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2021 Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest

SFFILM Education is pleased to present the twelfth annual Schools at the Festival Student Essay Contest at the 2021 SFFILM 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.

Submissions for the 2021 contest have closed.

Essay Content + Questions

Winning essays will be determined based on creativity, depth, enthusiasm, clarity, grammar and relevance to the essay questions. Essays must be written in response to the following questions about the selected Schools at the Festival screenings ONLY. Students may choose one film program or submit separate essays for more than one program. Students are not limited to only selecting films in their grade category, but do need to follow the word count guidelines for their grade. Students are not required to answer every question listed for an individual film, but should select enough for a thoughtful and complete response.

*Children in grades 1-12 who attend a public screening of films included in our essay contest are also eligible to participate. Parents: please be sure to fill in all of the required entry information when submitting.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, GRADES 1 – 5

City of Ghosts
Research a favorite park, neighborhood, or area in your town or city that you have not been able to visit as much as you would like in the last year. What makes this place special to you? What things do you do there? Who do you see there and interact with? What is it named for and why? Tell us a little bit about the history and culture of the place. What is important about having spaces for people in communities to gather?

My Octopus Teacher
In your own words, how would you describe the lessons Craig learned from the octopus? What did you learn from his journey with the octopus? Is there any experience in your own life that Craig’s story reminds you of? If not, is there a place, animal, or environment you’d like to interact with?

Shorts 6: Family Films
Choose one film you saw in the program. What did you like about that film? What made it stand out for you from all of the other films in the program? Does the main character’s life or experiences compare in any way to your own? (Note: the character does not have to be human!) If so, how, and did that make you enjoy the film more? What lessons did you learn from their story?

MIDDLE SCHOOL, GRADES 6 – 8

The Art and Science of Lucasfilm
Did this presentation make you think differently about your own career trajectory? Did it make you think differently about how you might use your skills in either math, science, or art in your future career? Think about the experiences that led Tyler toward working for Lucasfilm. Have you had an experience in your own life that inspired you toward a particular kind of work? Imagine and describe a future in which that experience leads you into the career of your dreams.

Use your imagination to create a new character or creature in a story of your own. Give a basic synopsis of your story and describe how you would create this character or creature using techniques from Tyler’s presentation like life science, biology, anatomy, animal reference, etc. Keep in mind the character or creature’s motivation and backstory as you design them. If you would like to include a drawing of your character or creature, please do, but it is not required.

Lily Topples the World
Lily says that her formula for being a great domino artist is “patience, perseverance, creativity, and time”. What is an activity that you devote your patience, perseverance, creativity and time to? Why do you commit yourself to this activity? What are the most difficult challenges you faced in this pursuit and how did you overcome them? How was Lily different at the beginning, middle and end of the film? How did she change as a person? What did she learn? How did she grow?

My Octopus Teacher
What connects Craig to his natural world? Why do you believe his daily dive was a healing process? Craig’s daily discipline and tracking of the octopus opened up opportunities to discover new ocean species and previous behaviors never witnessed before. Can you think of a time when you discovered something new? How did this process change your point of view or perception? What role do you think curiosity or discovery could have in a particularly difficult time in your own life?

HIGH SCHOOL, GRADES 9 -12

Cuban Dancer
How did Alexis’ personality and relationship with his family change as they immigrated to the US? Do you think the family’s expectations of the US were met? What challenges did they face in the US after immigrating? How did Alexis’ relationship to Cuba and himself change? How does your environment or setting shape your identity? As a young adult, how do you overcome challenges and find a sense of belonging as you develop your own personality?

Homeroom
Were you inspired by the students followed in this film? Have you seen or participated in any direct action to make change, such as a protest, rally, strike, or boycott, for example? What social issues do you care about the most? How would you work with others to correct a social injustice in your community? What is your responsibility to your community, if any?

How do the filmmakers capture the stories of these students’ 2019-2020 in a true and authentic way without adding their own views? What role does the inclusion of social media material and news footage play in this sense of authenticity? What role has different kinds of media (like Youtube, popular music, Instagram, video games, news, etc.) played in your own life during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Essay Requirements

Grades 1-5: 150-200 words
Grades 6-8: 300-350 words
Grades 9-12: 450-500 words

Deadlines

Submissions for the 2021 contest have closed. Stay tuned for 2022 contest dates.

Submit essays online here.

Required Entry Information

To be eligible for consideration, all essays must include the following information:

  • Student name
  • Grade
  • School
  • Teacher name
  • Teacher phone number
  • Teacher email address

Prizes

Contest winners will be announced the week of May 24, 2021. Teachers will be notified directly if their students have won. The following prizes will be awarded:

Elementary School, Grades 1-5
Grand Prize: $150 cash prize
Runner-up (2): $75 cash prize

Middle School Grades 6-8
Grand Prize: $300 cash prize
Runner-up (2): $150 cash prize

High School Grades 9-12
Grand Prize: $500 cash prize
Runner-up (2): $250 cash prize

All winning essays will be published on www.sffilm.org. For questions, contact Keith Zwölfer at 415-561-5040 or kzwolfer@sffilm.org.

Festival Drive-In FAQ

Please follow social distance requirements at all times. There is ZERO tolerance for not complying with COVID-19 guidelines. Attendees who fail to follow safe distancing at the request of staff will be asked to leave the event. No refunds will be given.

Overview

  • What are the mask wearing policies?
    Anyone in your party over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask at all times when outside of the vehicle. Masks with exhalation valves or vents are not allowed. When inside the vehicle, if windows are down or doors are open, masks must be worn at all times, unless eating or taking a drink.
  • Can I exit my vehicle to stretch my legs or walk around Fort Mason?
    All attendees are asked to remain inside their vehicles when not using the restroom facilities or purchasing concessions. Attendees may not bring chairs or blankets and sit outside of their vehicle.
  • Can I roll my windows down?
    Windows may be open as long as masks are worn at all times, unless the attendee is eating or taking a drink.
  • What is the restroom situation?
    Restrooms are located in building D, the long building flanking the right side of the parking area. Masks must be worn at all times, and the line for the restroom is spaced 6' apart. Restrooms are sanitized and cleaned regularly. Restrooms are located on the first floor and the second floor. All restrooms are gender-neutral.
  • Is there social distancing?
    All parking spaces are distanced by 6 feet to promote and maintain a safe social distance. Concessions will be marked with socially distanced signage.

Fort Mason Rules + Guidelines

  • Is there assigned parking?
    All parking is General Admission and on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking spots will be determined by the parking attendants based on the order of arrival and the size of your vehicle.
  • What time does entry begin?
    Cars will be allowed to enter 60 minutes in advance of showtime.
  • I have a ticket to both programs in a given night. Do I have to exit the venue between shows?
    Guests who purchase tickets to both the 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm (PDT) screenings will be expected to exit the parking lot and re-enter between shows.
  • Can I back into my spot for hatchback viewing?
    A limited number of spaces are reserved for hatchback viewing. For consideration of other patrons, these spaces are at the back of the lot. Please notify a parking attendant upon your arrival if you would like a spot for hatchback viewing. This is done on a first-come-first-served basis, and if all of the rear parking spaces are full, we will be unable to accommodate further hatchback viewers.
  • What size car is allowed?
    Please do not bring any vehicle larger than an SUV. For sightline reasons, any large vehicle such as SUVs or trucks will be parked towards the rear of the venue so as not to block the views of smaller cars. Bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted at this time.
  • What is the exact address?
    Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94109
  • What happens if I arrive late?
    In order to ensure all patrons have an enjoyable experience, please arrive early. Ticket holders who arrive less than 15 minutes prior to showtime are not guaranteed entry. Doors close 20 minutes after showtime; anyone arriving after that time we will not be allowed entry.
  • How will we hear the film?
    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. We will have a limited number of radios to rent out at each screening. In the rare instance that your battery dies, we will have jumper cables and staff ready to get you on your way.
  • What is the specific FM Station I'll need to be tuned to?
    The FM station will be displayed on a screen at Fort Mason during the pre-show. One of our on-site staff can assist you if you are having trouble.
  • What is the headlight situation?
    Car headlights must be turned off during the film. Prior to arrival, please locate how to manually turn car headlights off.
  • Will there be concessions?
    Off the Grid will have food trucks on-site for every drive-in. Scheduled trucks are: 4/9: El Sur 4/10: Cielito Lindo 4/11: Cielito Lindo 4/15: Curry Up Now 4/16: Taqueria Angelica 6/17: Cielito Lindo Other food/beverage options in Fort Mason include: Goody’s Cafe for freshly popped popcorn and other snacks; The Interval for handcrafted cocktails and mocktails; and Greens for beautifully prepared vegetarian meals to-go.
  • Will ticket scanning be contactless? If so, where should I display my ticket?
    Once you arrive at Fort Mason, a ticketing attendant will approach your window -- you may roll it down if you are comfortable, or hold your ticket flush against the window with the QR Code visible. If it is on your phone screen, make sure your brightness is all the way up.
  • May I bring my dog with me?
    Service animals on a leash and under their owner's control are allowed at Fort Mason. Emotional Support animals and other pets are not.

Drive-In Tickets + Passes

  • Will films shown at the Drive-In also be available online to stream?
    The majority of the Festival program will be online; there will be a limited number of films exclusive to the Drive-In.
  • What does it mean if a show is AT RUSH?
    A show is AT RUSH when all advance tickets have sold out. Rush tickets may be sold as part of the daily Noon Ticket Release or just before showtime, on-site at the Fort Mason Drive-In. You may arrive up to 60 minutes in advance of the show, where-upon you will be given a window number and parked to the side of the lot. Once all ticket and pass holders are parked, any empty spots will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those in the Rush lot.
  • How do I receive my tickets?
    Upon completion of your order, you will automatically receive a confirmation email from info@sffilm.org containing PDF attachments for both a print at home ticket, and a mobile ticket that can be presented on a mobile device upon arrival at Fort Mason.

    On the final page of the checkout screen, once the order has gone through, you also have the option to directly download either PDF ticket, or re-send the confirmation email should it not have arrived.

  • Do I need to print my tickets?
    Tickets can be printed at home and brought to the venue or displayed on your mobile device.
  • Will there be a Will Call for the Drive-In tickets I'm purchasing?
    There will be no Will Call at the Drive-In. All tickets are delivered electronically.
  • Can I buy a ticket upon arrival?

    Other than RUSH tickets, ticket sales are only available in advance, online, or over the phone. You can browse our program and purchase Live Event tickets here or by calling 415-561-5006.

  • I can't find my confirmation email.
    Check your Junk/Spam folder for an email from community@sffilm.org. If you find it there, please mark it as "Not Junk" and add us to your address book. If you still can't find it, sign into your SFFILM account and click on the MY ORDERS tab to access your recent orders.
  • Can I use my Streaming Pass for Screenings at the Drive-In?
    The Streaming Pass is for all of our online streaming programs and does not include access to our Drive-In screenings. Tickets to these must be purchased separately.

Drive-In Accessibility

  • How can I request an ADA spot?
    If you require ADA parking accommodations, please let a parking attendant know upon arrival. If you have a request for accommodations in advance of the show or questions about accessibility at this event, please contact ada@sffilm.org.
  • Will Drive-In films have closed captions available?
    None of the films presented at the Drive-In have the ability for closed captioning.
  • Where can I learn more about accessibility at this venue?
    Please reach out to ada@sffilm.org with questions or to request accommodations.
  • Are there steep hills?
    No, the Drive-In lot is quite flat!
  • Are there ripped up sidewalks or pavement?
    The pavement is fairly smooth, with no notable cracks or fissures.
  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?
    The lot is flat and easily accessible. There are ramps leading up to the restrooms in building D.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?
    There are accessible bathroom stalls in the first floor restrooms.
  • Are there gender neutral bathrooms?
    All bathrooms at Fort Mason are gender neutral.
  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    Unfortunatelty not, the soaps in Fort Mason restrooms are all scented.
  • Are service dogs welcome?
    Yes. Service animals on a leash and under their owner’s control are welcome. Emotional support animals are not.
  • Do you have a point person for on-site ADA Requests?
    If you have questions, feedback, or accessibility needs please email ada@sffilm.org. Once on-site, SFFILM Venue Managers and Fort Mason staff will be your points of contact.

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

2021 Festival Venues

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

  • How can I request an ADA spot?
    If you require ADA parking accommodations, please let a parking attendant know upon arrival. If you have a request for accommodations in advance of the show or questions about accessibility at this event, please contact ada@sffilm.org.
  • Will Drive-In films have closed captions available?
    None of the films presented at the Drive-In have the ability for closed captioning.
  • Where can I learn more about accessibility at this venue?
    Please reach out to ada@sffilm.org with questions or to request accommodations.
  • Are there steep hills?
    No, the Drive-In lot is quite flat!
  • Are there ripped up sidewalks or pavement?
    The pavement is fairly smooth, with no notable cracks or fissures.
  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?
    The lot is flat and easily accessible. There are ramps leading up to the restrooms in building D.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?
    There are accessible bathroom stalls in the first floor restrooms.
  • Are there gender neutral bathrooms?
    All bathrooms at Fort Mason are gender neutral.
  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    Unfortunatelty not, the soaps in Fort Mason restrooms are all scented.
  • Are service dogs welcome?
    Yes. Service animals on a leash and under their owner’s control are welcome. Emotional support animals are not.
  • Do you have a point person for on-site ADA Requests?
    If you have questions, feedback, or accessibility needs please email ada@sffilm.org. Once on-site, SFFILM Venue Managers and Fort Mason staff will be your points of contact.

Online

Access the SFFILM Festival from your favorite internet-connected device.

2021 SFFILM Festival FAQ

LINK TO DRIVE IN FAQ: DRIVE-IN FAQ

 

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Overview

  • Is there a Festival Program Guide?

    Yes, you can find it here!

  • Are there any in-person events?

    Yes! We will have Drive-In films screening April 9-11 and April 15-17, at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Please check out our Drive-In programs for more details on those events, and our Drive-In FAQ for more information about the policies and procedures of the Drive-In!

  • What is the best way to see movies that are being streamed?
    The Festival Streaming Pass is the best deal for you to stream the most movies at the SFFILM Festival! Your pass gives you access to all films streaming from April 9–18. All streaming films are subject to viewing capacity limits and will become unavailable after that limit is reached.
  • What is the best way to see all the movies?
    The best way to attend the Festival is with a Cinevisa. This all-access pass includes streaming content, access to the Opening Night Party (online), plus priority registration to attend live events at the Drive-In. All streaming films are subject to viewing capacity limits and will become unavailable after that limit is reached.
  • Are any programs free?
    All of our live talks will be free and open to the public on our website. RSVP is required.
  • Where can I view the Q&A's associated with films?
    When available, Q&A's will play immediately following the film, and are included with your ticket.
  • How can I vote for the Audience Award?
    Vote for the Audience Award by using the star rating system on watch.sffilm.org, with 5 stars being the best. For Mid-length and Shorts programs, click the link to be taken to the online ballot. Voting for Mid-length and Shorts programs is only available directly on watch.sffilm.org (not available on TV apps.)
  • Who do I contact if my question isn’t answered here, or if I need technical help?

    Use the chat tool on our website to ask a question. You can expect a speedy response between 10 am and 11 pm (PT) beginning April 5. You can also call our Box Office at 415-561-5006 or email info@sffilm.org for support.

Tickets + Passes

  • I have purchased a pass. How do I access and watch my films?

    At 12:01am (PST) on April 9, nearly our entire catalogue of festival streaming films will go live at watch.sffilm.org. Use your passholder credentials to sign in, then explore all of the available films. Click on a film’s image or title for more information about it, and click play to begin streaming. Once you hit play, you will have 24 hours to watch the film. A few of the films presented at the festival will have limited streaming windows and will not be available for the full duration. A list of those films is below in the "Streaming Restrictions" section of this same FAQ. All streaming films are subject to viewing capacity limits and will become unavailable after that limit is reached.

    You may also use Roku or Apple TV to stream any of our films; more information on that is in our “Technical Requirements” section of this same FAQ.

  • Do I need to reserve a spot to a film if I am a passholder?
    You do not need to reserve a spot to a film as a passholder. Beginning on April 9 at 12:01am, you will have access the entire catalogue of SFFILM streaming films at watch.sffilm.org, excluding the few that have more limited streaming windows. While we have set aside a majority of the views for passholders, films do have viewing capacity limits, so we recommend watching films in order of your interest. If a film hits capacity and becomes unavailable, you will still have access to the entire rest of the streaming library.
  • What are my passholder credentials?

    Anyone who purchased a pass prior to April 5 will receive an email on April 5 with their username and a link to set their password, along with instructions on how to use your pass to watch films.

    Anyone who purchased their pass April 5 or after will sign in to watch.sffilm.org with the same email and password combination they used to purchase tickets. These are your passholder credentials!

    If you are a member who purchased tickets using your member # and last name, and do not have a password linked to your account, or if you cannot remember your password, please head to watch.sffilm.org, click “Forgot Password”, and complete the password creation process. Head back to watch.sffilm.org and try out your new password!

  • I have purchased a ticket. How do I access and watch my films?

    As soon as you have purchased tickets, you will receive a confirmation from community@sffilm.org containing a 9-digit ticket code for each film. Hold on to this email, and star or flag it to keep it easily accessible! Once the festival begins, you may click on the green button labeled “CLICK TO STREAM” to be taken directly to the film’s streaming page. Once you hit play, you will have 24 hours to watch the film.

    Alternatively, you may go to watch.sffilm.org, and manually input the 9-digit ticket code.

    You may also use Roku or Apple TV to stream any of our films; more information on that is in our “Technical Requirements” section of this same FAQ.

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

    Make sure you are signed in to your SFFILM account. If you have voucher codes that are not attached to your account, click “Know a Promotion Code?” at checkout and enter your code there. All vouchers are valid until May 1, 2021. E-mail community@sffilm.org if your voucher code is not working.

    Full ticket packs may be exchanged for a Festival Streaming Pass. Contact: members@sffilm.org.

  • Can I check out as a guest?
    You will need to create an account on the SFFILM website to attend the Festival, as all of your tickets to online and in-person programs will 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 Festival.
  • How do I view my order history?
    To sign in to your account click the SIGN IN icon in the upper right corner of the SFFILM website. Enter use either your username/email + password or your member number + last name to sign in. Click the Settings icon again (your initials should now be here), and "Order History" to find all your past orders.
  • I can't find my confirmation email.
    Check your Junk/Spam folder for an email from community@sffilm.org. If you find it there, please mark it as "Not Junk" and add us to your address book. If you still can't find it, sign into your SFFILM account and click on the Order History tab to access your recent orders.
  • I can't RSVP or add anything to my cart. I get an error message that says: "No tickets were found for the request criteria that you specified. Please try your request again.
    Make sure you are signed into your account and click the shopping cart icon in the top right corner.
  • What does it mean when a program is "at RUSH"? Can online programs go to RUSH?
    A show is AT RUSH when all advance tickets have sold out. All streaming films have audience capacity limits and may go to RUSH if that limit is reached. Check event pages for availability, and always get your tickets early to ensure you have a spot. During the festival, more tickets may become available during Festival Daily Noon Ticket Releases. Check back to the film's event page at noon daily during the festival to see if tickets have been released. Screenings at the Drive-In will have a RUSH line for vehicles, and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those in the RUSH line at showtime if space is available.

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, Apple TV, or Fire Stick to watch a screening?

    Yes! Here is an overview of how to set up your Roku or Apple TV to stream films.

    Ticket-buyers:

    • Download the “SFFILM” app on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick
    • Manually enter the 9 Digit Ticket Code found in the green CLICK TO STREAM button on your confirmation email.
    • You will be brought directly to the specific film’s event page. Click play to begin the film!
    • Repeat for any and all films you have purchased tickets for.

    Passholders:

    • Download the “SFFILM” app on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick.
    • Sign in with your Passholder Credentials. If you are having trouble signing in, please chat with our staff using the chat tool on our website, and they can get you set up.
  • 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 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.

  • What if the video playback stalls or does not play smoothly?

    We use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. If you’re on wifi, try moving closer to your router.

  • What if my screen is black and I only hear audio? Or if I don’t even hear audio at all?

    Check that your system meets the minimum requirements listed above in the Technical Requirements section. Try using a different browser or device if possible, to see if the issue persists. If none of these work, talk to our staff from 10am to 11pm (PT) using the chat tool in the bottom right corner!

  • I am seeing "Playback Error" when I try to stream films on my computer. Help!

    This error happens in a Google Chrome browser means you need to do a “hard reload” of your system, see our directions below. If you are getting this error outside of Google Chrome, please talk to our staff from 10am to 11pm (PT) using the chat tool on our website.

    To do a “hard reload” in Chrome on a Mac:

    • In the menu at the top of your screen, go to View -> Developer -> Developer Tools
    • Now right click on the “refresh” icon in Chrome and you should see an option to “Empty Cache and Hard Reload”
    • Choose that option and now try streaming the film. It should work!

    If that does not work for you, try a different web browser. For example, if you are using a Safari browser, try using Google Chrome or Firefox instead. If switching browsers does not work, try watching on a different device. For example, if the video is not playing on your iPad, try watching on a computer instead.

  • Can I cast from my iPad/iPhone to my TV using screen-mirroring?
    No. iPad & iPhone iOS doesn't support playback of encrypted video through screen-mirroring.
  • How do I pair my Apple TV app with my passholder login?

    Download the “SFFILM” app on your Apple TV. Once you are in the Apple TV app, you will see an option to sign in as a passholder. Click on that, and you can “pair” your TV with your computer using by navigating to www.watch.sffilm.org/pair and signing in using your credentials, or sign in directly on the Apple TV app.

Live Talks

  • How do I access the live talk that I have RSVP’d to?

    Live talks occur on the same event page where you RSVP’d. Refer to your confirmation email from community@sffilm.org. Prior to event start time click the green “Go to Event” button, and it will take you directly to the event page. Scroll down to find the window where the talk will begin. You can also navigate to the event on the SFFILM.org Live Events page.

    Alternatively, you can see all of your upcoming events by signing into your SFFILM account. Click the SIGN IN icon in the upper right corner of the SFFILM website. Use either your username/email + password or your member number + last name to sign in. Click the Settings icon again (your initials should now be here), and “Upcoming Events” to see a list of all events you have RSVP’d to in chronological order. Click “Go to Event”, and you will be taken directly to the desired event’s page.

  • Do I have to RSVP?
    RSVPing is required, as many of our events have audience capacity limits, and it is the only way you will receive an email reminder for the upcoming talk.
  • Can I watch live talks on my Roku or Apple TV?
    In order to keep live talks free, accessible, and open to audience engagement, these are all hosted on SFFILM.org. This means they cannot 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.
  • Are closed-captions available?
    Closed captioning is usually available on event recordings 3–5 days after the event. To request accommodations for a specific event, please e-mail ada@sffilm.org.

Streaming Restrictions

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

    All films presented at our festival are only viewable in the US. The following films are only viewable in the state of California:

    • Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It
    • Street Gang

    Our live talks may be viewed from anywhere!

  • Is every film available for the duration of the festival?

    Nearly every film is available to stream for the full duration of the festival, beginning on Friday, April 9 at 12:01 am and ending on Sunday, April 18 at 11:59 pm (PDT). There are only a few exceptions to this:

    • Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It, which becomes unavailable on Monday, April 12 at 8:30 am (PT)
    • Naked Singularity, which is not available to stream until Saturday, April 10 at 12:01 am (PT)
    • Socks on Fire, which is only available for passholders, is not available to stream until Saturday, April 10 at 6:30pm (PT).
    • Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street which is not available to stream until Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 pm (PT)

    All films are subject to viewing capacity limits and will become unavailable after that limit is reached.

  • How long do I have to watch a film once I start it?

    You have a 24 hour viewing window once you click play.

  • Can I stop watching and come back to my film later?
    You can pause your film and return to watch it later, as long as it is within the 24 hour viewing window.
  • What is the difference between a "streaming window" and a "viewing window"?
    The "streaming window" is the duration a given film will be available as part of the 2021 festival. The "viewing window" is the amount of time you have to watch the film once you hit play: 24 hours.
  • When is my last chance to watch a film?
    Films go offline once the streaming window ends. This means the streaming window will override your viewing window, even if you begin a film less than 24 hours before the streaming window ends. For example, almost all films will become unavailable at 11:59 pm (PDT) on Sunday, April 18. If your film hasn't finished by 11:59 pm (PDT) on April 18, it will turn off and become unavailable. We recommend beginning any films on April 18 before 9 pm (PDT), to ensure you can watch them to completion. Films with limited streaming windows may become unavailable earlier than 11:59 pm (PDT) on April 18.

Accessibility

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

2021 Schools at the Festival

About Schools at the Festival

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.

Throughout the 2021 San Francisco International Film Festival, classes from across the Bay Area will attend weekday online matinees of curated Festival film programs at no cost to students or educators. Dozens of filmmaker guests from around the world will also visit local classrooms online to discuss their films with students.

Contact Director of Education Keith Zwölfer at 415-561-5040 or kzwolfer@sffilm.org with questions about our SATF program and to find out how to get your kids involved.
 

2021 Schools at the Festival Program

About Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest

SFFILM Education is looking forward to presenting the twelfth annual Schools at the Festival Student Essay Contest at the 2021 San Francisco International Film Festival (April 9–18, 2021). 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.
 

2021 Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest