multitask, follow through on tasks, and work under deadlines.
  • Comfort interacting with a diverse range of people, including patrons, filmmakers, sponsors, and event staff.
  • Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
  • Interest in nonprofit management and development, or related fields.
  • Commitment of 10-12 hours per week (generally two days a week).

Benefits

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of event production and nonprofit management.
  • Build a resume and network within the film industry.
  • Enjoy a complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership, with access to screenings and events.
  • Receive class credit (if applicable) and valuable work samples.
  • Unpaid, but with excellent film perks!

Join SFFILM this summer and make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience in the world of film and nonprofit development.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.