The SFFILM Festival is one of San Francisco’s most celebrated cultural events, bringing together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and film lovers for an immersive showcase of cinema from around the world. Returning in spring 2026, the festival will take place from April 23 through May 3, 2026, offering ten days of screenings, premieres, conversations, and special events across the city.
Known for its thoughtful programming and deep ties to the filmmaking community, the SFFILM Festival presents a wide range of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works. Whether you are attending for a single screening or planning to experience the festival over multiple days, SFFILM offers a rich and rewarding look at contemporary cinema in one of the country’s most creative cities.
What Is the SFFILM Festival
The SFFILM Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas, with a history dating back to 1957. Organized by SFFILM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and advancement of film, the festival has earned a reputation for championing both emerging voices and established filmmakers. Each year, the program reflects a balance of innovation, storytelling, and artistic craft.
Unlike many large-scale film festivals that focus primarily on industry deals, SFFILM emphasizes audience engagement and creative dialogue. Filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and special presentations are central to the experience, allowing attendees to gain insight into the creative process behind the films they watch.
What to Expect at SFFILM Festival 2026
The 2026 festival will feature a diverse lineup of films from around the globe, including world premieres, North American premieres, and restored classics. Programming typically spans multiple categories, such as international features, documentaries, shorts programs, and special curated sections that highlight new perspectives or timely themes.
In addition to film screenings, SFFILM Festival events often include conversations with directors, writers, actors, and producers. These discussions provide valuable context and allow audiences to engage directly with the people behind the films. Special events may also include tribute screenings, opening and closing night galas, and community-focused programming that reflects San Francisco’s artistic spirit.
Festival Venues Across San Francisco
SFFILM Festival screenings take place at several well-known venues throughout San Francisco. Past festivals have used locations such as the Castro Theatre, the Roxie Theater, the Presidio Theatre, and venues in the Civic Center and Mission District areas. This multi-venue format encourages attendees to explore different neighborhoods while attending screenings.
Because venues are spread throughout the city, many festivalgoers attend multiple screenings in different locations on the same day. Planning transportation and scheduling screenings carefully can help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Planning Your Visit to the SFFILM Festival
With ten days of programming, the SFFILM Festival allows for flexible attendance. Some visitors plan their trip around a specific premiere or filmmaker, while others build an itinerary that spans several days. Reviewing the full schedule in advance and purchasing tickets early helps ensure access to popular screenings and special events.
April and early May are ideal times to visit San Francisco. The city experiences mild spring weather, making it comfortable to walk between venues or explore neighborhoods between screenings. Packing layers is recommended, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Why SFFILM Is a Destination Festival
San Francisco’s long-standing relationship with film and arts culture gives the SFFILM Festival a distinct identity. The city has been a backdrop for countless iconic films, and its creative community continues to support independent storytelling and artistic risk-taking.
The festival attracts a mix of local audiences and international visitors, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and global. For film enthusiasts, SFFILM offers the chance to discover new voices and engage in meaningful conversations about cinema, culture, and storytelling.
Staying in San Francisco During the Festival
With screenings taking place across multiple neighborhoods, staying in a central location can make navigating the festival much easier. Access to public transportation, dining options, and walkable areas allows attendees to focus on enjoying films rather than managing logistics.
Union Square serves as a practical hub during the SFFILM Festival. From this area, visitors can reach theaters throughout the city by public transit or rideshare, while also enjoying nearby shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
A Comfortable Home Base Near Union Square
Tilden Hotel is located near Union Square and offers a relaxed, thoughtfully designed place to stay during the SFFILM Festival. After attending screenings and events throughout the city, returning to a comfortable and calm space helps create a balanced festival experience.
The hotel’s guest rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, high-speed Wi-Fi, a 55-inch flat-screen TV with streaming access, a mini refrigerator, and a coffee machine. These amenities support both relaxation and reflection, whether you are discussing a film you just watched or preparing for the next day’s screenings.
Room options include Standard Double Rooms, Deluxe King Rooms, and Junior Suites with additional space. For guests seeking a more elevated stay, the Rooftop Penthouse offers a spacious living area, private kitchen, and rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Exploring San Francisco Between Screenings
The SFFILM Festival experience often extends beyond the theater. Between screenings, visitors can explore San Francisco’s neighborhoods, museums, and dining scene. Union Square shopping, Chinatown, North Beach, and the Embarcadero are all within easy reach and offer opportunities to unwind or continue conversations inspired by the films.
For those extending their stay, spring is an excellent time to visit Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, or the waterfront. San Francisco’s compact layout makes it possible to enjoy both cultural programming and sightseeing during the same trip.
Preparing for SFFILM Festival 2026
As April approaches, planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and rewarding festival experience. Reviewing the schedule, securing accommodations early, and mapping out transportation options allow you to focus on the films and events that matter most to you.
Whether you are a filmmaker, a critic, or simply a lover of cinema, the SFFILM Festival 2026 offers an opportunity to engage deeply with storytelling in a city that celebrates creativity. With thoughtful preparation and a centrally located place to stay, the festival becomes not just an event, but a memorable cultural journey.