Exhibition
Born in 1957 as a bold and audacious endeavor to bring international films to the Bay Area, the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival) paved the way for what SFFILM is today: a flagship organization providing year-round programs for artists, students, and audiences. In 2024, for the 4th year in a row, more than 50% of the programs presented were directed by female/non-binary filmmakers.

Education
Since 2009, SFFILM Education programs have connected over 250,000 Bay Area students with professional filmmakers and crafts people. The Festival and Doc Stories is an opportunity to introduce students (ages 6 to 18) to experience international film and the art of filmmaking, promoting media
literacy, deepening insights into other cultures, enhancing foreign language aptitude, developing critical thinking skills, and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of cinema. More than 17,900 students and teachers participate in Schools at the Festival (SATF) and Doc Stories annually and year-round programming
includes family oriented film programs. Curated films and Q&A programs encourage dialogue between filmmakers, film industry professionals and students.

Artist Development
Our Maker’s program provides essential support to emerging and diverse filmmakers worldwide through a robust granting program for narrative filmmakers and FilmHouse, a one-of-a-kind residency providing workspace and vibrant community engagement. More than $10 million in direct artist grants and fellowship support has been distributed to over 750 films since 2009.