San Francisco International Film Festival Winners Include ‘Hot Water,’ ‘Figaro Up, Figaro Down’ – Film News in Brief

SFFILM has announced the winners of the Golden Gate Awards for the 69th edition of the San Francisco International Film Festival. The 2026 festival ran April 24 to May 4 in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, hosting over 40,000 attendees, filmmakers, and students from around the Bay area.

Anne Lai, SFFILM’s Executive Director, said, “We couldn’t have asked for a more incredible Festival this year. There was such a strong spirit of discovery throughout—from audiences diving into thoughtfully curated films, to filmmakers bringing honesty and insight to every Q&A. Our supporters and volunteers made each event feel special, and our partners welcomed everyone with true warmth and generosity. We’re so grateful to everyone who showed up and made it what it was. Human connection is what made this year so memorable—it is one for the books! We can’t wait to celebrate our 70th Anniversary together next year.”

Below, the full list of Golden Gate Award and Audience Award winners for SFFILM’s 69th San Francisco International Film Festival.

New Directors Award
“Filipiñana” — Rafael Manuel

Kirby Walker Documentary Award
“How to Clean a House in 10 Easy Steps” — Carolina González Valencia

Global Visions Award
“Salvation” — Emin Alper

Short Film Award—Narrative
“Callback” — Matthew Puccini

Short Film Award—Documentary
“In the Morning Sun” — Serville Poblete

Short Film Award—Animation
“Paper Trail” — Don Hertzfeldt

Short Film Award—Bay Area
“The Baddest Speechwriter of All” — Ben Proudfoot, Stephen Curry

Mid-Length Film Award
“Scenes from the Divide” — Alison Klayman

Cine Latino Spotlight
“It Would Be Night In Caracas” — Mariana Rondón, Marité Ugás

Family Films Award
“Duet” — Léo Brunel

Youth Works Award
“Cindy Undead” — Mariella Gutiérrez

Audience Award—Narrative
“Hot Water” — Ramzi Bashour

Audience Award—Documentary
“Figaro Up, Figaro Down” — Javid Soriano

Related Stories

Sony Pictures Classics Buys Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke Rom-Com 'Wishful Thinking' Following SXSW Debut

SXSW Horror 'American Dollhouse' Lands at Blue Finch Films for Sales Ahead of Cannes Market (EXCLUSIVE)

Tuesday, May 5

LMGI Elects Danny Finn as President and Unveils New Board for 2026–2027 Term

The Location Managers Guild International has named Danny Finn as its new president and unveiled its 2026–2027 board of directors, marking the guild’s first major leadership transition in five years.

Finn, an award-winning location manager whose credits include “Hacks,” “Freakier Friday” and “Her,” was unanimously elected to the role. Based in Los Angeles, he previously served as the guild’s second vice president and played a key role in its communications strategy and international outreach, including appearances on global industry panels.

“We are experiencing historic, industry-wide changes, with ‘grey stages’ and generative AI positioned as alternatives to the real-world work our members do every day,” Finn said. “This underscores the urgency of our work as a guild.”

He added that the organization will continue “championing that work, celebrating our members, elevating their creative contributions, and continuing to push for authentic, location-driven storytelling.”

Joining Finn on the executive team are Robin Macdonald as first vice president, Ryan Schaetzle as second vice president, Andrea Keener as secretary and Edward Mazurek as treasurer.

Returning to board service are founding members Mike Fantasia and Stevie Nelson, along with Ken Brooker. Re-elected directors include Michael Glaser, Eric Klein and Schaetzle, while Hannah James-Johnson joins as a newly elected director.

Finn succeeds outgoing president John Rakich, who led the guild for five years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of global growth.

The guild also confirmed that the 2026 LMGI Awards will take place Aug. 22 at the Broad Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica.

‘Star Wars’ Collectibles Including Stormtrooper Helmet and Rare Posters Available for Auction

Entertainment memorabilia auction house Propstore is offering “Star Wars” collectors and fans the chance to own tangible pieces of the cinematic saga across two upcoming auctions.

The Online Entertainment Memorabilia Auction will run May 4-21, while the Collectible Posters Auction will be held May 4-22.

Highlights include a Stormtrooper helmet from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” credited to be displayed among the remains of the Death Star during Rey’s search for the Sith Wayfinder. It is estimated to sell between $2,640 to $5,280. Also up for grabs is a Resistance bomb from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” used during the film’s opening battle sequence and priced within the same range as the helmet.

Leading the selection of curated posters is a British UK Quad “Gone with the Wind” style poster for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and is estimated to sell between $13,200 to 26,400, joined by a rare Russian three-panel poster produced for “Star Wars’” delayed Soviet release in 1991. Issued as part of a limited artist series, it remains one of the rarest Star Wars poster designs, estimated at $3,300 to $6,600.

Both auctions are open for bidding and feature over 400 lots each.

Stephen Lane, Propstore’s founder and CEO, said, “’Star Wars’ material has always been synonymous with Propstore, and it remains one of the most enduring and sought-after areas of collecting. From iconic poster artwork to pieces used in the films themselves, this selection reflects the depth and legacy of the franchise, and we’re thrilled to bring it to auction for fans this May the Fourth.”

For more information, visit the Propstore website.