SFFILM

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

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SFFILM Awards Night FAQ

Overview

  • I bought a ticket, now what?

    Keep an eye out for an email from us! You will be prompted to create an account on Socio so that you can access the event on Deember 9. With urgent questions email AwardsNight@sffilm.org.

  • What is Socio?

    Socio is a secure viewing platform that enables us to bring you a multi-layered event experience. It can be accessed via web or app, and pulls together the elements of the Awards Night livestream with fun extras like digital gift bags, a social "wall," and detailed information about the night's program and awardees.

  • Are there any in-person events?

    Not this year! But there are a ton of opportunities to engage with fellow attendees online. You will find a virtual photobooth and links for social sharing built into Socio. We encourage you to participate!

  • Is there a dress code?

    Not officially, but if you’re looking for an excuse to dress up, please do! Patron Level ticket holders will have access to a virtual Patron Lounge, where they can opt to appear on camera (via Zoom). Fun fact: There will be a virtual photobooth where you can post snaps of yourself enjoying the event!

  • What happens on December 9?

    You will login to SOCIO with your username and password. Pro Tip: Do this at least 15-20 minutes before showtime to ensure everything is working. Having issues? Call us: 415-561-5000 or email AwardsNight@sffilm.org.

  • How can I make an extra gift to support SFFILM?

    Keep your smart phone handy! Text SFFILM to 888-646-0646 to donate, or use THIS LINK.

  • What is special about my Patron / VIP / AMPAS tickets?

    Login at 5:00 pm - You have access to pre-show activities including an intimate conversation with our distinguished awardees! Make sure to have zoom on whatever device you are using. Check the schedule tab on the left side of Socio, and simply click the links for access to the various spaces.

  • Anything extra for Patron ticket holders?

    Yes, and thank you for your support! Please visit the “Patron Lounge” (a menu option on the left side of the screen) in order to meet up with your guests.


For any and all questions, please contact info@sffilm.org.

Doc Stories FAQ

Overview

  • Is there a program guide for Doc Stories?

    Yes, you can find it here!

  • Are there any in-person events for Doc Stories?

    Not this year! But there are live virtual filmmaker Q&As for all programs, and we invite audience participation. These free live Q&As are viewable on any event page.

  • How do I find the link to watch the film and Q&A if I’ve already purchased a ticket?

    Once you buy a ticket and/or pass, navigate to the relevant event page on our website and click “Stream Film”. Live talks and Q&As will be hosted on the same event page, just scroll down to find it. All event pages are accessible from our Doc Stories Series Page.


Tickets & Passes

  • How do I buy a ticket for a film or live talk?

    View and purchase tickets to Doc Stories programs here. Ticket buyers will receive an email reminder when the streaming window opens for the film, or 1 hour before a live talk starts. Even though our live talks are all free, please RSVP to receive email reminders.

  • Can I check out as a guest?

    You will need to create an account on the SFFILM website to attend Doc Stories, as all of your tickets to virtual programs will need to be tied to an account. This is the most secure way we can ensure that you will be able to view your programs during the Doc Stories series.

  • Can I use my complimentary ticket vouchers, 6-pack, 10-pack, or volunteer vouchers to view films?

    Yes, make sure you are signed in to your account. If you have voucher codes that are not attached to your account, click “Know a Promotion Code?” and enter your code there. All vouchers are valid for the Doc Stories series. E-mail boxoffice@sffilm.org if your voucher code is not working.

  • I have a promo code. How do I activate it?

    Click “Get Tickets” on any event page and you will see a “Know a Promotion Code” option. Enter your promo code and click “Apply”, and you will see your free or discounted ticket option pop up.

  • Are any programs free?

    All live talks are free to watch, along with all Q&As associated with films. One film, Coded Bias, is available to stream free of charge.

  • Do virtual screenings sell out or go “to rush”?

    Some virtual screenings have audience caps. Check event pages for availability, and always get your tickets early to ensure you have a spot.

    There may be a “noon release” of tickets on the last day of Doc Stories (Sunday Dec 6) if any event has reached capacity before then.

  • I am an SFFILM Member. What are my benefits at Doc Stories?

    As with all SFFILM events, members receive first access and discounts on tickets. If your membership includes a Ticket Pack, it can be applied to stream films free of charge.


Technical Requirements

  • What are the system requirements to watch films?

    Here are the recommend system requirements for watching films on these devices:

    • PC: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
    • Mac: Mac OSX 10.12 or later
    • Web Browsers: We recommend using the newest version of Google Chrome as your web browser. Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera are also supported. Internet Explorer is not supported.
    • Roku: 3rd generation (2013) or newer
    • Apple TV: 4th generation (2015) or newer
    • iPhone/iPad: iOS 11.2 or newer, using Safari or Chrome 
    • Android: version 6.0 or newer
  • Can I use Roku or Apple TV to watch a screening?

    Yes! Instructions on how to watch films via Roku or Apple TV will be available shortly (check back here soon!). Please note: live talks and Q&As can only be viewed on SFFILM.org. If you want to watch a live Q&A or talk on your TV, you will need to connect your computer or device to your TV with an HDMI cable, Chromecast, or AirPlay.

  • Can I use AirPlay or Chromecast to watch on my TV?

    Yes! You can Chromecast from PC and Mac computers as well as from an Android device. Navigate here for a guide to using Chromecast or here for a guide to using AirPlay. You can AirPlay a film from an iPad or iPhone to an Apple TV as well.

  • Can I watch a screening using my Amazon Fire Stick?

    Unfortunately our platform does not support Amazon Fire Stick.

  • Can I watch films and/or Q&As on my iPhone, iPad or android phone?

    Yes! You can watch films and live talks on iPhone/iPad using Safari or Chrome on iOS 11.2 or later. You can watch films and live talks on Android 6.0 or later.


Live Talks and Q&As

  • How do I watch a Q&A for a film?

    Visit the event page on SFFILM.org to view the Q&A (these can be viewed live, or as a recording after the event has ended).

  • Can I watch live talks or live Q&As on my Roku or Apple TV?

    In order to keep live talks and Q&As free and accessible, these are all hosted on SFFILM.org. This means they can’t be viewed using Roku or Apple TV. To watch conversations on your TV, you will need to connect your computer or device to your TV via HDMI cable, Chromecast, or AirPlay.

  • What is the difference between a film, live talk, or Q&A?

    Films must be purchased for access (with the exception of Coded Bias, which is free). Live talks and Q&As are viewable on our website, free of charge. 

  • Which Q&As will be live for the audience to ask questions?

    They’re all live! And if you miss a live talk or Q&A, you can navigate to the event page to view the recording (typically available within 2 hours following an event).

  • I can’t make it to a scheduled Q&A. Will the content be available to view later?

    Yes! Following each Q&A, the recording will be available to view on the event page on SFFILM.org. Recordings are typically available within 2 hours following an event.


Streaming Restrictions

  • Are there geographic restrictions limiting where a film can be viewed?

    Doc Stories films are only viewable in the state of California. Live talks and Q&As can be viewed from anywhere.

  • Where can I see all the film streaming windows and Q&A times in one place?

    Find Q&A times on the calendar page (in chronological order) and on the Doc Stories series page (in alphabetical order).

    All films are streamable between Dec 3 at 12:01 am and Dec 6 at 11:59 pm, except for Gunda which has a slightly limited window (Dec 4 at 12:01 am to Dec 6 at 11:59 pm). Once you begin streaming a film, you have 24 hours to complete the film. Please note, all films will be unavailable after 11:59 pm on December 6; if you start a film late on December 6, it will turn off before midnight.

  • What’s the difference between a “streaming window” and a “viewing window”? Once I start watching a film, how long do I have to finish it?

    The “streaming window” is the duration of availability for a film during the Doc Stories festival. The “viewing window” is the 24-hour window to finish a film once you click “Stream Film”.

  • If I start watching a film on Sunday December 6, when will my viewing window expire?

    Once you begin streaming a film, you have 24 hours to complete the film. Please note, all films will be unavailable at 11:59 pm on December 6; if you start a film late on December 6, it will turn off before midnight.

  • Can I watch a film more than once over the Doc Stories weekend?

    You can watch as many times as you wish within your 24-hour viewing window. Your 24-hour viewing window starts once you click "Stream Film".

  • Will any films be watermarked?

    All films in Doc Stories 2020 will be presented without watermarks.


Accessibility

  • Which films have closed captioning? Are captions available on all devices (Roku, Apple TV, etc)?

    The following films have closed captioning (available on your computer only, not on Roku or Apple TV):

  • Will live talks and Q&As have captions available?

    All live talks and Q&As will be recorded and captions will be added after the live event commences. You can expect captioned recordings to be available on each event page on SFFILM.org shortly after the date of the live event.



For any and all questions, please contact info@sffilm.org.

Video: Tribute to Agnes Gund

 
On September 15, 2020, SFFILM presented the George Gund III Craft of Cinema Award to philanthropist and activist Agnes Gund. The presentation included an online conversation with Agnes Gund and Catherine Gund, director of the documentary Aggie, with moderators Rajendra Roy (SFMOMA’s Chief Curator of Film) and Garrett Bradley (director of Time).
 
 

Drive-In Rules & Regulations

Rules

All parking is General Admission; there is no assigned parking. Cars are allowed to enter starting 60 minutes prior to the screening time. Staff will do their best to accommodate all vehicles. For sightline reasons, taller vehicles such as SUVs will be parked towards the rear of the venue so as not to block the views of smaller cars.

Late Arrivals

In order to ensure all patrons have an enjoyable experience, please arrive early. Any late arrivals, 20 minutes after the showing has begun, will not be permitted into the event. Tickets are not refundable nor exchangeable.

Consecutive Screenings

Guests who purchase tickets to both the 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm screenings will be expected to exit the venue and re-enter between shows.

Accessibility

If you require ADA parking accommodations, please let a staff member know upon arrival.. If you have a request for accommodations or questions about accessibility at this event, please contact ada@sffilm.org.

Restroom Use

Restrooms are located in Building D (the long building flanking the right-side of the parking area). When patrons exit their vehicles to use the restroom facilities, they must wear a mask at all times and adhere to protocols laid out by restroom docents, e.g., one person at a time in the restroom, 6 feet apart in lines, etc.

Occupancy for Vehicle

Each vehicle may only be occupied by members of the same household who have already been in close contact with each other.

Headlights

Car headlights must be turned off during the film. Prior to arrival, please locate how to manually turn your car headlights off.

Film Audio

Audio will be broadcast through FM stereo sound that is tuned directly through your car’s FM stereo. Turn your key to accessory mode to keep your stereo on. If you don’t have an FM stereo, please bring a portable radio — there are limited numbers available for use at the event. In the rare instance that your battery dies, we will have jumper cables to get you on your way.

Concessions

Off The Grid will have one food truck on site, as well as popcorn, candy, and soda for sale.

Health & Safety Guidelines

  • Masks will be required by all attendees over the age of two when outside of the vehicle. Masks with exhalation valve are not allowed. You will need your mask at all times when you are not in your vehicle. This accounts for restroom use, concession purchasing, or leaving the footprint of your vehicle for any reason.
  • Parking spaces are distanced by six feet to promote and maintain social distancing. Attendees may not bring chairs and sit outside of their cars. For attendees who want to sit in the back of their car with the trunk open, we will try to accommodate those requests. Please inform parking staff on arrival if you would like to do so. You must remain within the footprint of your vehicle at all times.
  • Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles when not using the restroom facilities or purchasing from concessions.
  • Restroom facilities will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
  • Concessions will be marked with all socially distant signage and distance will be enforced.
  • Please follow social distance requirements at all times. Attendees who fail to follow safe distancing at the request of staff will be subject to ejection from the event. No refunds will be given.

There will be ZERO tolerance for those not complying with the above. Guests who cannot or will not comply will be asked to leave the premises and no refunds will be given.

Education Program Manager

Overview

SFFILM’s Education department is seeking a motivated candidate with an interest in education and film/media to support our year round education and family programming. Our Education team serves more than 12,000 students and teachers every year, from kindergarten through college, to develop media literacy, cultural awareness, global understanding and a lifelong appreciation of cinema. SFFILM Education aims to cultivate students’ imaginations, prepare them for filmmaking careers, and empower them to succeed in a media-saturated world.

The Education Program Manager supports the Director of Education by managing our year-round Filmmakers in the Classroom Program and our summer Young Filmmakers Camp. The Manager assists in the programming and coordination of all schools, youth, and family programs during the SFFILM Festival, and is also responsible for developing evaluation design and impact measures of our core education programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in both educational and film settings, and an affinity for providing cultural experiences to young people in the Bay Area. We are accepting applications for this role through Tuesday October 6th.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the Filmmakers in the Classroom (FITC) program including: class selection, curriculum development, management of filmmaker instructors and interns, funder relationship, and equipment needs.
  • Lead FITC filmmaking instructors in preparing lesson plans, materials, and resources for FITC sessions.
  • Work closely with the Director of Education in the selection process for the SFFILM Festival, including family films, youth works, and family shorts.
  • Manage and support Screenings for Schools film programs and school visits, which may include venue set-up, ushering, management of teachers and student guests, leading Q&As, and volunteer coordination. Note, this operational management is currently taking place virtually until venues reopen.
  • Project manage and lead technical directing of Education and Family virtual events and workshops.
  • Implement Young Filmmakers Camp including: instructor hiring and management, outreach and camper recruitment, venue selection, curriculum development, and equipment needs.
  • Serve as teaching artist/instructor for Young Filmmaker Camp or Filmmakers in the Classroom if needed.
  • Design curriculum materials, hire curriculum writers, and work closely with educators to maintain and build SFFILM Education’s Teaching Tools database.
  • Oversee the collection of impact metrics for all education programs, including but not limited to: number of programs presented, attendance, demographics, and qualitative assessments.
  • Systematize Education’s evaluation work and surveying process, working with SFFILM’s Communications team to unify Education surveying projects with org-wide data collection standards.
  • Support management and implementation for email outreach efforts to educators and other potential Education program participants. Expand Education team’s outreach, including researching and making recommendations for new school contacts and community partners.
  • Hire and manage interns, teaching artists, and guest artists for various workshops, residencies, and events. Support hiring and management of temporary Festival staff each Spring.
  • Serve as cross-departmental lead on all inter-departmental projects, including but not limited to: developing collaborative workshops with SFFILM’s Artist Development team, supporting Education funder and sponsor fulfillment in partnership with SFFILM’s Development department, maintaining Communications team timelines for all Education team deliverables, etc.
  • Support integration of SFFILM’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion efforts into Education’s programming and offerings.
  • Provide additional program support to the Education Department as needed.

Experience/Skills Required

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Background in arts education and/or K-12 education.
  • Interest in film festivals or film organizations.
  • Confidence working with students of all ages.
  • Experience teaching in classrooms or non-traditional learning environments a plus.
  • Experience lesson planning and building curriculum a plus.
  • Strong public speaking skills; ability to speak to and command attention of large groups of students.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Knowledge of SFUSD and the broader Bay Area education community.
  • Understanding and appreciation of media literacy and the use of film as an educational resource.
  • Excellent computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign), Basecamp, FileMaker Pro, MailChimp, or Formstack is a plus.
  • Comfort with numbers, especially data analysis and program evaluation.
  • Experience with film production. Proficiency with digital video cameras and editing a plus, but not required.
  • Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed.

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.