• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

SFFILM

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

  • About SFFILM
  • 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

About SFFILM

About SFFILM

WE SHOW WHAT FILM CAN DO


Sometimes it is hard to believe we’ve been at this for nearly 70 years! SFFILM is the hub of a vibrant Bay Area film culture connecting singular filmmakers with passionate audiences, teaching kids about the world through film, and helping independent filmmakers get their stories to the big screen.
 
We’ve hosted the San Francisco International Film Festival since 1957, making it the longest running film festival in the Americas. Our film Programming team fills the year with a curated slate of screenings and exclusive events including our stellar fall documentary festival, Doc Stories because we’re better when we experience the power of film together.
 
Since 1991, SFFILM’s youth Education program is where the next generation of Bay Area film lovers and filmmakers get their start. Through hands-on workshops, camps, and special screenings, we’re giving kids the tools to think critically, be discerning, and craft their own stories.
 
Filmmakers need sustained support, mentorship, and professional resources. In 2008, we launched our Artist Development program which includes year-round grants, fellowships, and residencies that provide artists with essential support.
 
SFFILM invests in the entire cycle of the cinema experience. From world-class festivals to accessible education programs to grants for working filmmakers, we fuel every aspect of a thriving film culture.
 

Students at Schools at the Festival

Students at Schools at the Festival

Students at Schools at the Festival

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Filmmaker Sean Wang at the 67th International Film Festival

Filmmaker Sean Wang at the 67th International Film Festival

Filmmaker Sean Wang at the 67th International Film Festival

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Industry Summit at the 67th International Film Festival

Industry Summit at the 67th International Film Festival

Industry Summit at the 67th International Film Festival

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Pat Mazzera

Photo by Pat Mazzera

Photo by Pat Mazzera

Audience at The SFFILM Festival

Audience at The SFFILM Festival

Audience at The SFFILM Festival

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and Actor Austin Butler at 2024 Awards Night

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and Actor Austin Butler at 2024 Awards Night

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and Actor Austin Butler at 2024 Awards Night

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Filmmaker Raven Jackson at a SFFILM FilmHouse Event

Filmmaker Raven Jackson at a SFFILM FilmHouse Event

Filmmaker Raven Jackson at a SFFILM FilmHouse Event

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Live Table Read at SFFILM FilmHouse

Live Table Read at SFFILM FilmHouse

Live Table Read at SFFILM FilmHouse

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Tommy Lau

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson at Doc Stories

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson at Doc Stories

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson at Doc Stories

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

Photo by Pamela Gentile

FilmHouse Workshop

FilmHouse Workshop

FilmHouse Workshop

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow
Slider

 

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vision

Transforming the world through the creativity and inspiration of film.

Mission

SFFILM is a nonprofit organization whose mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM connects and inspires audiences, students and teachers, and filmmakers through our film exhibition, youth education, and artist development programs.
 

Our Impact

Doc Stories Announces 2025 Festival Lineup: Oscar Contenders ‘Cover-Up,’ ‘My Mom Jayne,’ ‘The Eyes Of Ghana’ & More – DEADLINE

Many of the year’s top Oscar-contending documentaries are set for exhibiti...

Many of the year’s top Oscar-contending documentaries are set for...

Many of the year’s top Oscar-contending documen...

Many of the year’s top Oscar-contendi...

SFFILM Hosts Youth Summer Camp – KRON 4

This summer, Bay Area teens are learning what it takes to make a movie. Th...

This summer, Bay Area teens are learning what it takes to make a ...

This summer, Bay Area teens are learning what i...

This summer, Bay Area teens are learn...

SFFILM Celebrates Scientific Excellence in Lee Isaac Chung’s TWISTERS with $20,000 Sloan Science in Cinema Prize

Cyprien Vial’s volcano thriller MAGMA will be honored with the $5,00...

Cyprien Vial’s volcano thriller MAGMA will be honored with ...

Cyprien Vial’s volcano thriller MAGMA wil...

Cyprien Vial’s volcano thriller...

TRANSFORMING THE WORLD THROUGH THE CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION OF FILM.
Slider

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
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we will consider that consent to use cookies.Ok