SF DocFest Begins with Preview Nights

The 12th annual San Francisco Documentary Film Festival kicks off June 6-23 at the Roxie Theater but select previews will be held starting May 22.

While the festival, which is set to screen over 60 films from around the globe, won’t officially kick off until June 6, those who can’t wait can feed their curiosity beginning May 22 at the Alameda Main Public Library. Beginning at 5:30pm, every short documentary film set to screen at the festival will show early and for free.

The following week on May 28, The Roxie will screen two full-length films early, in anticipation of the two week-plus event. First up is 10th Parallel, which finds the filmmakers deep in the Amazon jungle and filming uncontacted civilizations. Following that will be The Machine Which Makes Everything Disappear, an award winner at Sundance, which chronicles the lives of those in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia.

Of course, these are only teaser screenings and things will really get into gear on opening night with SPARK: A Burning Man Story, that should hit close to home for many Bay Area residents as it takes a close look at the famed desert festival. Following the screening will be an open air party at SOMA Street Food Park with live music and a free drink with ticket stub.

Aside from the dozens of documentaries set to be screened, the Roller Disco (costumes recommended!) is always a highlight of DocFest. So strap on your skates and glide over to the Roxie for one of the Bay Area’s most informative film festivals.

Buy tickets and get more information at the festival’s official site.