SAN FRANCISCO’S PREMIER DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
NOV 5–8 2026
WELCOME TO
Big Nights OPENING NIGHT
2026! Welcome to SFFILM Doc Stories, our annual celebration of the extraordinary possibilities of documentary filmmaking. Over four days, you’ll encounter stories of courage, fortitude, and transformation that serve as a rallying cry for our community. The program brings notable filmmakers to SFFILM in person, including Ava DuVernay, Laura Poitras, Luke Lorentzen, and Sam Pollard, alongside emerging artists such as Erik Shirai, and J.M. Harper. The lineup is rounded out by fearless Shorts filmmakers including Joshua Oppenheimer, and the final film from the late, great Eleanor Coppola. We’re thrilled to welcome these creatives to our hometown for screenings and conversations throughout the weekend. Doc Stories reminds us that history should be assiduously excavated while encouraging us to furiously imagine a better future together. Whatever your adventure is during the festival, I hope it’s a stimulating one. I’ll see you at the movies.
14th Ava DuVernay (USA 2026, 107 min) THU, NOV 5 at 6:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE THU, NOV 5 at 9:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
CLOSING NIGHT
Jessie Fairbanks
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
COMMUNITY SCREENING
Making Marie Antoinette Eleanor Coppola (USA 2026, 86 min) THU, NOV 5 at 3:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE Attendees must RSVP for tickets at sffilm.org
Tutu Sam Pollard (UK 2026, 102 min) SUN, NOV 8 at 7:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
THU NOV 5
FRI NOV 6
FEATURES SHORTS WORKSHOP TALKS
*THE DOC STORIES LOUNGE IS SPONSORED BY ESPN FILMS (30 FOR 30)
SPECIAL EVENTS
10 AM
11 AM
11 AM
12 PM
12 PM
1 PM
1 PM
2 PM
2 PM
3 PM
3 PM
5 PM
Community Screening: Making Marie Antoinette
8 PM
3:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
86 MIN
Opening Night: 14th
6:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
107 MIN
9 PM
10 PM
11 PM GET
TALKS SPECIAL EVENTS
5 PM
6 PM
Shorts Block: NYT Op-Docs
7 PM
5:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
Opening Night: 14th
10 PM
9:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
107 MIN
->
SFFILM.ORG
99 MIN
8 PM
9 PM
TICKETS
WORKSHOP
4 PM
6 PM
7 PM
SHORTS
*THE DOC STORIES LOUNGE IS SPONSORED BY ESPN FILMS (30 FOR 30)
10 AM
4 PM
FEATURES
Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been
8:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
118 MIN
11 PM GET
TICKETS
->
SFFILM.ORG
SAT NOV 7
SUN NOV 8
FEATURES SHORTS WORKSHOP TALKS
*THE DOC STORIES LOUNGE IS SPONSORED BY ESPN FILMS (30 FOR 30)
SPECIAL EVENTS
10 AM
TALKS SPECIAL EVENTS
11 AM
Citizen Osama
12 PM
12 PM 11:00 AM PT VOGUE THEATRE
Teen Workshop: Creating Untold Stories with Ben Proudfoot
2 PM
4 PM
WORKSHOP
*THE DOC STORIES LOUNGE IS SPONSORED BY ESPN FILMS (30 FOR 30)
Shorts Block: Sensory Experience
3 PM
SHORTS
10 AM
11 AM
1 PM
FEATURES
1:00 PM PT SFFILM FILMHOUSE 120 MIN
11:30 AM PT VOGUE THEATRE
100 MIN
71 MIN
1 PM
Doc Talks: Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller 1:30 PM PT DOC STORIES LOUNGE*
60 MIN
Soul Patrol
2:00 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE 100 MIN
Doc Talks: Jeanie Finlay, Luke Lorentzen, and Erik Shirai 3:30 PM PT DOC STORIES LOUNGE*
2 PM
Sumo: Spirit Weighs Nothing
Doc Talks: Sam Pollard and J.M. Harper 1:30 PM PT DOC STORIES LOUNGE*
3 PM
1:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
60 MIN
99 MIN
4 PM
60 MIN
Boatbuilders 5 PM
5 PM
All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea
6 PM
6 PM 5:00 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
4:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
99 MIN
7 PM
7 PM
8 PM
8 PM
Closing Night: Tutu
9 PM
7:30 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
Black Sunflowers
9 PM 8:00 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
10 PM
11 PM
11 PM TICKETS
102 MIN
97 MIN
10 PM
GET
103 MIN
->
SFFILM.ORG
GET
TICKETS
->
SFFILM.ORG
Films
14th
Boatbuilders
Ava DuVernay (USA 2026, 107 min) THU, NOV 5 at 6:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE THU, NOV 5 at 9:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Luke Lorentzen (USA 2026, 103 min) SUN, NOV 8 at 4:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Ava DuVernay joins us in person to discuss this vital new documentary, examining the enduring promises of the 14th Amendment through a powerful chorus of voices. —Jessie Fairbanks
A visually stunning ode to impeccable craftsmanship and the beauty of Maine, Luke Lorentzen’s latest documentary profiles the workers of Brooklin Boat Yard, a company building custom wooden yachts since 1960. —Rod Armstrong
All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea
Citizen Osama
Jeanie Finlay (UK 2026, 99 min) SAT, NOV 7 at 5:00 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Ahmed Hassouna (Palestine/France 2026, 71 min) SUN, NOV 8 at 11:30 AM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
When a mystery tide of poisoned sea life washes ashore on England’s North East coast, grief gives way to a turbulent quest for answers, led by the unlikeliest of rebels. —Mariana Finelli
A photographer turned war reporter documents life in Gaza while raising his newborn son, confronting the impossible challenge of bearing witness to catastrophe while protecting those he loves. —Jessie Fairbanks
Black Sunflowers
Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been
James Marcus Haney (Ukraine 2026, 97 min) SAT, NOV 7 at 8:00 PM PT VOGUE THEATRE
Barry Avrich (Canada 2026, 118 min) FRI, NOV 6 at 8:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Executive produced by Sean Penn, James Marcus Haney’s kinetic, kaleidoscopic portrait of Ukrainian youth is alive with movement, color, and music. Filmed over four years the camera follows artists, drifters, soldiers, and friends as they find pockets of freedom amid mounting uncertainty. —Jessie Fairbanks
The extraordinary singer Darlene Love has lived a big life with its concomitant ups and downs, and this film covers them all as Love herself charts her career, leading with joy and humor rather than anger and bitterness. —Rod Armstrong
Films
Making Marie Antoinette
Soul Patrol
Eleanor Coppola (USA 2026, 86 min) THU, NOV 5 at 3:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
J.M. Harper (USA 2026, 100 min) SAT, NOV 7 at 2 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
In this glamorous and fascinating behind-the-scenes portrait, Eleanor Coppola memorably captures members of the cast and crew of Sofia Coppola’s groundbreaking 2006 period film, illuminated further by reflections from her journal, read by Diane Lane. —Rod Armstrong
This moving, creative, and seminal documentary depicts the final reunion of an all-Black six-man patrol team in Vietnam, ensuring that their courage and experiences are not lost to history. —Rod Armstrong
Shorts Block: NYT Op-Docs
Sumo: Spirit Weighs Nothing
Total Runtime: 99 min FRI, NOV 6 at 5:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Erik Shirai (Japan/USA/UK/Denmark 2026, 99 min) SUN, NOV 8 at 1:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Continuing our beloved tradition of a dedicated shorts block featuring new and upcoming films from The New York Times’ Op-Docs desk, this year’s selection offers five singular stories that find humor, humanity, and unexpected drama in the lives of their subjects. —Jessie Fairbanks
Erik Shirai cinematically captures the spectacle of strength that is the world of professional sumo wrestling, and shines a rare spotlight on the secrecy of the sport and its formidable competitors. —Jordan Klein
Shorts Block: Sensory Experience
Tutu
Total Runtime: 100 min SAT, NOV 7 at 11:00 AM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Sam Pollard (UK 2026, 102 min) SUN, NOV 8 at 7:30 PM PT -> VOGUE THEATRE
Amid shifting landscapes, fading memories, buried histories, and threatened communities, six films explore how attention can reveal what is hidden, preserve what remains, and keep what matters from being forgotten. —Mariana Finelli
A revelatory portrait of Desmond Tutu, the beloved South African archbishop whose fearless moral voice, infectious humor, and unwavering commitment to justice helped reshape a nation and inspire generations. —Jessie Fairbanks
Talks + Workshops Teen Workshop: Creating Untold Stories with Ben Proudfoot SAT, NOV 7 at 1:00 PM PT -> SFFILM FilmHouse 120 min
Join Ben Proudfoot, two-time Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and the founder and CEO of Breakwater Studios, for a teen-centered documentary workshop pulling back the curtain on his unique style and approach to cinematic humanist storytelling. This workshop runs for two hours and is open to students ages 13–18; space is limited.
Doc Talks AT THE DOC STORIES LOUNGE SPONSORED BY ESPN FILMS (30 FOR 30)
SCHOOLS AT DOC STORIES NOV 2 – 10, 2026
Students and teachers get free access to an in-person and online 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/education.
LOVE MOVIES? SO DO WE!
Doc Talks: Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller SAT, NOV 7 AT 1:30 PM PT TOTAL RUNTIME: 60 MIN
Doc Talks: Jeanie Finlay, Luke Lorentzen, and Erik Shirai SAT, NOV 7 AT 3:30 PM PT TOTAL RUNTIME: 60 MIN
Doc Talks: Sam Pollard and J.M. Harper SUN, NOV 8 AT 1:30 PM PT TOTAL RUNTIME: 60 MIN
BECOME AN SFFILM MEMBER MORE MOVIES. MORE PERKS. ALL YOURS. YOUR MEMBERSHIP KEEPS THE VISION ALIVE. VISIT SFFILM.ORG/MEMBERSHIP
Attending Doc Stories TICKETS
General Admission.... $20 Student/Senior/ADA... $19 SFFILM Member........ $16
TICKET PACKS Ticket Packs are the most flexible way to see SFFILM events at a discount, and may be redeemed for any regular, non-rush screening or event priced up to $25.
6-PACK SFFILM Members....... $100 General Public....... $120
CINEVISA 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.
Cinevisa............. $500
10-PACK SFFILM Members....... $150 General Public....... $180
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.
Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSORS Katie Hall + Tom Knutsen
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Purchase tickets online at sffilm.org
Getting to Doc Stories VENUES ➀ Vogue Theatre 3290 Sacramento St ➁ SFFILM Doc Stories Lounge Sponsored by ESPN Films (30 for 30) Laureate Bar and Lounge 444 Presidio Ave ➂ SFFILM FilmHouse Navigate to 1040 Edie Road (the Edie Road Parking Lot) The Presidio
Wendy Vanden Heuvel
Westridge Foundation
Sarah Schoellkopf
Barbara Tomber + Howard Roffman
MEDIA SPONSORS
PARKING At the Vogue Theatre and SFFILM Doc Stories Lounge, metered street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. It is generally free after 6 pm and on Sundays. At SFFILM FilmHouse, paid parking is available in the Presidio. It is generally free after 6 pm. TRANSIT
HOSPITALITY SPONSORS
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 and the Presidio is served by the Muni 43 bus as well as the PresidiGO Shuttle. The closest PresidiGO stop is Tides Converge.
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.
SUPPORT FOR SFFILM’S YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHOSE LEADERSHIP AND GENEROSITY EMPOWER ARTISTS, AUDIENCES, AND THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT FILM.
SAN FRANCISCO’S PREMIER DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
NOV 5–8 2026