Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema Returns September 5-7, 2024
San Francisco’s beloved Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema festival is set to return for its 21st year, bringing a unique celebration of local filmmaking to the community from September 5-7, 2024.
Festival Origins and Evolution
Born from a desire to utilize underused parks and showcase local talent, Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema has grown into a cherished annual event. Festival organizers Mike Doherty, Anne Batmale, and Leslie Lombre recently shared insights into the festival’s history and its continued focus on hyper-local content.
“Our exclusive focus on Bay Area filmmakers sets us apart,” explained Batmale. “We’re not an international festival – we’re all about celebrating our local creative community.”
New Features for 2024
This year’s festival introduces exciting changes, including:
1. An expanded film crawl along Mission Street featuring new venues
2. Partnerships with other local film festivals
3. Increased representation of animation and diverse film genres
“Technology has made animation more accessible than ever. We see a wonderful variety of submissions each year.”
Submission Process and Timeline
Aspiring filmmakers, take note:
– Film submissions open in February 2025
The deadline for submissions is in June 2025
– The festival actively solicits work from local film schools and departments
Award-Winning Showcases
On September 7th, Precita Park will host screenings of the festival’s top honors:
- Best of Bernal
- Spirit of Bernal
- Bernal Bright Star
The Enduring Appeal of Outdoor Cinema
Despite the prevalence of streaming services, the festival organizers believe in the magic of communal outdoor viewings.
“There’s something special about watching films under the stars with your neighbors,” Lombre said. “It’s an experience you can’t replicate at home.”
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t miss this celebration of local filmmaking talent. Save the dates:
Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema Festival
September 5-7, 2024
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema website.
Register here – BHOC on EventBrite