Longest-Running Film Festival in the Americas Enjoys a Spectacular Year with Superb Programming, Numerous Special Guests and Many Memorable Sold-Out Events
San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco Film Society wrapped its 57th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24-May 8) with 263 screenings of 168 films from 56 countries, which were attended by over 300 filmmakers and industry guests from over 20 countries. Over 15 days, SFIFF57 showed 74 narrative features, 29 documentary features and a total of 65 short films.
SFFS Executive Director Noah Cowan onstage on Closing Night. Photo by Pamela Gentile.
This year SFIFF awarded nearly $40,000 in prizes to emerging and established filmmakers from 13 countries. Thanks to its unique programming choices and the always-enthusiastic San Francisco Bay Area audiences, the Festival sold out 113 screenings this year. Of particular popularity were the many screenings and events featuring filmmakers in person, and SFIFF was able to bring a record number of out-of-town guests to the Bay Area to engage with audiences through in-depth post-screening Q&As.
“In my first months as Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society, I have been especially grateful for the incredible support from all quarters — our board of directors, members, donors, sponsors and most of all the extremely talented staff,” said Noah Cowan, SFFS executive director. “This festival experience has energized the team here to find new ways to keep the extraordinary spirit of the festival thriving year-round.”