SFFILM

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

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Films in Competition

Presented at the Festival since its inaugural year in 1957, the Golden Gate Awards (GGAs) are among the most significant honors for emerging global film artists in the United States. Prizes are traditionally awarded in 12 narrative, documentary, mid-length, and short film categories and total $15,500 in cash awards. Watch the 2021 Golden Gate Awards presentation here.

2021 Golden Gate Awards Official Selections

Documentary Feature

Writing With Fire—McBaine Documentary Feature Award Winner
Rintu Thomas, Sushmit Ghosh, India

After Antarctica—McBaine Bay Area Documentary Feature Award Winner
(Bay Area)
Tasha Van Zandt, USA/Canada

Captains of Zaatari
Ali El Arabi, Egypt

In the Same Breath
Nanfu Wang, USA/China

Radiograph of a Family
Firouzeh Khosrovani, Iran/Switzerland/Norway

Seyran Ateş: Sex, Revolution and Islam
Nefise Özkal Lorentzen, Norway

Unseen Skies
Yaara Bou Melhem, Australia

We Are As Gods
(Bay Area)
David Alvarado, Jason Sussberg, USA

New Directors Prize

This Is My Desire—New Directors Jury Prize Winner
Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri, Nigeria/USA

A Leave—New Directors Jury Special Mention
Lee Ran-hee, South Korea

Holler
Nicole Riegel, USA

Home
Franka Potente, Germany/Netherlands

I’M FINE (Thanks for Asking)
Kelley Kali, Angelique Molina, USA

Poppy Field
Eugen Jebeleanu, Romania

Skies of Lebanon
Chloé Mazlo, France

The Whaler Boy
Philipp Yuryev, Russia

Critics Jury Prize

Nudo Mixteco—Critics Jury Award Winner
Angeles Cruz, Mexico

Cruz
Teresa Camou Guerrero, Mexico

The Dance of the 41
David Pablos, Mexico

Fauna
Nicolás Pereda, Mexico/Canada

Son of Monarchs
Alexis Gambis, Mexico

The Spokeswoman
Luciana Kaplan, Mexico

Animated Short

In the Shadow of the Pines—Animated Short Films Jury Prize Winner
Anne Koizumi, Canada

The Fire Next Time
Renaldho Pelle, United Kingdom

Step into the River
Weijia Ma, China

Documentary Short

Dial Home—Documentary Short Films Jury Prize Winner
César Martínez Barba, USA/Mexico

American Wildlife
Elizabeth Lo, USA

Halpate
Adam Piron, Adam Khalil, USA

Since you arrived, my heart stopped belonging to me
(Bay Area)
Erin Semine Kökdil, USA

Wavelengths
(Bay Area)
Jessie Zinn, USA

Family Films

To: Gerard—Family Films Jury Prize Winner
Taylor Meacham, USA

A Concerto Is a Conversation—Family Films Jury Honorable Mention
Ben Proudfoot, Kris Bowers, USA

Broken Bird
Rachel Harrison Gordon, USA

Intermission
Simon de Glanville, Alice Jones, Freddie Claire, UK

Kapaemahu
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, USA

The Magical Forest and the Things
Dave Russo, USA

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
Galen Fott, USA

Tulip
Andrea Love, Phoebe Wahl, USA

Mid-Lengths

Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Mama—Mid-Length Films Jury Prize Winner
Topaz Jones, rubberband. (Simon Davis, Jason Sondock), USA

Cloudscape
Sofía Gallisá Muriente, USA/Puerto Rico

Mum Is Pouring Rain
Hugo de Faucompret, France

Sing Me a Lullaby
Tiffany Hsiung, Canada

Tales of the Accidental City
Maïmouna Jallow, Kenya

Narrative Shorts

Jeûne d’été (Summer Fasting)—Narrative Short Films Jury Prize Winner
Abdenoure Ziane, France

Doretha’s Blues
Channing Godrey Peoples, USA

Freezerburn
(Bay Area)
Sarah Rattay-Maloney, USA

The Night Train
Jerry Carlsson, Sweden

New Visions

Here, Here New—Visions Short Films Jury Prize Winner
Joanne Cesario, Philippines

If You Hum at the Right Frequency
(Bay Area)
Daniel Freeman, USA

Signal 8
Simon Liu, Hong Kong

Youth Works

Through Their Eyes—Youth Works Jury Prize
Alisha Heng, USA

Music for the End of the World—Youth Works Jury Honorable Mention
Emmanuel Li, UK

A Cure for Humanity
(Bay Area)
Jared Fontecha, Iziyah Robinson, USA

Greta
Sofie Verweyen, USA

i hate winters.
Shivesh Pandey, India

ILEA
Samuel Correa, USA

Just as I am
Arianna Azzaro, Italy

Kozan
İlayda İşeri, Turkey

A LOCO VIVID DREAM
Marek Ścibior, Poland

Stranger Strings
Ava Salomon, USA

What’s that sound?
(Bay Area)
Tanya Cyster, USA

Previous Grant Programs

SFFILM is proud to have partnered with a number of notable foundations and partners over the years to create grant programs that directly fund and support films in various stages of production. Read below to learn more about our previous grant programs and check out the Supported Projects Database for information on the many films and filmmakers that are part of the SFFILM Makers community.

 

Catapult Documentary Fellowship

SFFILM and the Catapult Film Fund supported filmmakers in the early stages of development on compelling, story-driven, feature-length documentary films. The fellowship was geared towards emerging filmmakers who have directed short films previously and for whom this is their first feature, or filmmakers who have directed one or two features already.
Awards were made once a year to three films. In addition to a $10,000 grant, fellows received mentorship by industry professionals whose work or artistic approach aligned with the filmmaker’s goals, guidance from SFFILM and Catapult Film Fund staff, and access to SFFILM’s FilmHouse residency and dynamic suite of artist development services. This fellowship allowed filmmakers to create a strong fundraising trailer and core application with which they used to bring on additional key team members, partners, and funders.

SFFS/Hearst Screenwriting Grant

The Hearst Screenwriting Grant awarded $15,000 annually to a screenwriter who had been practicing for at least five years and who had previously written a minimum of one feature screenplay. The grant was open to writers residing in the United States whose project expressed both a unique personal perspective and an artistic approach to the subject. Priority was given to writers whose previous short or feature screenplays have successfully been produced into finished films.

Vulcan Productions Environmental Fellowship

The SFFILM Vulcan Productions Environmental Fellowship supported documentary filmmakers telling powerful stories about the environment and/or conservation. The fellowship, originally launched in 2018, included a $25,000 grant, an advisor with expertise in the specific environmental topic being explored, and access to SFFILM’s dynamic suite of artist development services, including an educational lesson plan. The fellow also traveled to San Francisco and Vulcan Production’s headquarters in Seattle to partake in workshops and activities that address filmmaking, the environment, and entertainment industry connections.

Westridge Grant

The SFFILM Westridge Grant supported US-based, independent narrative feature films in the screenwriting phase. Grants were awarded twice annually to projects that address social issues and pressing questions of our time through creative and original storytelling. The SFFILM Westridge Grant was open to US-based filmmakers whose stories take place in the United States.
A total of $200,000 was granted annually through this program, with four or five $20,000–$25,000 grants awarded each spring and fall. In addition to financial support, grantees received a range of benefits through SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs, as well as support and feedback from SFFILM and Westridge Foundation staff.

Women, Peace, and Security

SFFILM was awarded a grant from the Compton Foundation to launch the Women, Peace, and Security Fellowship, open to both documentary and narrative filmmakers who were telling stories of women’s efforts to end conflict and advance peace. Two $25,000 grants were allocated through consecutive fellowships in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018.
Created with the goal of inspiring filmmakers to tell stories of courageous women leaders, generate conversation across public audiences, and encourage policymakers to invest in women as essential actors in effective peace-building and violence prevention, the Women, Peace, and Security Fellowship supported a filmmaker dedicated to elevating women’s efforts to end conflict and advance peace. In addition to financial support, SFFILM provided fellows with connections to advisors with expertise in the subject matter of their film, networking opportunities, and active support from SFFILM staff and from mentors within the Bay Area creative community.

Digital Content Manager

Overview

SFFILM’s seasonal Digital Content Manager works closely with the Director of External Relations and members of the communications team to design and implement the organization’s content and communications strategy across web, print, social, and email marketing. This position oversees the development of all content for the SFFILM Festival, including project management of production timelines and cross-departmental deadlines and deliverables..

This is a full-time temporary role from February 1 to April 23. This role can be performed remotely, but strong preference for someone based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Responsibilities

Content Creation and Development (70%)

  • Support the strategic planning for and lead the implementation of SFFILM’s Festival web, email, social content calendar and strategy, ensuring timely completion of all digital content deliverables.
  • Manage the design, production and distribution of all Festival communications collateral.
  • Work closely with SFFILM’s Programming department on the development of all film-related content and collection of digital film assets for the Festival web build, as well as the schedule for ticket sales and public program announcements.
  • Collaborate with the Graphic Design team on creation of assets for digital campaigns, email and web builds, and printed materials.
  • Support the production timeline and content creation processes for all SFFILM social media channels.
  • Support the timing and creation of all images, banners, and slides for SFFILM website and email communications.
  • Adhere firmly to all brand style guides and promote adherence in all SFFILM external communications.
  • Maintain SFFILM’s library of digital assets between the organization’s file server and Dropbox and within our WordPress content management system.

Project Management (25%)

  • Project manage and strategically plan the processes for all print, web, email production processes related to the Festival.
  • Work closely with the Box Office team to ensure timely build of all events within the ticketing database and Point of Sale system. Oversee integration of the ticket products build into SFFILM’s WordPress website to ensure accuracy.
  • Support SFFILM’s Tech and Media department on all video capture needs including project management of video content production timelines.
  • Manage all photo capture leading up to and during the SFFILM Festival, including photographer relationships, budgeting, and scheduling.
  • Support the creation of production and delivery schedule for all external and internal collateral including outdoor materials, (web/banner ads), print ads, newsletter blurbs, (website content,) audio and video PSAs

Administration (5%)

  • Maintain productive, efficient relationships with contractors and developers.
  • Monitor budgets for web builds, email marketing, and print production. Track progress to actuals and manage the processing of relevant purchase orders and invoices.

Qualifications

  • Superior written and strong oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of content and communications activities.
  • Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience managing the design and production of web and email content.
  • Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite as well as web content management and email marketing tools, such as WordPress and Mailchimp.
  • Experience with FilmMaker Pro a plus.
  • Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Pay rate: $20 per hour, eligible for overtime pay
This position will be expected to work overtime leading up to and during the SFFILM Festival.

Due to current health restrictions, all interviews will take place over Zoom, with a preference for video. If we reach out to you for an interview, please let us know if you require any technical accommodations or support.

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.

Press Office Manager

Overview

The Communications team at SFFILM is seeking a Press Office Manager to oversee the PR office for the 64th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 9–18, 2021).

The Press Office Manager is a dynamic, organized, highly personable, and self-directed Public Relations professional. This role requires high attention to detail, as well as a commitment to follow-through and execution. The Press Office Manager will manage a team of two direct reports to organize media access to SFFILM Festival events. The candidate will have a proven track record in capturing an organization’s brand voice across all media and writing projects.

This is a full-time temporary role from February 1 to April 23. This role can be performed remotely, and we will gladly consider candidates from outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the activities of the SFFILM Festival Press Office.
  • Manage entire seasonal Press Office team during the spring, including schedules and assignments. Direct reports include the Press Office Coordinator and two Publicists.
  • Manage the Festival’s PR timeline, including all press announcements made leading up to and at the Festival press conference on March 18.
  • Pitch SFFILM programs and events to high-level press contacts, including organizing interviews.
  • Liaise with studios, PR firms, and talent reps about Festival events and activities, including coordinating social media needs.
  • Facilitate all on-site press coverage at SFFILM Festival in-person and virtual events, such as managing press access, overseeing red carpets, and setting up interviews.
  • Hire, train and oversee Press Office interns.
  • Write press releases for SFFILM Festival.
  • Design and develop tools to deliver materials, track coverage, and compile accurate statistics regarding publicity performance.
  • Participate in social media content generation alongside other Communications team members, including on-site event capture and posting relevant press coverage.
  • Coordinate schedules of photographers and video capture teams at year-round programs and during the Festival.
  • Manage external PR firms and consultants as needed.
  • Support Director of Communications and Director of Marketing in maintenance of the Communications departments Editorial Calendar.

Qualifications

  • 2–3 years’ experience in a similar position is strongly encouraged, preferably in an arts-related environment.
  • Attention to detail, significant diplomacy skills, consummate professionalism, ability to multitask, and prioritize competing responsibilities, with grace under pressure.
  • Open to working off-business hours occasionally as needed, especially around SFFILM Festival schedule of events.
  • Ability to maintain utmost discretion and confidentiality.
  • Adept at anticipating problems before they arise and juggle multiple priorities at once.
  • Comfortable working with limited supervision in a dynamic small office environment.
  • Familiarity with Press Office tools, systems, reporting, and analytics.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in film or television production is beneficial, particularly a general familiarity with who’s who in the film industry.

Pay rate: $21 per hour, eligible for overtime pay
This position will be expected to work overtime leading up to and during the SFFILM Festival.

Due to current health restrictions, all interviews will take place over Zoom, with a preference for video. If we reach out to you for an interview, please let us know if you require any technical accommodations or support.

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.

Senior Manager, HR & Administration

Overview

Working closely with SFFILM’s Managing Director, the Senior Manager of HR & Administration serves as the lead project manager for all human resources, finance, and administrative functions of the organization. A successful Senior Manager will be a highly detail-oriented and effective task manager, as well as an adept strategic problem solver focused on ensuring SFFILM is attracting and retaining top talent and streamlining administrative operations to maximize quality and efficiency while reducing costs. By working with various teams to drive decision-making related to organizational processes, the Senior Manager serves as a cross-functional facilitator to ensure best use of interdepartmental resources.

Responsibilities

  • Human Resources (50%)
    • Oversee all hiring processes and timelines, working collaboratively with hiring managers from the point of Job Description creation to final candidate selection.
    • Lead the onboarding for all new employees, contractors, interns, and Festival staff including creation of contracts, paperwork processing, and orientation. 
    • Enter and maintain all data in org-wide payroll system Gusto and support the preparation of semi-monthly payroll. 
    • Manage all aspects of the employee benefits program including Paid Time Off and health benefits administration.
    • Maintain a strong understanding of all federal, state and city labor laws ensuring SFFILM’s continued compliance. 
    • Lead the implementation of semi-annual employee evaluation processes and make recommendations for process improvements. 
    • Oversee the SFFILM Internship Program, leading the strategy for a program that offers consistent and meaningful experiences for interns across all departments.
    • Serve as a first point of contact for all human resources related staff inquiries and issues, escalating items to the Managing Director as appropriate.
    • Support the enforcement of SFFILM’s Code of Conduct including oversight of the safety@sffilm.org email address, escalating matters to the Managing Director as appropriate.
    • In collaboration with the Managing Director, support the consistent use of culturally competent and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA)-centered practices at SFFILM, especially in relation to hiring, staff retention, and internal processes. 
    • Support the maintenance of a healthy, positive and inclusive work culture through the planning and execution of staff activities and DEIA trainings. 
    • Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Leadership team in designing new roles and defining responsibilities for changing staff positions.
    • Oversee the professional development budget, working with staff to encourage use of these funds and approving proposals.
  • Finance (30%)
    • Project manage the annual budget process, working closely with the Director of Finance and Managing Director to set timelines, build budget retreat agendas, ensure adherence to deadlines, and negotiate the allocation of resources across various departments and programs.
    • Support the day-to-day operations of the Finance department including payables, receivables, reconciliations, and other tasks as needed.
    • Support the effective and consistent use of all org-wide Finance tools, including but not limited to Gusto, PO and Checks databases, and deposit logs.
    • Oversee the processing and distribution of all incoming and outgoing checks in collaboration with Office Manager.
    • Serve as on-site, and often first, point of contact for Finance questions and needs from staff.
    • Support the creation and maintenance of the Administration department budget, working with the Director of Finance and Managing Director on strategy for operating categories.
  • Administration (20%)
    • Support Managing Director in guiding systems and technology strategy, working with interdepartmental teams to define protocols and create usage guides for organizational tools and systems. 
    • Lead Org Effectiveness (OE) team and co-lead Tech Tools (TT) team, which work to improve the quality and efficiency of SFFILM work through refinement of internal policies and practices (OE) and technology systems (TT).
    • Advise on implementation of org-wide facilities and systems transitions in collaboration with the Operations team.
    • Maintain all HR, Finance and Admin files and filing systems. 
    • Liaise with insurance brokers and issue Certificates of Insurance as needed, supporting annual insurance renewals and escalating questions from staff to brokers.
    • Support Managing Director on other organizational strategy projects as needed.

Qualifications

  • At least 3 years direct HR experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated understanding of basic accounting principles and experience with budget creation and management.
  • Knowledge of Quickbooks, Excel, and FileMaker a plus.
  • Passion for fostering a positive work culture deeply rooted in equity and inclusion.
  • Strong communications skills in the written and verbal forms.
  • Skills in mediation and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and utilize strategic problem solving to address organizational challenges.
  • High attention to detail and ability to work with high accuracy in a fast paced environment.

Due to current health restrictions, all interviews will take place over Zoom, with a preference for video. If we reach out to you for an interview, please let us know if you require any technical accommodations or support.

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.