Aerial view of dancers in motion, surrounding one standing still, with blurred dynamic movements.

'HERD(mentality),' directed by Benjamin Jonsson (Courtesy of SFDFF)

At the 16th SF Dance Film Festival, movement takes center stage on the silver screen.

Oct 15, 2025

You’ve heard of film festivals, but have you ever heard of one solely dedicated to dance? At the annual San Francisco Dance Film Festival (SFDFF), movement takes center stage on the silver screen.

Now in its sixteenth year, SFDFF returns this fall to showcase more than 90 dance films sourced from around the globe. From intimate, emotional documentaries to jaw-dropping screendance and vibrant music videos, their diverse lineup captivatingly blends the artistry of movement with the magic of cinema.

Whether you’re a lifelong dance lover or simply curious, the festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the debut of Tiler Peck: Suspending Time, a behind-the-scenes portrait of the renowned prima ballerina as she faces a career crossroads. After the screening, join Tiler for a special Q&A with San Francisco Ballet artistic director Tamara Rojo.

SF’s own Bboy Wicket shares his long journey toward coming out in a moving documentary followed by a live performance and Q&A. Wicket shines a light on the power of community and the freedom of living as your whole self with superhuman dance battle footage, candid interviews, and raw emotional honesty.

Dancer in a lilac outfit sits on a barre; another dancer moves in the mirrored background. 'Tiler Peck: Suspending Time' directed by Alex Ramsey(Courtesy of SFDFF)

Like Wicket, select screenings feature live dance, bridging the gap between stage and screen. Catch the Montreal Steppers bringing their Black diasporic movement to Doc Shorts, as well as Full Out Studios featuring local dancers at Bay Area Shorts.

There are a number of opportunities to meet boundary-pushing artists in post-show conversations throughout the festival, including director Yonathan Kellerman, who documented three Paris Opera Ballet dancers as they faced compulsory retirement at age 42, and Ahmad Joudeh, a Syrian refugee who became the first certified ballet master of Arabic descent. Gather the kids for Leap!, a heartwarming animated adventure about a young orphan chasing her dream of becoming a ballerina in Paris, with an introduction by SF Ballet principal dancer Jennifer Stahl.

You’ll get the chance to bust a move, too. The VH1-style Music Video program at SF’s hip Shack15 social club includes a post-screening dance party, plus a filmmaker meet-and-greet. SFDFF’s audience-favorite Spotlight Shorts program also includes post-show festivities featuring DJ Glitterfox.

Person carrying another through a green field, surrounded by tall trees. 'Season of Dance,' directed by Tommy Pascal(Courtesy of SFDFF)

With its mix of global artistry and Bay Area pride, SFDFF is one of those only-in-SF experiences that deserves a spot on your fall calendar. One look at their Instagram feed, and you’ll see what we mean: world-class performers, breathtaking cinematography, and bold ideas reframing dance like you’ve never experienced before.

// In-person screenings run from October 24th through November 9th at venues throughout the city. Online programs are available to stream from November 10-30. Find tickets and the full schedule at sfdancefilmfest.org/festival