The San Francisco Film Society offers a full suite of filmmaker services programs and activities designed to foster creativity and further the careers of independent filmmakers. The Film Society launched these programs after signing an agreement with Film Arts Foundation, effectively assuming the stewardship of activities provided by Film Arts over its 32-year history.

SFFS Filmmaker Services are made possible in part by a generous grant from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.


Fiscal Sponsorship
The Film Society's full-service fiscal sponsorship department is staffed by experienced former Film Arts Foundation personnel. SFFS fiscal sponsorship staff devote considerable resources to the active professional development of fiscally sponsored filmmakers and projects. Read more...

Grants & Prizes
The Film Society awards filmmaking grants and cash prizes to innovative and exceptional films, with specific monies set aside exclusively for Bay Area filmmakers. Read more...

FilmHouse Residencies
In an innovative partnership with the San Francisco Film Commission, the Film Society offers more than 2,800 square feet of production-office space available free of charge to independent filmmakers actively engaged in film production in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more...

Filmmaker Services Events
In 2008 the Film Society launched the bimonthly SFFS Film Arts Forum. This large-scale event draws on the active participation of various film industry professionals and includes multiple screening, networking and professional development opportunities under one roof. Read more...

Filmmaker Advisory Board
With a specific eye on diversity and inclusivity, SFFS has constituted a Filmmaker Advisory Board of Bay Area film professionals. Read more...