The iconic mist and cool breezes can only signify one thing; it’s summer in San Francisco. With that, the city welcomes the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, a five-day open-air movie spectacle that has become a beloved tradition.
“We named it after the famously chilly San Francisco summers,” quipped festival co-founder Gabriel Bellman with a laugh.
This year, from Wednesday to Sunday, attendees will be treated to over a hundred films from around sixty nations projected on a grand 23-foot screen at the Cut Outdoor Cinema in downtown San Francisco. Now in its nineteenth year, the festival shines the spotlight primarily on debuting filmmakers and the vibrant energy of youth filmmakers.
“A fundamental aim of the festival has always been to champion local filmmaking talent,” remarked Bellman, a former filmmaker now practicing law. “San Francisco is a cultural hotspot, albeit one that has grappled with supporting its artistic community. We’re committed to offering a platform for both local and international artists to engage and collaborate.”
Over the years, the festival has transitioned through venues, initially showcasing films at the Roxie Theater and the now-closed Piano Fight bar in the Tenderloin district. With the onset of the pandemic, it embraced the outdoor setting at the Cut Outdoor Cinema. This venue has since become a cherished aspect of the festival, complementing its name by exposing audiences to the city’s quintessential brisk summer nights.
“It’s all a part of efforts to rejuvenate city life, with a special focus on the arts,” Bellman commented. “The arts have faced significant challenges post-pandemic, and these events are crucial to their revival.”
This year showcases a variety of emerging filmmakers, including the poignant work “Moses” by first-timer Fran Guijarro. The film is a heartfelt narrative chronicling the life of a man named Moses, who spent over two decades living on the streets of San Francisco. Once a promising musician, Moses’s journey was captured by Guijarro over fifteen years, culminating in a return to the studio to record before losing his battle with cancer a few years back. Fittingly, the film will be screened mere blocks from where Moses often engaged with passersby on the sidewalk.
“San Francisco is the backdrop of this tale,” shared Guijarro. “Bringing this story to the local community holds a deep resonance for me.”
Alongside the in-person presentation of 100 short films, documentaries, virtual reality experiences, and feature films, the festival is also embracing digital platforms by offering around sixty films virtually. This initiative allows viewers to enjoy the festival’s offerings from the comforts of home.
However, those enthusiasts who choose to brave the cold and attend in person are promised an enriching five days of avant-garde programming. These events foster connections between creators and audiences, offering a unique cinematic experience.
“There’s a unique magic to the theatrical experience,” Bellman stated. “Watching your film in a theater truly solidifies your identity as a filmmaker.”
