Certificate of Honor presented to the Festival by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi at Opening Night, March 3, 2011.

The San Francisco Green Film Festival (SFGFF) returns March 1-7, 2012 as the Bay Area’s only event dedicated to film and media that explore green issues and sustainable living. SFGFF brings critical and contemporary environmental issues to local audiences and, in the process, highlights the vital work of our many partners. The 2,000 attendees at our first festival in March 2011 enjoyed a broad array of new films in carefully curated sessions that challenged, provoked, and entertained as well as provided abundant material for hours of discussion.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

SFGFF’s mission is to organize and present forward-thinking programs of films and discussions that inspire environmental action and advocacy. The films that we premiere explore the relationship between people and the planet and offer compelling insights into the environmental challenges we face as well as the creative social entrepreneurs who are crafting a vision for a greener future.

In recent years, documentaries such as AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, THE END OF THE LINE, THE COVE, and FOOD, INC. have proven to be effective in influencing political and corporate agendas and increasing public awareness. The festival provides filmmakers with a high visibility platform for this work and provides audiences with unique opportunities to watch, discuss and get involved. Our programs aim to empower people to become activists, advocates, and savvy consumers.

Highlights at the first edition of our festival in March 2011 included: Live satellite Q&A with iconic writer and environmentalist Margaret Atwood following the screening of Ron Mann’s IN THE WAKE OF THE FLOOD; the West Coast premiere of Werner Herzog’s new feature documentary HAPPY PEOPLE: A YEAR IN THE TAIGA; a special screening of HOME and Q&A with Yann Arthus-Bertrand; the Green Tenacity Award presented to Fredrik Gertten for BANANAS!*; and 65 visiting filmmakers and guest speakers from Sweden, UK, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Fiji, France, and across the USA; a spectacular Opening Night Green Carpet Gala, and more.

Click here to browse the full 2011 schedule of films and events online
Click here to download the 2011 program guide [PDF]

The 2nd Festival will take place from Thursday, March 1 thru Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the San Francisco Film Society Cinema in Japantown. The 2012 SFGFF will create an entertaining and meaningful experience for Festival attendees by offering numerous activities, including:

Click to download the 2012 Sponsorship Overview [PDF].

In addition to the annual film festival, SFGFF presents year-round screenings and discussions. We present regular monthly screenings with GreenStacks at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch, and recent co-presents include Bioneers, San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco International Film Festival, A Common Green, and Earth Day SF.

2012 FESTIVAL VENUE

In September 2011, the San Francisco Film Society Cinema opened its doors in the supremely stylish state-of-the-art 143-seat theater located in the ultra-contemporary New People building at 1746 Post in Japantown. An integral part of the New People building—the cutting-edge four-story building devoted to contemporary Japanese art, fashion, food and design that opened in 2009, the theater features the finest analog and digital equipment, perfect sight lines and immersive THX-certified surround sound. Amenities in the surrounding neighborhood include plentiful parking and numerous restaurants.

Nearby venues will host additional special events.

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

SFGFF is fiscally sponsored by Green Planet Films, a 501(c)3 non-profit distributor of nature and environmental films from around the globe. As fiscal sponsor, Green Planet Films provides the non-profit status and back office support for SFGFF operations.

SFGFF is a participant in the 2011/2012 Ninth Street Media Arts Incubator Program and is resident in the Ninth Street Independent Film Center. The program provides SFGFF with a work space, use of an 80-seat screening room, and access to other Film Center resources.