Annual January film festival in San Francisco since 1996, produced by the Goethe Institute. The festival showcases new films from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and has become one of the largest and most significant German-speaking film festivals outside of Europe. **Website is available in English and German.

Unique, non-competitive, annual film festival in Palo Alto and San Francisco featuring documentary films dealing with human rights, environmental survival, women’s issues, protection of refugees, homelessness, racism, disease control, universal education, war and peace. Founded to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights.

A "discovery festival of films and technology forums," named the Top 10 festival in the world by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide. Sponsored by Cinequest, a 501(c)3 film institute dedicated to "empowering the Maverick" filmmakers through their festival and through distribution. *See also Cinequest Online under Distribution.

One of the longest running film festivals in the America's SFIFF has been running since 1957. Organized and sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society, this competitive festival features a wide array of new national and international films and live events.

Annual three-week summer festival in the Bay area founded in 1980. They feature outstanding independent Jewish film from around the world, and are one of the leading advocates for independent Jewish cinema.

A five day retreat and international film market. As of 2007 the festival will be held in Los Angeles California, though it originated in Mexico in 1997 and then moved to Florida in 2002. Their mission is to strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, collaboration and career development.

Annual independent film festival in LA produced by Film Independent, featuring national and international films from dramas to comedies. Also See: Film Independent.

Annual film festival showcasing Italian cinema, and often attended by Italian film directors and composers, as well as dignitaries of the Italian and Italian-American communities. The films and festival are presented in an authentic Italian atmosphere.

Founded in 1996, an annual festival celebrating Latino cultural expression through film, presented by the International Latino Film Society.

Annual festival featuring independent national and international films. They encourage independent filmmakers, celebrate "industry luminaries" and provide other educational forums.

Annual independent film festival since 2001 featuring films from around the globe in an effort to foster cultural understanding and tolerance.

Annual event in Venice Beach, founded in 2004 and showcasing international independent films of all lengths and genres, music videos, and themed works from youth, political and women directors. Known for additional features like their filmmaker Q&As, DJs and bands, a curated art show, and conceptual architecture installations.

Annual festival featuring outstanding new national and interntional independent films paired with tastings of the finest regional wines and cuisine. An exciting yearly cultural smorgasbord.

Annual festival since 1995 focused on showcasing emerging styles in both film and music, nationally and internationally. Additionally the festival is known for it's filmmaker/musician receptions, workshops, Lifetime and Career Achievement Awards and its Sunday morning Hot Air Balloon Ride.

Founded in 2001, annual independent film festival focused on local, national and international independent films beside the beautiful beaches and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Annual festival celebrating the silent film era since 1996. Dedicated to educating the public about silent film as an art form and as a cultural and historical record of life in the 20th century.

Annual September film festival in San Francisco showcasing independent and experimental films and videos directed by women from around the globe. Focusing on work that is inventive and visionary, the festival is known for its outstanding programming.

Annual festival featuring American and international feature film premiers,documentaries, short films and music videos. Additionally features the work of Native American and women filmmakers.

Annual festival of films by and/or about Latinos, organized and sponsored by the Media Arts Center San Diego since 1993.

Annual San Francisco film festival in celebration of the film noir genre since 2003. Organized and produced by The Film Noir Foundation, the films featured are collected from archives around the world.