San Francisco Film Festivals Guide
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SF Film Festivals
Introduction to the San Francisco Film Festival Scene
San Francisco, a city renowned for its cultural diversity and artistic spirit, boasts a vibrant and dynamic film festival calendar that reflects its rich cinematic heritage. From the fog-shrouded streets that set the scene for classic film noir to the cutting-edge tech industry shaping the future of digital filmmaking, San Francisco provides a unique backdrop for celebrating the art of cinema.
The city’s film festival scene is as diverse as its population, offering something for every type of movie enthusiast. San Francisco hosts various film festivals, each with a distinct flavor and focus. These events showcase the best in international and independent cinema, serving as platforms for emerging filmmakers to foster creativity and dialogue within the film community.
From the historic San Francisco International Film Festival, the oldest in the Americas, to niche events celebrating specific genres or cultural perspectives, the city’s film festivals collectively present thousands of films to eager audiences annually. These festivals transform local theaters into hubs of cultural exchange, where filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers converge to share in the magic of storytelling.
Whether you’re a casual moviegoer, a dedicated cinephile, or an aspiring filmmaker, San Francisco’s film festivals offer unique opportunities to explore new perspectives, engage with creators, and experience cinema in all its forms. The following calendar provides a comprehensive guide to the major film festivals that define San Francisco’s cinematic year, inviting residents and visitors alike to partake in the city’s enduring love affair with the silver screen.
Jan
- Noir City Film Festival – Head to Oakland for the largest film festival in the US dedicated to the noir philosophy, attitude, and style in film, books, art, and music. The festival promises “ultra rare films and very special guests.” Jan 16-25, 2026
Feb
- Mostly British Film Festival – The Vogue Theater showcases works from the U.K., Ireland, Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa during the week-long Mostly British Film Festival. Feb 5-12, 2026
- SF IndieFest – For over a quarter century, the San Francisco Independent Film Festival has been seeking out discoveries for Bay Area film fans to enjoy. Now, with the age of computerized algorithms, a human touch is needed more than ever to curate a unique cinematic experience,” explains Festival Director Jeff Ross. “SF IndieFest continues to provide new and unusual alternatives to the Hollywood Industrial Complex. You won’t find these films in theaters or on popular streaming services. Feb 5-15, 2026
Mar
- SF Human Rights Film Festival – We celebrate our eighteenth anniversary with an amazing program. This year’s films address human rights violations in the US, Syria, Guatemala, the Philippines, Chile, Argentina, China, Hawaii, Australia, Nicaragua, Canada, and Myanmar. The issues include political repression, genocide, disappearances, human trafficking, women’s rights, climate change, environmental destruction, LGBTQ rights, racism, indigenous rights, colonialism, extractive economy, migrations, immigration, and refugees. TBD
Apr
- INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL – One of the largest and most diverse of its kind, the Festival features documentaries, animations, narratives, and other traditional screen fare. Topics include ocean adventures, island cultures, surfing, sharks (of course), and many other ocean-related experiences. Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center. TBD
- International Film Festival – Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival) is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Refreshingly intimate for a festival of its size and scope, the event traditionally features a range of marquee premieres, international competitions, compelling documentaries, new digital media works, live music performances, and star-studded red-carpet events. Apr 23, 2026
May
- San Francisco Silent Film Festival – We’re back! Our 29th SF Silent Film Festival will take place at the newly renovated Castro Theatre. May 6-10, 2026
- CAAMFest – the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films – annually presents approximately 130 works in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. Since 1982, the Festival has served as a vital launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers and a key source for new Asian cinema, showcased at venues such as New People Cinema and various theaters. May 7-10, 2026
- San Francisco Documentary Film Festival – SF DocFest documentaries often uncover deep truths while exploring fun and lighthearted subject matter, and are produced by SF IndieFest at the Roxie Theater. May 28 – Jun 7, 2026
- 2026 Bay Area Indies Film Festival – The Third Annual Bay Area Indies Film Festival will showcase the best in independent filmmaking with a curated group of 17 creative and original short films. Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of thought-provoking documentaries and gripping narratives created by talented writers, directors, and crew from the SF Bay Area and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to support filmmakers and experience their unique stories on the big screen! May 30, 2026
Jun
- The Queer Women of Color Film Festival – a project of the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP)- promotes the creation, exhibition, and distribution of new films and videos that increase the visibility of queer women of color, authentically reflect our life stories, and address the vital social justice issues that concern our communities. San Francisco, CA; Jun 12-14, 2026
- Frameline Film Festival – Frameline’s mission is to change the world through the power of queer cinema. As a media arts nonprofit, Frameline’s programs connect filmmakers and audiences in San Francisco and worldwide. Founded in 1977, Frameline is the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to funding, exhibiting, distributing, and promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender media arts. Jun 17-27, 2026
- Annual San Francisco Black Film Festival – The Annual San Francisco Black Film Festival opens in a new window, celebrating African American cinema and the African cultural diaspora through a diverse collection of emerging and established filmmakers. Jun 18-20, 2026
Jul
- San Francisco Frozen Film Festival – Roxie Theater showcases the year’s best new independent avant-garde pop culture films, taking its name from the distinct chill of the San Francisco summer. Jul 15-19, 2026
- San Francisco Jewish Film Festival – The Castro Theater and other Bay Area venues feature films from American and international filmmakers showcasing the diversity and vitality of Jewish culture. The festival is the world’s first, oldest, and most prestigious celebration. Jul 16 – Aug 2, 2026
Aug
Sept
- Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema – Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema presents free screenings of diverse works by local filmmakers in neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and other community-friendly spaces to increase exposure and recognition for local artists, heighten appreciation among neighborhood and citywide residents, and bring the community together. Sept 10-12 & 24 (Finale), 2026
- Irish Film Festival – The San Francisco Irish Film Festival (SFIFF) was founded in 2003 by Niall McKay with the support of the Irish Film Institute. The festival showcases contemporary Irish cinema, featuring a range of films, including documentaries and short films. The festival is held annually at the Delancey Street Theater. TBA
Oct
- 3i International South Asian Film Festival – Bollywood & Beyond: Join us for the 3rd i’s annual SF International South Asian Film Festival (Bollywood & Beyond), a free, virtual event showcasing top films from India, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. TBA
- United Nations Association Film Festival – The United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) is an international documentary film festival. It was founded in 1998 by Jasmina Bojic, a Stanford educator and film critic, to honor the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 26th UNAFF will be held in Palo Alto, Stanford University, East Palo Alto, and San Francisco. This year’s theme, “SOLUTIONS,” continues the festival’s dedication to human rights by emphasizing strategies and approaches to address pressing problems. UNAFF is one of the longest-running documentary film festivals in the US, Oct 15-25, 2026
- Save the Waves Film Festival – An international film tour and fundraiser for our organization’s environmental programs and campaigns to protect surf ecosystems worldwide. TBA
- Latino Film Festival – The Festival showcases the work of emerging and established filmmakers from the US, Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. It is a celebration of the latest work from over 20 countries and the diaspora to which we belong. Cultural events like ours help foster community and promote cross-cultural exchanges locally in the Bay Area and beyond. TBA
- SF International Festival of Short Films – The San Francisco International Festival of Short Films (SF Shorts) is a short film festival that showcases a diverse range of genres and cultures. The festival accepts all types of short films, including music videos. Oct 15-22, 2026
- Green Film Festival – The Green Film Festival is presented by SF IndieFest, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that has hosted over 60 film festivals in the past 24 years, building a strong following among independent film fans and garnering press coverage and recognition for thousands of films and filmmakers. SF IndieFest is a founding member of the Film Festival Alliance. Oct 25-22, 2026
- SF Dance Film Festival – The San Francisco Dance Film Festival (SFDFF) is a multi-day international event that showcases the best dance films from around the world. Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026
Nov
- Arab Film Festival – Launched in 1996, the festival’s mission is to present the best of contemporary films that illuminate the richness of Arab culture through authentic narratives and images, providing insight into the beauty and complexity of the Arab world. TBA
- Transgender Film Festival – For over 25 years, SFTFF has screened films that promote the visibility of transgender and gender variant people and challenge the mainstream media’s negative stereotypes of our communities. We provide opportunities for transgender and gender variant media artists, build community through film and performance events, and engage our audiences in cross-community dialogue. This year, we’ve curated seven brilliant programs featuring over 40 in-person and online films! All of our films are closed-captioned. Nov 12-14 (In-Person) 15-22 (Online), 2026
- Napa Valley Film Festival – This film, food, and wine celebration lights up the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. It features more than 125 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in venues throughout four highly walkable towns. TBA
Dec
- Another Hole in the Head Film Festival – San Francisco’s ‘Another Hole in the Head’ Film Festival is a three-week-plus cinematic excursion into the realms of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and assorted other genres. Another Hole in the Head brings together a diverse collection of films across genres and budgets, providing a unique platform for independent cinema. Dec 1-31, 2026
