73 Questions

Leah Nichols / SFUFF 2017, Films, Documentary, Shorts / USA / 2017 / 10 mins

This beautifully hand-drawn animated short film inverts the popular culture trope of celebrity questionnaires and uses it instead to build a soulful profile of a man whom you would never otherwise stop to get to know.

Arc of Justice, The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of a Beloved Community

Helen S. Cohen and Mark Lipman / SFUFF 2017, Films, Documentary, Shorts / USA / 2015 / 22 mins

“Arc of Justice” traces the inspiring journey of New Communities and the struggle for racial and economic justice among African Americans in southwest Georgia. Formed in 1969 during the Civil Rights movement, New Communities persevered as the largest black-owned farm in the country despite relentless opposition.

Brooklyn Farmer

Michael Tyburski / SFUFF 2017, Films / USA / 2015 / 27 mins

“Brooklyn Farmer” explores the unique challenges facing Brooklyn Grange, a group of urban farmers who endeavor to run a commercially viable farm across the rooftops of New York City. As their growing operation expands to a second roof, the team confronts the realities inherent in operating the world’s largest rooftop farm in one of the world's biggest cities.

Build The Lot

Russell Blanchard / SFUFF 2017, Films / USA / 2017 / Documentary / 3 mins

The Director of “The Lot” film Russell Blanchard working together with the community to improve an actual vacant lot into a children’s play area.

Drugs in the Tenderloin

Robert Zagone / SFUFF 2017, Films, Shorts / USA / 1966 / Documentary / 52 mins

“Drugs in the Tenderloin” is a documentary shot guerilla-style (when that was not a thing) directed by Robert Zagone in 1966; it captures the Tenderloin as it transformed into a center for young queers and drug users.The film is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of the Tenderloin’s past, and to hear first hand from the people who lived there. The film was rediscovered by the Tenderloin Museum and played a series of sold-out shows in 2015 & 2016. There is only one copy of the film and it cannot be seen on-line or in theatres.

Eulogy For The Dyke Bar

Macon Reed & Isabel Farrington / SFUFF 2017, Films, Documentary, Shorts / USA / 2017 / 9 mins

A portrait of artist Macon Reed's installation "Eulogy for the Dyke Bar" on it's closing night.

Flag Wars

Laura Poitras & Linda Goode Bryant / SFUFF 2017, Films, Documentary, Shorts / USA / 2003 / 95 mins

Personal look at a community in Columbus, Ohio, as gay white homebuyers move into a working-class black neighborhood. As the new residents restore the beautiful but run-down homes, black homeowners must fight to hold onto their community and heritage. The inevitable clashes expose prejudice and self-interest on both sides, as well as the common dream to have a home to call your own. Winner of the Jury Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

Heart of the City

Jon Sadrgilany & Omeed Manocheri / SFUFF 2017, Films, Shorts / USA / 2017 / 15 mins

Heart of the City is a documentary film and social news platform investigating San Francisco’s socioeconomic divide in the Tenderloin neighborhood and its adjacent districts. The project seeks to reimagine the fourth wall and stimulate social media discussions to integrate with the narrative of the film and other supplemental content.

In the Wake of Ghost Ship

Jason Blalock / SFUFF 2017, Films, Documentary, Shorts / USA / 2017 / 21 mins

Last December, Oakland’s Ghost Ship warehouse fire claimed 36 lives, the nation’s deadliest fire in over a decade. It also set off a wave of scrutiny of live/work spaces across the country. Seven miles from Ghost Ship, a legendary punk collective called Burnt Ramen is fighting back against sudden eviction. This short film won the Golden Gate Award for Best Short Film at the 2017 San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Lot

Russell Blanchard / SFUFF 2017, Films / USA / 2016 / 20 mins

Grady, a lonely café owner, encounters Christian, a new boy in town shunned by the local kids, when he finds him attempting to build a playhouse on the empty lot across the street. An unlikely friendship grows while Grady steps in to help and teach Christian, through the action of building a park in the empty lot. As they encounter challenges along the way, their relationship is put to the test and Grady must come to grips with a change within himself.