In a time when truth is passionately contested and empathy feels increasingly rare, the power of documentary storytelling cuts through the noise. This November, we gather to celebrate that power—not just for its artistry, but for its necessity. Every film in this program carries the weight of real lives, real struggles, and real hope. You’ll encounter fearless acts of individual activism, tenacious investigative journalism, and stories of collective resilience. These timely narratives are joined by stories of awe—of deep sea wonders and personal histories, the awesome might of mother nature, and the universal language of music. Together, they ask us not only to witness the world as it is, but to imagine what it could become.
I hold deep affection for this annual gathering. It reminds me we are surrounded by truth-seekers, storytellers, and change-makers. This festival isn’t just about watching films—it’s about engaging with them. We invite you to ask questions, join the conversations, and connect with fellow viewers and filmmakers.
Thank you for being part of SFFILM. See you at the festival.
Jessie Fairbanks DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
OPENING NIGHT
Cover-Up
Nov
9:30
CLOSING NIGHT
COMMUNITY SCREENING
Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus (USA 2025, 117 min) Thu, Nov 6 at 6:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre Thu,
6 at
pm PT -> Vogue Theatre A Life Illuminated
Tasha Van Zandt (USA 2025, 89 min)
Nov 9 at 7:00 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
My Mom Jayne
Mariska Hargitay (USA 2025, 106 min)
Nov 6 at 3:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Talks: Mariska Hargitay
FILMS
Ask E. Jean
Ivy Meeropol (USA 2025, 91 min)
Sun, Nov 9 at 1:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
In this scintillating portrait, writer, advice columnist, and TV personality
E. Jean Carroll, who sued Donald Trump for rape and defamation twice, presents her story unflinchingly and with brio.
The Bend in the River + Divers
Robb Moss (USA 2025, 82 min)
Sat, Nov 8 at 7:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
For over forty years, Robb Moss has followed the lives of dear friends, initially captured during a multi‑week rafting trip. Moss reunites once more with these kindred spirits to craft a humorous meditation on memory, aging, and friendship.
This film will be preceded by the short film Divers, directed by Geordie Wood (USA 2025, 7 min).
Opening Night: Cover-Up
Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus (USA 2025, 117 min)
Thu, Nov 6 at 6:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Thu, Nov 6 at 9:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
From acclaimed filmmakers Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus, this vital portrait of Seymour ‘Sy’ Hersh and his legendary journalism, dedication to free speech, and determination to hold institutions accountable, is essential viewing.
The Eyes of Ghana + In My Day
Ben Proudfoot (USA 2025, 90 min)
Sat, Nov 8 at 11:00 am PT -> Vogue Theatre
Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot returns with his debut feature film showcasing the enchanting story of Ghanaian cinematographer Chris Hesse and his mission to preserve the legacy of Africa’s lost cinematic history.
This film will be preceded by the short film In My Day, directed by Iga Lis (Poland 2025, 12 min).
Closing Night: A Life Illuminated
Tasha Van Zandt (USA 2025, 89 min)
Sun, Nov 9 at 7:00 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
SFFILM wraps up this year’s Doc Stories with this visually entrancing profile of pioneering marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder directed by Bay Area filmmaker Tasha Van Zandt (After Antarctica, Festival 2021). This luminous documentary offers a rare glimpse into the ocean’s glowing ecosystems while taking audiences on a thrilling deep sea exploration.
Community Screening: My Mom Jayne
Mariska Hargitay (USA 2025, 106 min)
Thu, Nov 6 at 3:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Mariska Hargitay’s moving and revelatory documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield, will be offered free and open to the public. Attendees must RSVP for tickets at sffilm.org.
FILMS
Newport & The Great Folk Dream
Robert Gordon (USA 2025, 99 min)
Fri, Nov 7 at 7:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Robert Gordon’s comprehensive archival assemblage of the seminal Newport Folk Festival from 1963–66 covers the history of the festival, how race and culture were brought to bear, and finally and most importantly, the glorious music.
Powwow People
Sky Hopinka (USA 2025, 88 min)
Sat, Nov 8 at 2:00 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Sky Hopinka interrogates the act of viewing and the construct of filmmaking with a stirring new vérité documentary about a contemporary powwow gathering.
A soulful assemblage of video call conversations between director Sepideh Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona becomes a deeply poetic manifestation of Fatma’s wisdom, exuberance, and unyielding positivity despite harrowing circumstances.
Shorts Block: New York Times Op-Docs
Total Runtime: 78 min
Fri, Nov 7 at 5:00 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Five shorts from New York Times Op Docs covering artificial intelligence, disability, climate change, and more invite you to examine expanding digital frontiers and see from new perspectives.
Shorts Block: Spaces of Resistance
Total Runtime: 90 min
Sun, Nov 9 at 11:00 am PT -> Vogue Theatre
This collection of four shorts epitomizes the symbiotic work of journalism and filmmaking from voices including Emmy winning Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda and veteran CBS reporter Steve Hartman
The Tale of Silyan + S the Wolf
Tamara Kotevska (North Macedonia 2025, 81 min)
Sat, Nov 8 at 4:30 pm PT -> Vogue Theatre
Director Tamara Kotevska, co director of the Oscar nominated Honeyland (Festival 2019), seamlessly merges the allegorical and the quotidian in this poetic story of family, land, and storks.
This film will be preceded by the short film S the Wolf, directed by Sameh Alaa (France/Egypt 2025, 10 min).
ATTENDING DOC STORIES GETTING TO DOC STORIES
Ticket Packs are the most flexible way to see events at a discount and may be redeemed for any regular, non rush screening or event priced up to $25.
The best way to support SFFILM, this all access pass includes entry to the Priority Line at all film screenings and access to the Doc Stories Lounge.
THE FINE PRINT
Ticket prices may vary for Special Events. Opening Night and Closing Night tickets are priced at $35 for non members and $30 for members. Tickets are subject to a $1.50 service fee. Ticket Packs are subject to a $5 service fee. Valid ID required to receive discounts. If you require wheelchair seating or other accessibility accommodations, email ada@sffilm.org
Purchase tickets online at sffilm.org VENUES
Vogue Theatre 3290 Sacramento St
➁ SFFILM Doc Stories Lounge (Sponsored by ESPN Films 30 for 30) Laureate Bar and Lounge 444 Presidio Ave
SFFILM FilmHouse 455 9th Street
PARKING
At the Vogue Theatre and SFFILM Doc Stories Lounge (Sponsored by ESPN Films 30 for 30), metered street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. It is generally free after 6 pm and on Sundays.
At SFFILM FilmHouse, metered street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. It is generally free after 6 pm.
ACCESSIBILITY
SFFILM is committed to providing accessible experiences at all events whether in person or online. Event pages will be updated with accessibility information as it becomes available, which may be after tickets go on sale. For more information about accessibility at specific venues or programs, please visit sffilm.org/accessibility or contact ada@sffilm.org
TRANSIT
The Vogue Theatre and SFFILM Doc Stories Lounge (Sponsored by ESPN Films 30 for 30) are served by Muni Lines 1, 2, 3, 24, 43, and 38. Walking times from the transit stops to theaters vary between 1–15 minutes.
SFFILM FilmHouse is approximately a 20 minute walk from Civic Center BART station.
Teen Workshop: Documentary
Filmmaking & Creating
Understanding
SAT, NOV 8 AT 2PM PT -> SFFILM FILMHOUSE
Join Emmy award winning filmmaker James Robinson for a documentary workshop for teens focused on generating understanding through creativity. This workshop runs for two hours and is open to students ages 13–18; space is limited. To get tickets, visit sffilm.org.
SCHOOLS AT DOC STORIES
Students and teachers get free access to a festival program specially designed by SFFILM’s Education team! Classes watch documentary films together, hear from visiting filmmakers, and discuss their perspectives and filmmaking styles. To learn more, visit sffilm.org.
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Katie Hall + Tom Knutsen
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
SUPPORTING/LEAD SPONSORS
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