Special Presentations | SFJFF43: July 20 – August 6

Remembering Gene Wilder (Opening Night)

The endearing comic genius of screen actor Gene Wilder comes to life in this affectionate tribute, chock full of uproarious clips, outtakes and poignant reminiscences.

Bella! (Closing Night)

As women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Stacey Abrams, and Katie Porter battle on the front line of an increasingly bifurcated democracy, they tread on the footpath laid by Bella Abzug.

My Neighbor Adolf (Centerpiece Narrative)

Cranky and suspicious, a Holocaust survivor in South America, becomes convinced that his secretive German neighbor is Adolf Hitler and sets out to prove his case.

Red Herring (Centerpiece Documentary)

When 24-year-old director Kit Vincent receives a terminal diagnosis, his first instinct is to turn on his camera and embark on an emotional, spiritual and darkly humorous journey.

Freedom of Expression Award: Lisa Edelstein

SFJFF43 presents actor and activist Lisa Edelstein with the 2023 Freedom of Expression Award and screens her latest short film Swipe NYC.

A Gaza Weekend (East Bay Big Night)

In this hilarious, action-packed parody that lampoons disaster movies, when a mysterious virus spreads throughout Israel, a wealthy British journalist, and his Israeli girlfriend become desperate to escape the country.

Plan C (Take Action Spotlight)

Francine Coeytaux, co-director of the grassroots organization Plan C, organizes an extraordinary group of activists and medical professionals in the fight to expand nationwide access to the abortion pill regardless of the consequences.

The Secret Art of Human Flight (Local Spotlight)

In this heartwarming and captivating tale, a young widower seeks escape from grief by training with an eccentric stranger who claims his methods will allow the man to fly.

I Like Movies (Next Wave Spotlight)

It’s 2003, and socially inept 17-year-old Lawrence has just nailed his dream job at the local video store. Having already alienated those closest to him, he forges a new complicated friendship with his tough but tender hearted manager.

Madrasa (Episodic Spotlight)

From the pen of politically astute Palestinian Israeli writer Sayed Kashua (Arab Labor, The Writer) comes Madrasa, a fast-paced comic TV series set at the Peace School for Bilingual Education in Jerusalem.

The Catskills (Comedy Spotlight)

This humor-filled, nostalgic celebration of vacation resorts in the Borscht Belt paints a vibrant picture of 20th-century Jewish-American history.

All-Festival Pass

$345 Members / $395 General Public

The best way to explore SFJFF in style. The All Festival Pass gives you priority entry to every moment of SFJFF43 at every venue, including Special Presentations, regular screenings, and online. Become a JFI member at the Patron level and receive an All Festival Pass in addition to a year's worth of member benefits!