• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

SFFILM

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

  • Calendar
  • Festival
  • 2024 Festival
    • Festival Program
      • Calendar
    • Explore
      • Sections + Spotlights
      • Awards + Competition
      • Schools at the Festival
      • About the Festival
      • Dining + Travel
    • How-To
      • Tickets
      • FAQ
      • Press Center
      • PDF of Program
      • Volunteer
  • Join + Give
    • Join UsSFFILM is a community of film lovers and filmmakers dedicated to the art of cinema.
      • Become a Member
      • Become a Patron
      • Make a Gift
      • Volunteer
    • PartnerReach film fans through a customized partnership of the Festival and our many year-round programs!
      • Get Involved
      • Corporate Partners
      • Government + Foundations
      • Community Partners
  • Filmmakers + Education
    • Artist Development
      • Fund Your Film
      • FilmHouse Residency
      • Filmmaker Programming
      • SFFILM Supported
    • Education
      • Schools at the Festival
      • Family Programming
      • Teaching Tools
      • Video Library
      • See All
  • SIGN IN

Uncategorized

Staff Driver

This position is no longer accepting applications.

2022 SFFILM Festival FAQ

Overview

  • Are any films available to stream this year?
    No. All of our programs are in-person with the exception of Live Talks, many of which will also be recorded and viewable on our website. We are committed to ensuring in-person experiences that are as safe as possible for our patrons and continuing to monitor city public health guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19. Please read the COVID-19 section of our FAQ for more details.
  • When should I arrive at a screening venue?
    Doors generally open 30–60 minutes prior to a film start time. Please arrive early to your screening to ensure there is ample time for you to have your proof of vaccine checked before the screening begins. Ticket or pass holders arriving fewer than 15 minutes prior to showtime cannot be guaranteed a seat, even with a ticket or a pass. No refunds or exchanges will be given to ticket or pass holders who arrive late.
  • Are there any free programs?

    Yes! The following programs are available for free:

    Community Screening: Land of Gold
    Movie Magic: How the Music Gets Made (Online Talk)
    Archival Footage in Documentary Filmmaking (Online Talk)
    Crossings: Navigating Visibility (Online Talk)
    Keep It Brief: Short Films on the Rise (Online Talk)
    Homebase: A Spotlight on Bay Area Talent (Online Talk)
    Shifting Landscapes: The State of Cinema (Online Talk)
    Golden Gate Awards Ceremony (Online Awards Presentation)

  • Can I bring my kids to the SFFILM Festival?
    Programs during the 2022 SFFILM Festival are often unrated and parents should use their own discretion when bringing children to films. If you have questions about the age appropriateness of one of our programs, please contact info@sffilm.org.

    Click here to see a list of family-friendly programs.
  • What is 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.

Accessibility

  • Where can I find a PDF of the Festival guide?
    Please download the PDF version of the guide HERE.
  • Will films and other events have closed captions available?

    Yes! The following screenings have closed captions available

    I Didn’t See You There
    Happening
    Hatching
    Master of Light
    Music + Film: 32 Sounds
    Palm Trees and Power Lines
    The Exiles
    TikTok, Boom.
    Riotsville, USA
    The Thief Collector
    Sloan Science on Screen Award: Linoleum
    Sell/Buy/Date

    We are not generally able to provide captioning for live online events, however all online talks will have recordings available, and recordings will be captioned generally 3–5 days after the event.

  • Will any films have audio description available?
    Yes! The following screenings have audio description available:

    I Didn’t See You There
  • Will any events have American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation?

    Yes! The following events will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation provided:

    I Didn’t See You There (April 29 at Victoria Theatre)
    The Exiles (April 23 at Victoria Theatre)
    TikTok, Boom.
    Sloan Science on Screen Award: Linoleum
    The Box
    Happening (April 23 at Victoria Theatre)
    Hatching

  • I would like assistance purchasing tickets somewhere other than your website. Is there a phone number I can call?
    Yes! Please call 415-561-5006.
  • Do you have a point person for onsite ADA requests?
    During the SFFILM festival, SFFILM venue managers will be your point person.
  • Are service dogs welcome?
    Yes. Service animals on a leash and under their owner’s control are welcome in all venues. Emotional support animals are not.
  • What if I have more questions about accessibility at specific SFFILM venues?
    You can read more here!
  • I have additional questions about accessibility. Who can I contact?
    Please e-mail us at ADA@SFFilm.org or call 415-561-5000. You can read more here!

COVID-19 Policy

  • What is SFFILM’s COVID-19 protocol?

    SFFILM recognizes that public health guidelines are constantly evolving and we may update safety protocols as needed leading up to and during the Festival. Your safety is our top priority and while we are working closely with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, our policies may not always align with SFDPH guidelines.

    MASKS
    Masks must be worn inside all SFFILM Festival venues when not eating or drinking. When at a screening, masks may only be removed when actively eating or drinking once seated. Masks must be worn in theater lobbies and restrooms.

    VACCINATIONS
    We require proof of vaccination and a photo ID at the door. Photo ID is not required for children under the age of 18.

    For patrons under 5: SFFILM requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day (for antigen tests) or two days (for PCR tests) before entry into the venue. Self-attestation may not be used to verify a negative test result, even when using over-the-counter (or at-home tests). All at-home tests require a third-party, such as a telehealth organization, to verify the results via video call.

    For patrons ages 5 and over: “full vaccination” means you have completed the initial series (2 doses) of Pfizer or Moderna or received the one dose of Johnson & Johnson.


    An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. By attending the 65th San Francisco International Film Festival, you expressly agree to comply with all rules and safety guidelines put in place by the event organizers, and voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, waiving all claims and potential claims against the event organizers and their affiliated companies relating to such risks.
  • How can I show my proof of vaccination?
    Physical vaccination cards, photos of vaccination cards, or digital vaccine cards are acceptable forms of vaccination proof.

    You can register for a digital copy of your vaccination record here:

    https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
  • How do I know if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
    If you completed both shots in the initial Pfizer or Moderna series over 5 months ago or received the initial one shot from Johnson & Johnson over 2 months ago, you are eligible for a booster.

    To read more about booster eligibility please visit:

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
  • Can I use a negative COVID-19 test as an alternative to providing proof of vaccination?

    For patrons 5 and over: A negative COVID test as an alternative to proof of vaccination is not accepted.

    For patrons under the age of 5: A negative ANTIGEN test taken 1 day prior to entry or a negative PCR test taken within 2 days prior to entry may be used to attend an SFFILM Festival event.

    Photos of self-administered at-home tests will be accepted.

  • What are your cleaning protocols?
    To provide our patrons with the safest experience possible, SFFILM has taken measures to increase the turnover time between screenings, increase airflow at all venues, and enhance cleaning regimens.

Buying Tickets

  • Can I check out as a guest?
    No. If you do not have an account with SFFILM, you will be asked to create one during the checkout process.
  • What does it mean if a show is AT RUSH?
    Rush tickets may be available just before showtime, and sometimes as part of the daily Noon Ticket Release. At theaters, a rush line will form outside the venue 30–60 minutes before the screening starts. Once all ticket and pass holders are seated, any empty seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those in the rush line. We offer one ticket per person waiting in line at the time of admission.

    Rush tickets are not available at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Please be advised that not all shows at rush will have tickets released.
  • What is the best way to see all the movies?
    By becoming a Star, Director or Storyteller level member! These memberships include a Ticket 10-Pack that can be used to redeem tickets to regularly priced screenings for the duration of the membership. Click here to learn more.
  • I’m having trouble logging into my account.
    SFFILM Members: Click the gray box at the top of the login screen to choose which set of credentials you prefer to use.

    1. Email + password
    2. Member Number + password

    Returning customers: Log in during checkout by entering your username OR email + password

    New Customers: You will be instructed to create an account at checkout.
  • My email address and password are not working.
    For help with your email address: Search your inbox and spam folder for a confirmation message from community@sffilm.org. If you do not see a confirmation message, you are trying to log in with a different email address than the one associated with your SFFILM account.

    For help with your password:
    1. Click “Forgot your password?”
    2. Enter the email address associated with your membership.
    3. Click “Send Me A Reset Link”
    4. Check your inbox and spam folder for a message from community@sffilm.org with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Reset Request” and click “Reset Password.”

    *If this is your first time logging into an account that was created for you by an SFFILM staff member, please look for an email with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Account Creation” and click “Create Web Account.”

    If you experience any issues while following the steps above, it’s possible that your account information does not match what you are entering. Please contact us by clicking the blue chat icon in the corner of the page, which will be actively managed every day of the festival from 2pm-8pm PST.
  • My member number and password are not working.

    For help with your member number:
    1. Click “Forgot your Number?”
    2. Enter the first name, last name and zip code associated with your membership
    3. Select “SFFILM Membership”
    4. Click “Sign In” after your member number populates.

    For help with your password:
    1. After clicking “Sign In,” confirm that the “Info” and “Name” fields are correct.
    2. Click “Forgot your password?”
    3. Enter the email address associated with your membership.
    4. Click “Send Me A Reset Link”
    5. Check your inbox and spam folder for a message from community@sffilm.org with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Reset Request” and click “Reset Password.”

    *If this is your first time logging into an account that was created for you by an SFFILM staff member, please look for an email with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Account Creation” and click “Create Web Account.”

    If you experience any issues while following the steps above, it’s possible that your account information does not match what you are entering. Please contact us by clicking the blue chat icon in the corner of the page, which will be actively managed every day of the festival from 2 pm - 8 pm PT.

  • 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."
    The ticket has most likely gone to your cart. Please click the shopping cart icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, and see if the ticket is already there. If it is not, please contact us via our chatbot from 2 pm - 8 pm PT daily during the festival, email us at info@sffilm.org, or call the Box Office at 415-561-5006
  • How do I get the tickets I bought?
    All tickets for SFFILM events and screenings are Print at home/E-delivery. Search your inbox and spam folder for an email from community@sffilm.org that contains your scannable ticket.
  • 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 as ‘Not Junk’ and add us to your address book.
  • How do I access my tickets or view my order history?
    To access your tickets in your inbox: Search your inbox and spam folder for an email from community@sffilm.org that contains your scannable ticket.

    To view your order history at sffilm.org: 1. Sign in to your SFFILM account 2. Navigate to the user menu and click "Order History"
  • Can I transfer my tickets to someone else?
    Yes! Tickets can be easily transferred by forwarding the confirmation email that contains an attached PDF to the desired recipient.
  • What is SFFILM's cancellation policy?
    To learn more about our cancellation policy, please click here.
  • I still have questions. Who can I contact?
    We're here to help! You can contact us by clicking the blue chat icon in the corner of the page, which will be actively managed every day of the festival from 2 pm - 8 pm PT, or by emailing info@sffilm.org.

Ticket Packs

  • What is a Festival Ticket Pack?
    Festival Ticket Packs come in bundles of six or 10 and can be redeemed for screenings and events with a value of up to $35. These Ticket Packs expire at the end of the 2022 Festival.

    Click here to learn more.
  • I purchased a Festival Ticket Pack online. How do I redeem my tickets?

    SFFILM Members can begin redeeming tickets to the 65th annual SFFILM Festival on March 30, 2022. General public redemption begins April 1, 2022.

    1. Sign in with the same username OR email + password you used to purchase your Ticket Package.

    2. Navigate to any regularly-priced screening and click GET TICKETS.

    3. $0.00 “Ticket 10-Package” or “Ticket 6-Package” ticket price will appear. Select the quantity of tickets you want beside the $0.00 option and click ADD TO CART then proceed to checkout. You will receive an order confirmation when you’ve successfully redeemed your Ticket Package for specific screenings.

    If you do not see a $0.00 ticket price after signing in, or cannot find a confirmation e-mail for your Ticket Package purchase, please contact us by clicking the blue chat icon in the corner of the page.

  • How do I purchase discounted Ticket Packages at the member rate?
    1. On the Ticket Packages page, click BUY NOW, and then click SIGN IN

    2. Use either your email OR username + password or member number + last name to sign in.

    3. Select the Member price Ticket Package and proceed to checkout

Membership

  • How do I become a member?
    We’re so glad you asked! Click HERE.
  • How do I renew my membership?

    You can renew any of the following ways:
    1. Renew online!
    2. Send a check with memo “Membership Renewal” made out to SFFILM at 455 9th Street, San Francisco CA 94103

  • How can I renew online?
    1. Sign in HERE
      Click the gray box at the top of the login screen to choose which set of credentials you prefer to use. Insert member number + password OR email + password
    2. This will redirect the page to the “My Account” with 5 options on the left hand side of the webpage (Contact Info, Password, Upcoming Events, My Membership, Order History). Click “My Membership.” Click the green bar RENEW MEMBERSHIP
    3. Select the renewal price (please find an overview of each membership’s benefits HERE and patron’s benefits HERE)
      For your membership to be automatically renewed each year, check off “Check To Automatically Renew This Membership”
    4. The page will redirect to finalize the order. Click the green bar CHECKOUT. Select MAKE DONATION or click “No Thanks.” Confirm the billing address and email and click the green bar CONTINUE
    5. The page will redirect for payment information
      Once payment information has been filled out, click the green bar MAKE PAYMENT

    Done! An email confirmation of your payment and membership details will be sent to the email connected to your SFFILM account (it may take a while to appear in your inbox and might fall in spam, junk, promotional, or social folders)

  • I forgot my email, member number, and/or password associated with my account.

    For help with Member Numbers:

    1. Click “Forgot your Number?”
    2. Enter the First Name, Last Name and Zip Code associated with the membership
    3. Select “SFFILM Membership”
    4. Click “Sign In” after the member number populates.

    For help with Passwords:

    1. After clicking “Sign In,” confirm that the “Info” and “Name” fields are correct.
    2. Click “Forgot your password?”
    3. Enter the email address associated with your membership.
    4. Click “Send Me A Reset Link”
    5. Check your inbox and spam folder for a message from community@sffilm.org with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Reset Request” and click “Reset Password.”

    *If this is your first time logging into an account that was created for you by an SFFILM staff member, please look for an email with the subject line “SFFILM Password Assistance – Account Creation” and click “Create Web Account.”

    If you experience any issues while following the steps above, it’s possible that your account information does not match what you are entering. Please email members@sffilm.org with any issues.

  • How can I access the member pre-sale?
    Member pre-sale notices are sent via email. Follow the link in the message to purchase tickets, or check our website calendar of events. Be sure to sign in to our website with your member information to purchase tickets at the member rate.
  • How can I find my member number?
    You can search for it by clicking the SIGN IN icon on the top right corner of SFFILM.org. Click LOG IN and choose “Forgot your number?” Enter your First Name, Last Name and Zip code. Select “SFFILM Membership” and click “Sign In” after the member number populates.
  • I am a Star, Director or Storyteller level member. What happens to my leftover Ticket Pack tickets when I renew my membership?
    Benefit Ticket Packs expire when the membership does, so get out and see all the films you can. If you renew your membership early, unused tickets from your previous cycle will rollover, but they will still expire on the original membership expiration date. Our ticketing website will always redeem the oldest tickets first.
  • How do I redeem the Ticket Pack included with my SFFILM membership?

    Complimentary Ticket Pack(s) included with memberships at the Star level and above will appear as a payment option when applicable events are live on our website.*

    1. Navigate to any regular priced screening, click Buy Tickets
    2. Sign in to your membership account
    3. Choose the $0.00 Ticket 10-Pack price option from the list of ticket prices
    4. Proceed to checkout
  • What is the difference between a Member Benefit Ticket pack and a Festival Ticket Pack?
    Purchased Ticket Packs expire at the end of our annual Festival and will not rollover for use at other SFFILM events. The Ticket Packs linked to memberships last a full 12 months.

Online Events

  • What programs are available online for the 2022 SFFILM Festival?

    This year’s online talks offer something for everyone. See the list below:


    Movie Magic: How the Music Gets Made (Online Talk)
    Archival Footage in Documentary Filmmaking (Online Talk)
    Crossings: Navigating Visibility (Online Talk)
    Keep It Brief: Short Films on the Rise (Online Talk)
    Homebase: A Spotlight on Bay Area Talent (Online Talk)
    Shifting Landscapes: The State of Cinema (Online Talk)
    Golden Gate Awards Ceremony (Online Awards Presentation)

  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Will these events be recorded and available later to watch?
    Event recordings are typically available post-event on the original event page.
  • 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.
  • I’m having issues joining this event. Who can I contact?
    For the fastest response, use the SFFILM chatbot (the dialogue icon in the right corner of your screen).

    For member events, contact members@sffilm.org.
    For education and family events, contact education@sffilm.org.
    For all other events, please contact info@sffilm.org.

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

2022 Festival Venues

On this page: Castro Theatre | Roxie Theater | Victoria Theatre | Vogue Theatre | BAMPFA

Castro Theatre

  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?

    Some crosswalks and intersections near-by have navigable curb cuts.

  • Are there steep hills?

    Not directly by the theatre.

  • Are there ripped up sidewalks
    No.
  • Are there any special ways to get accessible seating in the theater?
    Theatre door staff will ask patrons with mobility devices if any assistance is needed. The theatre wheelchair access area is located at the back of the auditorium and easy to find.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?

    Yes.

  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    Yes.
  • Do you offer any hearing assistance devices?

    The Castro Theatre has assisted hearing devices (6) a radio-like receiver with headphones. You can obtain a hearing device by leaving a state issued drivers license with the theatre operations manager.

Roxie Theater

  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?
    It is semi-easy to navigate the surrounding area. It is 1.5 blocks from the 16th Street BART stop.

    The sidewalks are pretty smooth and the curbs are easy to navigate. The challenge at the Roxie is the slope into the front doors which is on the steeper side.

    It is best to have someone assist a person in a wheelchair in getting up the slope, but it can be navigated without assistance.
  • Are there steep hills?
    No. The only challenge at the Roxie is the slope into the front doors which is on the steeper side.

    It is best to have someone assist a person in a wheelchair in getting up the slope, but it can be navigated without assistance.
  • Are there ripped up sidewalks?
    The sidewalks are pretty smooth and the curbs are easy to navigate.
  • Are there any ways to get accessible seating in the theater?
    All ADA seats are marked with blue signs. There are two wheelchair-accessible spots with reserved ADA companion spots next to them. The outside armrests of these two companion seats can be lifted up.

    There are 4 other ADA accessible spots on the edge of the rows with more legroom. These spots are located 1/3 way down the rows of seats in the middle on both aisle sides of the auditorium with very good views of the screen.

    Little Roxie: There are two wheelchair-accessible spots in the Little Roxie Theater. One ADA spot is in a larger seat with more legroom and a blue ADA sign, the other is a space for a wheelchair.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?
    Unfortunately, the restrooms in the Big Roxie are not wheelchair friendly due to the age of the building, but there are two bathrooms in the Little Roxie theater that are fully ADA accessible. Any Roxie staff member or volunteer can show you where those are and escort you.
  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    No.
  • Do you offer open captioning or assisted listening devices?
    The Big Roxie now has assistive listening and open captioning devices for our hearing and visually-impaired patrons. We have headsets that increase the volume of film audio, and with select screenings offer a descriptive audio track. We also have open captioning devices providing captions of film audio, available at select screenings. The receiver is attached to an angled flex-arm with a base and built-in cup holder that screws into the theater seat arm’s cup holder. The receiver has a screen which displays subtitles for the patron.
  • Is there an ADA contact person?
    If you have questions, feedback, or special accessibility needs please email ada@roxie.com or call the office at 415 431 3611 during normal business hours Mon-Fri 10 am–6 pm.

Victoria Theatre

  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?
    The area can be tough to navigate at times due to the high volume of tent encampments that can block sidewalks.
  • Are there steep hills?
    No.
  • Are there ripped up sidewalks?
    No.
  • Are there easily navigable curb cuts?
    The curbs have all been cut for wheelchairs access.
  • Are there any special ways to get accessible seating in the theater?
    ADA seating is available on the right side of the theater. Wheelchair users should note that there is a slight ramp to get up to the ADA seating area.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?
    Yes. The men’s room is also the ADA bathroom and has one urinal and toilet.
  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    The soap used is Dial hand soap.
  • Do you offer open captioning or assisted listening devices?
    Unfortunately no.
  • Is there an ADA contact person?

    If patrons have any additional questions about ADA, they can email the theatre, info@VictoriaTheatre.org

Vogue Theatre

  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?

    The sidewalks around the Vogue are wide and accessible.

  • Are there steep hills?

    There are some hills. Both Sacramento St and Presidio have fairly steep inclines leading to the theater.

  • Are there ripped up sidewalks?

    No. The sidewalks are smooth and easy to navigate.

  • Are there easily navigable curb cuts?

    Yes.

  • Are there any special ways to get accessible seating in the theater?

    The Vogue's accessible seating is accessed through the doors on either side of the concession stand. There is ample accessible seating towards the back of the theater, which is near the entrances.

  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?

    Yes, both restrooms are accessible.

  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?

    Yes.

BAMPFA

  • How easy is it to navigate the surrounding area for a wheelchair?
    It's easy to navigate.
  • Are there steep hills?
    No.
  • Are there ripped up sidewalks?
    No.
  • Are there easily navigable curb cuts?
    Yes.
  • Are there any special ways to get accessible seating in the theater?
    There is an elevator to the left at the base of the stairs to the theater.
  • Are there accessible bathroom stalls?
    Yes.
  • Is there unscented soap in restrooms?
    Yes.
  • Do you offer hearing assistance devices?
    Yes. Both headphones and wireless neckloop devices are available. We also offer Closed Captioning when applicable. We have 6 USL CCR-100 devices.
  • Is there an ADA contact person?

    Please contact BAMPFA in advance at bampfa@berkeley.edu

2022 Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Essay Contest

SFFILM Education presented the thirteenth annual Schools at the Festival Student Essay Contest at the 65th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21–May 1, 2022). 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 was pleased to have teachers and their students back for this Schools at the Festival program. This year, we encouraged freedom in student essay responses across K-12 classrooms, and winning essays were determined based on creativity, depth, enthusiasm, clarity, grammar. Essays needed to be written in response to any of the in-person or online Schools at the Festival screenings.

This year’s honorable mentions are awarded in loving memory of Owen Lucas Chan.

See the contest winners below:

Elementary School, Grades 1-5
Grand Prize ($250 cash prize): Alba Bailey Valera
Runner-up ($175 cash prize): Cleo Fowler
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Tiffany Li
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Tucker Addiego

Middle School, Grades 6-8
Grand Prize ($400 cash prize): Ella Picketts
Runner-up ($250 cash prize): Saphina Sid
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Hudson Addiego
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Rover Dijkstra

High School, Grades 9-12
Grand Prize ($600 cash prize): Marviel Mateo
Runner-up ($350 cash prize): Maggie O’Shea
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Jayna Dighe
Honorable Mention ($100 cash prize): Anisha Dwarka

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

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.

McBaine Documentary Feature

I Didn’t See You There—GGA Winner
Reid Davenport, USA

Master of Light—GGA Winner
Rosa Ruth Boesten, USA, Netherlands

Children of the Mist
Diễm Hà Lệ, Vietnam

The Exiles
Violet Columbus, Ben Klein, USA, Taiwan, France, China

Fire of Love
Sara Dosa, USA, Canada

Jeannette
Maris Curran, USA

Mija
Isabel Castro, USA

No Simple Way Home
Akuol de Mabior, South Sudan, Kenya, South Africa

Riotsville, USA
Sierra Pettengill, USA

TikTok, Boom.
Shalini Kantayya, USA

New Directors Prize

Hit the Road—GGA Winner
Panah Panahi, Iran

Sublime—GGA Honorable Mention
Mariano Biasin, Argentina

Costa Brava, Lebanon
Mounia Akl, Lebanon, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Qatar

Fire on the Plain
Zhang Ji, China

The Gravedigger’s Wife
Khadar Ayderus Ahmed, Finland, Germany, France

The Hill Where Lionesses Roar
Luàna Bajrami, Kosovo, France

Palm Trees and Power Lines
Jamie Dack, USA

Sonne
Kurdwin Ayub, Austria

Animated Short

Sierra—GGA Winner
Sander Joon, Estonia

Charlotte
Zach Dorn, USA

How Small!
Charlene Xu, USA, China

Letter to a Pig
Tal Kantor, France, Israel

Life Is a Particle Time Is a Wave
Daniel Zvereff, USA

Documentary Short

Long Line of Ladies—GGA Winner
Shaadiin Tome, Rayka Zehtabchi, USA

Holding Moses—GGA Winner
Rivkah Beth Medow, Jen Rainin, USA, Japan

Anshan Diaries
Charles Xiuzhi Dong, China, USA

For Love and Legacy
A.K. Sandhu, USA

Miss Panama
Pascale Boucicaut, Lamar Bailey Karamañites, David Felix Sutcliffe, USA, Panama

Nasir
Nasir Bailey, Jackson Kroopf, USA

Family Films

Battery Daddy—GGA Winner
Seung-bae Jeon, South Korea

The Ocean Duck—GGA Honorable Mention
Huda Razzak, USA

Dream Carriers
Esmeralda Hernandez, USA

Intervals
Mitchelle Tamariz, France

Mama Has a Mustache
Sally Rubin, USA

Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat
William Joyce, UK

‘Ohana and ‘Āina: Connecting Family, Farming, and Freedom
Jade Onaka, Joel Serin-Christ, USA

Space Race
Shane Dioneda, USA

The Trails Before Us
Fritz Bitsoie, USA

Mid-Lengths

The Time of the Fireflies—GGA Winner
Mattis Appelqvist Dalton, Matteo Robert Morales, Mexico, USA, Belgium

American Justice on Trial
Andrew Abrahams, Herb Ferrette, USA

Ayoungman
Larry Day, Holly Fortier, Canada

Mud Water
My-Linh Le, USA

My Dear
Aragon Yao, Portugal

Narrative Shorts

Busan, 1999—GGA Winner
Thomas Kim, South Korea

Half-Day—GGA Winner
Morgan Mathews, USA

Be Somebody
Edelawit Hussien, Ethiopia

Busan, 1999
Thomas Kim, South Korea

cosboi
Gosha Shapiro, USA

Live
Baggio Jiang, China

Successful Thawing of Mr. Moro
Jerry Carlsson, Sweden

New Visions

Listen to the Beat of Our Images—GGA Winner
Audrey Jean-Baptiste, Maxime Jean-Baptiste, France, French Guiana

Anxious Body
Yoriko Mizushiri, France, Japan

Ever Wanting (for Margaret Chung)
TT Takemoto, USA

Youth Works

Honeybee—GGA Winner
Emilio Vazquez Reyes, USA

Unzipped—GGA Honorable Mention
Jenna Miller, USA

Avi: From the North
Alex Maksagak, Canada

Beth Ava Bounds, UK

Freshman Year
Bea Hammam, Sydney Kaufman, USA

Incursion
Noah Lillywhite, Kai Willey, USA

Moments
Hurshida Sherkulova, Evgeniya Papina, Surayyo Tashpulatova, Uzbekistan

Performance Anxiety
Shaina Ocampo, USA

Pho
Ethan Chu, USA

Think Like a Filmmaker
Eli Berliner, USA

Cine Latino

The Employer and the Employee—GGA Winner
Manolo Nieto, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, France

The Box
Lorenzo Vigas, Mexico, USA

The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future
Francisca Alegría, Chile, France, USA, Germany

Lo Invisible
Javier Andrade, Ecuador, France

Mars One
Gabriel Martins, Brazil

Private Desert
Aly Murituba, Brazil

Sun & Daughter
Catalina Razzini, Bolivia, Spain, Germany

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 22
  • Go to page 23
  • Go to page 24
  • Go to page 25
  • Go to page 26
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 48
  • Go to Next Page »

Visit

  • Tickets
  • Merch Store
  • FAQ
  • Accessibility

Films

  • Year-Round
  • Doc Stories
  • Festival

Press

  • Press Center
  • Accreditation
  • Press Releases
  • Press Materials

About

  • Contact
  • About SFFILM
  • Careers
  • Blog

Stay in Touch

© 2025 SFFILM  | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy  | Code of Conduct  

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Manage SFFILM Account
  • Tickets
  • My Membership
  • Help
  • Sign Out
  • Upcoming Events
  • Manage SFFILM Account
  • Cart
My Account
  • Contact Info
  • Password
  • Upcoming Events
  • My Membership
  • Order History
  • Sign OUT