May 6, 2026 10:00am PT

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

Jazz Tangcay, Arushi Jacob

Alfonso Herrera Salcedo

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

San Francisco International Film Festival Winners Include 'Hot Water,' 'Figaro Up, Figaro Down' - Film News in Brief