Schools at the Festival

by Lily Ilan

The Wind and the Trees

Do you like watching short films? Yes? So do I. In fact, I recently went to the Castro Theater with my class to watch a few short films at the SFFILM Festival. We watched ten different movies, but I really enjoyed watching the specific film “The Wind and the Trees”. I very much liked the art and the way it was animated. I also liked the idea of growth throughout the film. I enjoyed the personification of the trees and how I felt like this film connected with me and my family. Interested? Keep reading!

As I previously stated, one of the reasons I liked “The Wind and the Trees” so much was the art. I loved how the background was constantly changing, as well as the trees constantly changing color. For example, if the background was a sunset, the sky would be a light rainbow gradient, and the trees were dark blue. It was very pretty. Another piece of the art that I liked was the texture of the background. It looked like it was painted with watercolors. The art was just one aspect of this film that made me like it, but there’s more. Let’s keep going.

I really enjoyed the idea of growing up and the cycle of life in this film. It really touched me to see how the little tree started so little, then it grew up to be big and strong like the other tree. All that was sweet, but what touched me most was when the old tree died and a new tiny one sprouted out. It reminded me of people. That leads me into my next paragraph…

Personification was a big part of this film. The trees really resembled humans. For example, the cycle of life was shown in the trees. It is also like that in humans. when one dies, another one sprouts. Another example is how the old tree taught the young tree about the world. Older people teach the youth everything! How to walk, talk, and do all the things you know how to do today. Someone taught you that.

Moving right along, I like this film because it connected with me in so many different ways. First of all, I’m an artist, so I connected with the art in the movie. I also connected with the big tree teaching the small tree. I related to this because my family and friends taught me almost all of the things I know today. Now hold on tight we’re almost done!

In conclusion, “The Wind and the Trees” was my favorite film at the SFFILM Festival. This film was my favorite because of the art and plot. I also liked how the trees reminded me of people and how I connected to this film. In my opinion that’s what makes a good film. What’s your favorite film or movie?

by Scarlett Mercurio-Corao

Pete, An Inspiration

Brave and confident, effortlessly himself no matter what people say, the main character, Pete in the short film Pete, continues to stay true to himself, even if it was 1975 in Florida, when and where near no one would accept Pete changing into himself.

Pete, a heroic symbol to the many kids going through what did, continued to play boy’s baseball when all those angry moms yelled. He later recovered and kept playing baseball and being a kid. When Pete is about to do his baseball match, he crosses off his dead name and instead writes Pete; this tells me Pete is bold and not easily overshadowed. Pete inspires me by not being ashamed of his identity.

Pete inspires me by transitioning at such a young age. At that time most moms would have been horrified at having a transgender kid, but Pete didn’t care and told his mom anyway. Pete is now so much happier and it’s easier for Pete to do the things he loves to do that are more generalized with boys. Pete was inspirational by simply being himself and having the bravery to tell his mother and join the baseball team.

I learned that you should always be yourself. In my own life, I share a similar experience to Pete because we both transitioned from female to another gender. I was in second grade when I realized I didn’t feel quite like a girl and I’m still finding myself now that I’m in fourth grade. I first shared it with my parents, like Pete did, and then my friends. For most of my friends and family, they were really accepting, but my struggle is teaching people to use the correct pronouns. Pete’s struggle was that it was 1975 in Florida. For me, it is easier because I live in San Francisco and it’s 2023.

This film inspired me. I don’t want this to be an ordinary, plain essay, with “this reason,” “next reason,” and “in conclusion.” I want this to leave a mark.

SFFILM Education presented the fifteenth annual Schools at the Festival Student Essay Contest at the 67th San Francisco International Film Festival. This contest is made possible by the generous support of the Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Education Fund, endowed by Tim Kochis and SFFILM board member Penelope Wong to honor the memory of her mother, Nellie Wong (1917–2007), who was an avid filmgoer and cinephile. Developed to support the year-round outreach efforts of SFFILM Education, the Fund aims to cultivate students’ imaginations, enhance their critical thinking and creative writing skills and instill a greater appreciation for the magic of movies in young audiences of the Bay Area.

SFFILM Education is pleased to have teachers and their students join us for this year’s Schools at the Festival program. We like to encourage freedom in student essay responses across K-12 classrooms.

Winning essays will be determined based on creativity, depth, enthusiasm, clarity, and grammar. Essays must be written in response to any of the in-person or online Schools at the Festival screenings. Students may choose one film program or submit separate essays for more than one program. Students need to follow the word count guidelines for their respective grades.

*Children in grades 1-12 who attend a public screening of a film included in the Schools at the Festival program are also eligible to participate. Parents: please be sure to fill in all of the required entry information when submitting.

We are excited to read about your students’ experiences back in the theaters.

2024 Prize Winners

Elementary School, Grades 1-5
Grand Prize: Lani Martinez-Sun
1st Runner-Up: Malia Paige
2nd Runner-Up: Kaya Harrington

Middle School, Grades 6-8
Grand Prize: Charlie Thompson
1st Runner-Up: Adriana Te
2nd Runner-Up: Siena Sid

High School, Grades 9-12
Grand Prize: Joey Carlson
1st Runner-Up: Morgan Eakin
2nd Runner-Up: Arson Bacon-Bratton

For questions, contact Keith Zwölfer at 415-561-5040 or kzwolfer@sffilm.org.

Since 1991, SFFILM’s Schools at the Festival outreach program has created a vital connection between the annual San Francisco International Film Festival and the local educational community, providing students of all ages the opportunity to experience stories from around the world.

The Schools at the Festival program introduces students ages 6 to 18 to international film and the art of filmmaking while promoting media literacy, deepening insights into other cultures, enhancing foreign language aptitude, developing critical thinking skills, and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of cinema.

2024 In-Person Program

Please submit all Schools at the Festival ticket orders online here. Act soon, programs fill up quickly!

Alemania

Directed by María Zanetti, Argentina/Spain, 87 min
In Spanish with English Subtitles

THU APR 25 12:30 – 2:30 PM | MARINA THEATRE

María Zanetti’s vivid debut feature, inspired by her own family’s story, tells the story of Lola, a 16-year-old who dreams of escaping her challenging home life. Lola struggles with school and driving lessons but the mental illness of older sister Julieta presents greater challenges. Julieta consumes their parents’ time and money, leaving Lola often ignored, at constant odds with her mother, and dreaming of a different life. Maite Aguilar makes an indelible screen debut as a young woman yearning for refuge and security in this complex drama that drifts between a teen’s inherent need to embark on her own path and the difficulties her parents face in meeting the disparate needs of their daughters. Striking cinematography further enhances this vibrant coming-of-age tale, the winner of Best Director and Best Screenplay prizes at Cine Ceará – Ibero-American Film Festival.

Suggested Subjects: Coming of Age, Latin American Studies, Mental Health, Spanish

Recommended Grades: 8–12

Program Note: This film contains brief profanity and brief teen alcohol/smoking use.

The Art & Science of Lucasfilm: Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Program Running Time: 120 min
TUE APR 23 12 – 2 PM | PREMIER

Star Wars: The Bad Batch concludes its third and final season this spring on Disney+. The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. What is it like to be a part of the creative team working on such a beloved show? To help us pull back the curtain we will be joined by a talented lineup of guests: Concept Designer Dawn Carlos from the Design Dept., Storyboard Artist Daniel Rosales from the Story Dept., Sr. Color Key Artist Molly Denmark from the Lighting Concept/Matte Dept., and Generalist Artist Miguel Perez from the Lighting/FX Dept.. This marks the 15th year of our collaborative educational series with Lucasfilm, a program that demonstrates the intersection of art, science, and technology in the entertainment industry, all while making connections to current STEAM curriculum. Guests share their expertise in a behind-the-scenes, interactive multimedia presentation and participate in an in-depth discussion and Q&A.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Career Path Training, Computer Science, English Language Arts, Math, Science

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story

Directed by Charlie Hamilton James, UK, 78 min

FRI APR 26 10 – 11:45 AM | SFMOMA

In a place where land ends and the sea takes over – Scotland’s Shetland Islands – an orphaned otter washes up against Billy and Susan’s isolated jetty. At first utterly dependent on the couple for her survival, the “wee girl” they name Molly quickly captures hearts with Billy particularly besotted. This irresistible documentary spins a tale of love and longing in its depiction of the emotional bond between Billy and the playful creature. The melancholic man finds joy, a new connection to the natural world, and purpose in caring for Molly and preparing her for independent life. Billy & Molly delves deep into the workings of the human (and otter) heart, becoming a rumination on what it means to give and receive love, and questioning the limits of how far one can or should go in its pursuit. The answer, like the seas that surrounds the Shetlands, is eternal and fathomless.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Biology, Journalism, Marine Science, Mental Health

Recommended Grades: 4–12

Counted Out

Directed by Vicki Abeles, USA, 89 min

WED APR 24 12:15 – 2:15 PM | MARINA THEATRE

In the United States, math is a gatekeeper. In an increasingly algorithm-and-data driven 21st century, assumptions made about a child’s mathematical ability affect their odds of finding future success with those already suffering under systemic racism, patriarchy, and/or the cycle of poverty and incarceration presumed to have fewer skills. This revealing and urgent documentary weaves together a mosaic of voices and stories across generations and professions to explain the detrimental effects of declining math skills on civic participation, legal rulings, and fulfilling careers. Further, the film challenges and demystifies mathematics education and an equation of inclusion is solved when the idea that only some of us can be “math people” is divided by zero – not allowed.

Suggested Subjects: Career Path Training, Computer Science, Economics, Journalism, Math, Peer/Youth Issues, Social Justice, Social Studies

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Dìdi (弟弟)

Directed by Sean Wang, USA, 90 min
In English and Mandarin with English Subtitles

THU APR 25 1:30 – 3:30 PM | SFMOMA

Sean Wang’s auspicious, semi-autobiographical feature debut centers on a universally recognizable phase of adolescence — that moment we begin the lifelong process of self-determination. Set in 2008 Fremont, this Sundance audience award winner follows 13-year-old Taiwanese American Chris (Izaac Wang) in the fleeting months prior to freshman year as he clumsily pursues his first crush, nurtures his passions for filming and skating, and experiments with the dawning intensity of online relationships via AIM chat and MySpace. Chris’ college-bound sister Vivian (Shirley Chen) and weary mother Chunsing (an illuminating Joan Chen) annoy him, while his acerbic grandma Nai Nai (Chang Li Hua, the director’s real-life grandmother) can do no wrong. All three women draw his ire as Chris stumbles through a series of hilarious coming-of-age situations. Nuanced and tender, Wang’s film is a layered exploration of learning to love oneself against the Darwinian backdrop of teenage cliques, cultural conformity, and the maddening frustrations of growing up.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Asian American Studies, Coming of Age, Drama/Acting, English Language Arts, Peer/Youth Issues

Recommended Grades: 9–12

Program Note: This film contains profanity, brief teen alcohol/smoking use, and brief violence.

Girls State

Directed by Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss, USA, 96 min

THU MAY 2 12:30 – 2:30 PM | SFMOMA

From Apple TV+ and award-winning filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, a follow-up of their 2020 hit Boys State (SFFILM 2020) asks the thought-provoking question, what would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls? Similar to programs throughout the country, the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State, established in 1940, empowers young women across Missouri by providing immersive experiences in civic engagement, leadership, and public service. Filmed during the summer of 2022, soon after the monumental overturning of Roe v. Wade, Girls State is a political coming-of-age story and a powerful reinterpretation of what it means to govern. Utilizing the deft observational skills of the filmmaking team, we closely follow a handful of the approximately 500 passionate and fiercely intelligent young female leaders, as they collaborate and overcome different political backgrounds to build a government from the ground up, form a Supreme Court, and debate the divisive issues of the day.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, Career Path Training, Journalism, LGBTQ+ Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Political Science, Religion, Social Studies, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Program Note: This film contains brief profanity.

Mabel

Directed by Nicholas Ma, USA, 84 min

SAT APR 27 5 PM – 7 PM | VOGUE THEATRE

Biracial Callie (Lexi Perkel) loves trees and plants and little else in Nicholas Ma’s warm debut feature. Surly with her parents and intolerant of people who don’t share her interest, she’s also unhappy about changing schools after her family relocates. But as luck would have it, substitute teacher Ms. G (Judy Greer) is starting a botany unit in science class, and Callie wangles her way in. Held rapt by Ms. G’s lectures and online speeches, Callie develops an experiment raising chrysanthemums in darkness and manages to lure Agnes, her ebullient younger neighbor, into working on the project with her. Precocious, determined, and wryly funny, Callie is an unique protagonist who leverages her love of botany to propel herself into adolescence.

Suggested Subjects: Asian American Studies, Biology, Career Path Training, Coming of Age, Drama/Acting, Science, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 3–8

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

Directed by Lucy Walker, USA, 98 min
In English, Nepali, and Sherpa in English Subtitles

FRI APR 26 6 PM – 8 PM | MARINA THEATRE

A heroine hides in plain sight as a dishwasher in a Connecticut Whole Foods in Lucy Walker’s astonishing documentary. The film tells the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to conquer Mount Everest and survive. Walker captures this elite athlete’s life as she prepares for a tenth summit – a new record for women mountaineers. The world knows her from her top-of-the-world exploits but Walker’s portrait reveals a range of seemingly insurmountable challenges that Lhakpa manages to transcend. At this “low altitude,” the mother of three endures the hardscrabble challenges as an immigrant and single parent. Through it all, she perseveres, finding purpose in both daily and historic accomplishments. Mountain Queen shines a deserving spotlight on Lhakpa’s unyielding determination and spirit as it brings her incredible saga to triumphant heights.

Suggested Subjects: Asian Studies, Health, Journalism, Physical Education/Sports, Social Studies, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 7–12

Program Note: This film contains brief swearing and mentions of domestic violence.

Puffin Rock and the New Friends

Directed by Jeremy Purcell, Ireland, 79 min

MON APR 29 10 AM – 12 PM | MARINA THEATRE

Cartoon Saloon, the renowned Irish studio known for their beautifully crafted hand-drawn animation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. SFFILM has showcased their 2D masterpieces all the way back to their first feature. This new film builds upon the world created in their award-winning preschool TV series of the same name, and brings back family favorites Oona, Baba, May, and Mossy. With visually stunning designs and vibrant colors, each frame of the film honors the lush natural beauty of the Irish coast while also featuring powerful themes of belonging, friendship, and courage. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock, putting the entire island in danger.

Be sure to bring paper and pencils to draw along with guest Jeremy Purcell during the Q&A.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Biology, English Language Arts, Environmental Science, Marine Science

Recommended Grades: K–3

Program Note: This film contains mild peril.

Ru

Directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud, Canada, 116 min
In French and Vietnamese with English Subtitles

FRI APR 26 12:15 – 2:35 PM | SFMOMA

Ten-year-old Tinh’s family flees Vietnam after the 1975 fall of Saigon, undertaking an arduous journey to Quebec in Charles Oliver-Michaud’s gripping adaptation of Kim Thúy’s award-winning novel. As Tinh works through the trauma and memories of war and forge an identity in Canada, her educated, formerly wealthy family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances as refugees. Tinh overcomes her shyness to learn a new language, find her voice, discover an unfamiliar culture and adjust to life in Quebec. Chloé Djandji is riveting as Tinh in a drama that combines a harrowing recreation of the family’s flight from Vietnam, striking cinematography, vivid flashbacks, and a compelling narrative to create a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of healing told from the powerful perspective of a young girl coming to terms with her past.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Asian Studies, Coming of Age, Drama/Acting, English Language Arts, French, History, Immigration, Mental Health

Recommended Grades: 7–12

Program Note: This film contains brief violence and depiction of war.

She Creates Change

Directed by Martha Adams, USA, 55 min
In English and multiple languages with English Subtitles

WED APR 24 10 – 11:30 AM | MARINA THEATRE

The challenges facing young women in historically low-income communities are illuminated through a unique combination of animated shorts followed by live-action documentaries in She Creates Change, a series in collaboration with Room to Read, a global education nonprofit promoting gender equality. The narratives of six courageous young women from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam display the unique obstacles that each faces, including sexism, colorism, low self-esteem, climate change and how they seek to overcome these obstacles using their educational skills. Each story explores how the young women overcome societal expectations and advocate for themselves while exploring universal themes of leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, resilience and dignity.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, African Studies, Art/Media, Asian Studies, Career Path Training, Journalism, Peer/Youth Issues, Science, Social Studies, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 4–12

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

Directed by Raymond S. Persi, Canada, 39 min

THU APR 25 11 AM – 12:15 PM | SFMOMA

From Apple TV+, the timeless Charlie Brown universe, and co-written by cartoonist Robb Armstrong. The origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters follows Franklin as he moves to a new town and navigates making friends. Franklin, the first Black character in Peanuts, was introduced in 1968 as a response to the assassination of MLK Jr, as a way to embrace positive representation in popular media. Everywhere he goes Franklin finds support in a notebook filled with his grandfather’s advice on friendship but when Franklin tries his usual strategies with the Peanuts gang, he has trouble fitting in. That’s until he learns about the neighborhood Soap Box Derby race. He’s sure that winning the race will also mean winning over some new friends. Franklin and Charlie Brown work together to build a car and in the process become good buddies. But as the race nears, the pressure mounts — can their car and newfound friendship make it to the finish line?

Be sure to bring paper and pencils to draw along with guest Robb Armstrong during the Q&A.

Suggested Subjects: African American Studies, Art/Media, English Language Arts, Peer/Youth Issues

Recommended Grades: K–5

From Fact to Fiction

Total Running Time: 70 min

MON APR 29 10 – 11:45 AM | SFMOMA

This striking collection of shorts explores the imaginative and thought-provoking range that film as a medium can showcase. Topics traverse immigration and family secrets, the freedom to choose one’s path in teenagehood, and an athlete’s Olympic dreams. This selection by brilliant filmmakers telling stories from around the world features narrative, documentary, and animated films utilizing craftful scripts, stunning cinematography, and collaged animation to create a delightful assortment of some of the best that the SFFILM Festival has to offer.

Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play.

Boat People
Directed by Thao Lam, Kjell Boersma, Canada, 10 min
A second-generation daughter conceptualizes her parents’ journey from Vietnam through the movement of ants.

Choices
Directed by Kameishia Wooten, USA, 12 min
Under the bleachers of a Los Angeles high school, three friends reflect on their decisions surrounding pregnancy and motherhood, and the freedom to choose their path.

Don’t Look Down
Directed by Ilanna Barkusky, USA, 8 min
A serious brain injury dashed Kiana Davis’s dream of competing in the Olympics. Who is an athlete when they can no longer perform? Confronted with that question, Davis finds a new dream and sense of purpose.

Muna
Directed by Warda Mohamed, UK, 19 min
In English and Somali with English Subtitles
Teenage Muna balances the fear of missing out on adventures with friends with learning how to care for her family as they grieve a lost loved one long-distance.

Rizoo
Directed by Azadeh Navai, Iran/USA, 16 min
In Farsi with English Subtitles
New to Tehran, Rizoo feels out of place but as she adjusts to life in a new country, she finds comfort in different moments around town.

Where Do Ideas Come From?
Directed by Joysi Olijhoek, Netherlands, 5 min
Let your ideas run wild as this exploration of found footage and spoken word helps us to make creative connections and playful discoveries.

Suggested Subjects: African American Studies, Art/Media, Asian Studies, Coming of Age, Health, Immigration, Middle Eastern Studies, Muslim Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Religion, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Program Note: This program contains brief adult themes.

Shorts 5: Family Films

Total Running Time: 68 min

THU APR 25 10 – 11:45 AM | MARINA THEATRE
TUE APR 30 10 – 11:45 AM | SFMOMA
THU MAY 2 10 – 11:45 AM | SFMOMA

Wondrous and whimsical shorts from near and far corners of the world grace our festival screen for the enjoyment of the entire family. The latest from Tonko House, Pixar, and independent filmmakers share central themes of innovation and curiosity. A wooden puppet embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she questions whether or not she fits in, while a mother-daughter rodeo duo connects to their roots and legacy. Explore where ideas and inspiration come from in thought-provoking found footage and experience the charming, and maybe a little gross, feelings of a young first kiss. These enchanting stories – true, not-so-true, and animated – are sure to inspire laughter, curiosity, tears, and awe in both the youngest and most seasoned filmgoers.

Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play.
Battery Mommy
Directed by Seungbae Jeon, South Korea, 8 min
In Korean with English Subtitles
Mommy charges in to save the day in this so-cute-I-could-die follow-up to Jeon Seung-bae’s electrifyingly entertaining Battery Daddy, the 2023 Festival’s Shorts: Family Film Golden Gate Award winner.

Bottle George
Directed by Daisuke ‘Dice’ Tsutsumi, Japan/USA, 13 min
A mischievous cat and a young girl facing family troubles meet an unusual creature in this latest short from the award-winning studio Tonko House.

Coach Pancake
Directed by Gabriel Olson, USA, 6 min
Former soccer star Andres, lovingly named “Coach Pancake” by his students, finds his calling training six-year-olds to find their superpowers on and off the field.

Dynasty and Destiny
Directed by Travis Lee Ratcliff, USA, 7 min
Their passion for rodeo and the weight of their family’s legacy in the sport bind together mother-daughter duo Kanesha and Kortnee.

A Little Beetle Returns
Directed by Elene Sebiskveradze, Georgia/Norway, 4 min
Through elaborate and colorful designs, a beetle goes on a wondrous journey to get to the outdoors.

Little Fan
Directed by Sveta Yuferova, Shad Lee Bradbury, Germany, 5 min
In this charming animation, a small curious fan has an unexpected encounter that grows into a meaningful friendship.

Self
Directed by Searit Kahsay Huluf, USA, 7 min
After wishing upon a star, a wooden woman desperate to fit into the shiny world embarks on a journey of self-love in this latest from Pixar.

Where Do Ideas Come From?
Directed by Joysi Olijhoek, Netherlands, 5 min
Let your ideas run wild as this exploration of found footage and spoken word helps us to make creative connections and playful discoveries.

Yuck!
Directed by Loïc Espuche, France, 13 min
In French with English Subtitles
Yuck! Ew! Kissing on the mouth is gross but during a summer camping trip, little Léo secretly wants to try.

Suggested Subjects: African American Studies, Art/Media, English Language Arts, French, Latine Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Physical Education/Sports, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: K–6

Program Note: A film in this program contains brief depictions of alcoholism.

Shorts 6: Youth Works

Total Running Time: 78 min

MON APR 29 12:30 – 2:15 PM | SFMOMA
TUE APR 30 12:30– 2:15 PM | SFMOMA

Youth Works celebrates and spotlights young filmmakers from within the Bay Area and as far across the globe as Ukraine and rural China. With works encompassing out-of-this-world visual effects, innovative hand-drawn animation, and intimate interviews, these young filmmakers do not shy away from pushing boundaries and displaying their talent. Through their unique viewpoints, we peek into their communities, adolescence, and the growth and transformation that happens in early adulthood. From tales of fantastic journeys, radical self-acceptance, and feminine power, to understanding one’s culture and identity, these films introduce us to an up-and-coming group of cinematic voices carrying us one short at a time into the next generation of filmmaking.

Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play.

Comma
Directed by Sonia Leliukh, Ukraine/Germany, 4 min
Enter into a striking animated portal of Ukrainian people living their everyday lives despite the tragedies of war.

FATALE
Directed by Kayen Manovil, USA, 4 min
Through music, enchanting nature, and movement, explore a vibrant meditation on the power and joy of teenage femininity.

Gentle Breeze
Directed by Wenwei Hu, China, 4 min
An old man, a young boy, and a bunch of balloons take a fantastic journey through rural China.

like a stone or flower
Directed by Kaiya Jordan, USA, 10 min
Three Bay Area Asian American artists across generations reflect on the ability of art to transcend rationality and logic.

Majid, the Muslim Rapper
Directed by Kea Morshed, USA, 10 min
In Oakland, an up-and-coming Muslim rapper struggles to balance his faith with the provocative nature of his song lyrics.

Make Art, Reese!
Directed by Mika Lim, USA, 8 min
Hoping to make a masterpiece, a young artist explores the meaning of art and rediscovers why he creates in the first place.

Maps
Directed by Esmé Nix, USA, 8 min
Two best friends navigate high school as explorers, discovering new lands. When they find no island where they fit, they learn to change course.

Puppet Back Up
Directed by Maxwell Downer, UK, 9 min
In the streets of Southampton, England, two artists create interactive giant puppet theater shows to create understanding and community dialogue surrounding climate issues.

Sil-tteu-gi
Directed by Yezy Suh, USA, 5 min
In Korean with English Subtitles
Growing up 6,000 miles away from her grandparents, a young Korean-American reflects on lost family stories and the culture uprooted from her life.

Substratum
Directed by Harvey Abrahams, Australia, 7 min
Isolated and surrounded by power, a young boy attempts to change the path of his dictator father. Will peace prevail or will he succumb to his family’s history?

Weathered
Directed by Patrick Jang, USA, 9 min
Three teenagers openly share their personal stories of struggle and transformation that allowed them to embrace self-acceptance.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, Art/Media, Asian American Studies, Career Path Training, English Language Arts, Mental Health, Muslim Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 7–12

Program Note: This program contains profanity and brief mentions of abuse.

2024 Schools At The Festival Online Programs

Counted Out

Directed by Vicki Abeles, USA, 89 min

Pre-recorded Q&A with registration

In the United States, math is a gatekeeper. In an increasingly algorithm-and-data driven 21st century, assumptions made about a child’s mathematical ability affect their odds of finding future success with those already suffering under systemic racism, patriarchy, and/or the cycle of poverty and incarceration presumed to have fewer skills. This revealing and urgent documentary weaves together a mosaic of voices and stories across generations and professions to explain the detrimental effects of declining math skills on civic participation, legal rulings, and fulfilling careers. Further, the film challenges and demystifies mathematics education and an equation of inclusion is solved when the idea that only some of us can be “math people” is divided by zero – not allowed.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Suggested Subjects: Career Path Training, Computer Science, Economics, Journalism, Math, Peer/Youth Issues, Social Justice, Social Studies

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Farming While Black

Directed by Mark Decena, USA, 75 min

Pre-recorded Q&A with registration

Local filmmaker, Mark Decena, explores the rise in Black and BIPOC-owned farms, following the story of independent Black farming in the United States from its historical roots in the early 1900s to a current rising generation of farmers led by Leah Penniman at Soul Fire Farms. The height of Black-owned farms peaked at 14 percent in 1910 and has dwindled to less than 2 percent today. Reclaiming their rightful ownership to land, Leah, as well as fellow farmers and organizers, sow the seeds of reconnection to ancestral roots and the knowledge of African agrarianism. Their mission is to nurture Black community wealth & health by investing in Black agricultural systems in the Northeast and South. The documentary blossoms into themes of urban farming, revolutionary justice, and sustainable agricultural heritage.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, African American Studies, Biology, Career Path Training, Environmental Science, History, Political Science, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 6–12

Program Note: This program contains brief historical imagery of violence.

Madu

Directed by Matt Ogens, Joel Kachi Benson, USA / UK / Nigeria, 101 min
In English and Igbo with English subtitles

Pre-recorded Q&A with registration

Anthony Madu was first discovered in a short viral video clip, joyfully dancing barefoot in the rain. 12-year-old Anthony soon leaves his family and community in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world in England. Having never left his home outside of Lagos, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. His courageous journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging and acceptance, a family far away, and unexpected challenges that could impact his future. Forming a rich and immersive tapestry told on multiple continents, directors Matt Ogens and Joel Kachi Benson introduce the world to a boy chasing a dream of inspiration that will resonate with us all in this Disney+ original documentary.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Suggested Subjects: African Studies, Art/Media, Career Path Training, Dance, Health, Journalism, Mental Health, Peer/Youth Issues

Recommended Grades: 4–12

Porcelain War

Directed by Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev, Ukraine / USA / Russia, 90 min
In English and Russian with English Subtitles

Pre-recorded Q&A with registration

When forced from their home in Crimea, husband-and-wife artists Slava and Anya, their faithful dog Frodo, and dear friend Andrey, reclaim their destiny as they choose to stay in Ukraine and fight. Setting aside their civilian life and past selves, Slava and Andrey join a special ops unit on the frontlines, while Anya makes delicate porcelain art amid constant bombing. Made in partnership with US based co-director Brendan Bellomo, these first time film collaborators steel themselves against the atrocities of war by cherishing spring blossoms, lifelong friendships, and long walks through their beautiful, ravaged country. It is rare for a documentary to capture a war unfolding in real time with such lucidity, while also transcending the immediacy of violence to celebrate the indomitable power of the human spirit. Buoyed by a passion for living and charming animated sequences, this Sundance Documentary Grand Jury prize-winner vividly depicts the human need to create and compulsion to survive.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Suggested Subjects: Art/Media, Journalism, Political Science, Social Studies

Recommended Grades: 10 –12

Program Note: This program contains brief profanity and violent war footage.

She Creates Change

Directed by Martha Adams, USA, 55 min
In English and multiple languages with English Subtitles

Pre-recorded Q&A with registration

The challenges facing young women in historically low-income communities are illuminated through a unique combination of animated shorts followed by live-action documentaries in She Creates Change, a series in collaboration with Room to Read, a global education nonprofit promoting gender equality. The narratives of six courageous young women from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam display the unique obstacles that each faces, including sexism, colorism, low self-esteem, climate change and how they seek to overcome these obstacles using their educational skills. Each story explores how the young women overcome societal expectations and advocate for themselves while exploring universal themes of leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, resilience and dignity.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, African Studies, Art/Media, Asian Studies, Career Path Training, Journalism, Peer/Youth Issues, Science, Social Studies, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 4–12

From Fact to Fiction

Total Running Time: 70 min

This program does not have a Q&A

This striking collection of shorts explores the imaginative and thought-provoking range that film as a medium can showcase. Topics traverse immigration and family secrets, the freedom to choose one’s path in teenagehood, and an athlete’s Olympic dreams. This selection by brilliant filmmakers telling stories from around the world features narrative, documentary, and animated films utilizing craftful scripts, stunning cinematography, and collaged animation to create a delightful assortment of some of the best that the SFFILM Festival has to offer.

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29.

Shorts 5: Family Films

Total Running Time: 68 min
WED MAY 1 10 – 10:45 AM PT | FOR ONLINE Q&A

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29. Recording of Q&A will also be sent to registered teachers.

Wondrous and whimsical shorts from near and far corners of the world grace our festival screen for the enjoyment of the entire family. The latest from Tonko House, Pixar, and independent filmmakers share central themes of innovation and curiosity. A wooden puppet embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she questions whether or not she fits in, while a mother-daughter rodeo duo connects to their roots and legacy. Explore where ideas and inspiration come from in thought-provoking found footage and experience the charming, and maybe a little gross, feelings of a young first kiss. These enchanting stories – true, not-so-true, and animated – are sure to inspire laughter, curiosity, tears, and awe in both the youngest and most seasoned filmgoers.

Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play.

Battery Mommy
Directed by Seungbae Jeon, South Korea, 8 min
In Korean with English Subtitles

Mommy charges in to save the day in this so-cute-I-could-die follow-up to Jeon Seung-bae’s electrifyingly entertaining Battery Daddy, the 2023 Festival’s Shorts: Family Film Golden Gate Award winner.

Bottle George
Directed by Daisuke ‘Dice’ Tsutsumi, Japan / USA, 13 min
A mischievous cat and a young girl facing family troubles meet an unusual creature in this latest short from the award-winning studio Tonko House.

Coach Pancake
Directed by Gabriel Olson, USA, 6 min
Former soccer star Andres, lovingly named “Coach Pancake” by his students, finds his calling training six-year-olds to find their superpowers on and off the field.

Dynasty and Destiny
Directed by Travis Lee Ratcliff, USA, 7 min
Their passion for rodeo and the weight of their family’s legacy in the sport bind together mother-daughter duo Kanesha and Kortnee.

A Little Beetle Returns
Directed by Elene Sebiskveradze, Georgia / Norway, 4 min
Through elaborate and colorful designs, a beetle goes on a wondrous journey to get to the outdoors.

Little Fan
Directed by Sveta Yuferova, Shad Lee Bradbury, Germany, 5 min
In this charming animation, a small curious fan has an unexpected encounter that grows into a meaningful friendship.

Self
Directed by Searit Kahsay Huluf, USA, 7 min
After wishing upon a star, a wooden woman desperate to fit into the shiny world embarks on a journey of self-love in this latest from Pixar.

Where Do Ideas Come From?
Directed by Joysi Olijhoek, Netherlands, 5 min
Let your ideas run wild as this exploration of found footage and spoken word helps us to make creative connections and playful discoveries.

Yuck!
Directed by Loïc Espuche, France, 13 min
In French with English Subtitles
Yuck! Ew! Kissing on the mouth is gross but during a summer camping trip, little Léo secretly wants to try.

Suggested Subjects: African American Studies, Art/Media, English Language Arts, French, Latine Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Physical Education/Sports, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: K–6

Program Note: A film in this program contains brief depictions of alcoholism.

Shorts 6: Youth Works

Total Running Time: 78 min

WED MAY 1 12:30 – 1:15 PM PT | FOR ONLINE Q&A

Screening link(s) will be sent to view film at your convenience. Viewing window April 22-29. Recording of Q&A will also be sent to registered teachers.

Youth Works celebrates and spotlights young filmmakers from within the Bay Area and as far across the globe as Ukraine and rural China. With works encompassing out-of-this-world visual effects, innovative hand-drawn animation, and intimate interviews, these young filmmakers do not shy away from pushing boundaries and displaying their talent. Through their unique viewpoints, we peek into their communities, adolescence, and the growth and transformation that happens in early adulthood. From tales of fantastic journeys, radical self-acceptance, and feminine power, to understanding one’s culture and identity, these films introduce us to an up-and-coming group of cinematic voices carrying us one short at a time into the next generation of filmmaking.

Titles are listed alphabetically rather than in order of play.

Comma
Directed by Sonia Leliukh, Ukraine/Germany, 4 min
Enter into a striking animated portal of Ukrainian people living their everyday lives despite the tragedies of war.

FATALE
Directed by Kayen Manovil, USA, 4 min
Through music, enchanting nature, and movement, explore a vibrant meditation on the power and joy of teenage femininity.

Gentle Breeze
Directed by Wenwei Hu, China, 4 min
An old man, a young boy, and a bunch of balloons take a fantastic journey through rural China.

like a stone or flower
Directed by Kaiya Jordan, USA, 10 min
Three Bay Area Asian American artists across generations reflect on the ability of art to transcend rationality and logic.

Majid, the Muslim Rapper
Directed by Kea Morshed, USA, 10 min
In Oakland, an up-and-coming Muslim rapper struggles to balance his faith with the provocative nature of his song lyrics.

Make Art, Reese!
Directed by Mika Lim, USA, 8 min
Hoping to make a masterpiece, a young artist explores the meaning of art and rediscovers why he creates in the first place.

Maps
Directed by Esmé Nix, USA, 8 min
Two best friends navigate high school as explorers, discovering new lands. When they find no island where they fit, they learn to change course.

Puppet Back Up
Directed by Maxwell Downer, UK, 9 min
In the streets of Southampton, England, two artists create interactive giant puppet theater shows to create understanding and community dialogue surrounding climate issues.

Sil-tteu-gi
Directed by Yezy Suh, USA, 5 min
In Korean with English Subtitles
Growing up 6,000 miles away from her grandparents, a young Korean-American reflects on lost family stories and the culture uprooted from her life.

Substratum
Directed by Harvey Abrahams, Australia, 7 min
Isolated and surrounded by power, a young boy attempts to change the path of his dictator father. Will peace prevail or will he succumb to his family’s history?

Weathered
Directed by Patrick Jang, USA, 9 min
Three teenagers openly share their personal stories of struggle and transformation that allowed them to embrace self-acceptance.

Suggested Subjects: Activism, Art/Media, Asian American Studies, Career Path Training, English Language Arts, Mental Health, Muslim Studies, Peer/Youth Issues, Women and Gender Studies

Recommended Grades: 7–12

Program Note: This program contains profanity and brief mentions of abuse.

by Anisha Dwarka

Oblivious. This word had very little connection to me until I had come to watch Turning Red in the Castro Theatre on April 27th, 2022. For two years, I had been watching movies in my living room. It was an interesting experience as I look back on it. The movies that I had gotten to watch at home were beautiful pieces of art, but not until recently did I realize that watching a movie in your house is completely different from watching a movie in a theatre. Now you might be thinking how can they be different? It’s just the setting, but that’s just it. It’s like listening to music. All songs are unique. You’ve got happy, sad, relaxed, tense, and the list goes on. Yet, when you place those different songs in the appropriate setting, you can feel more emotion and connection. What do I mean by appropriate setting? I mean the place that means something to you. It’s the place that helps make the song special to you. When those associations occur it becomes a memory you can remember vividly and that is exactly how it felt to return to the Castro Theatre. Once I sat in the red theatre seats, this sort of longing inside of me was gone. Everything felt complete after the movie ended. As someone who makes films, listening to people react the same way as yourself was reviving. When you come to watch a movie at a theatre you usually come with someone who has something in common with you. They share the same desire as you, yet you also sit with strangers of varying ages and backgrounds sharing this desire. You sit on this emotional rollercoaster, with someone so alike yet so different from you, and at the end of that rollercoaster, there is a memory waiting at the exit. I think this is the beauty of watching a film in a theatre. Whilst this pandemic brought new lots of adaptation, I think something that changed my life was innovation and creativity. When watching movies at home, I had to create the ambiance. I had to dim the lights. I had to pop the popcorn. I had to organize the couch I sat on. This process was something I will never forget and will become more and more special as time passes by. We come into movie theaters ready to experience, but there is a process behind that experience. Over my quarantine pandemic days, I learned how to replicate a feeling I couldn’t access at the time. It might not have been perfect looking back, yet it was perfect at the moment.