About TWENTY26

In 2026, the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary with TWENTY26, marking two decades of championing independent filmmakers and bringing extraordinary cinema to the heart of San Francisco.

As part of the festival's ongoing nonprofit mission to make independent film and the arts more accessible, TWENTY26 showcased an outstanding selection of films from around the world alongside exceptional work from emerging and established Bay Area filmmakers. Throughout the festival, audiences had the opportunity to meet filmmakers during live Q&A sessions, creating meaningful conversations between artists and the community.

Festival attendees experienced an inspiring and diverse lineup that included award-winning narrative features and shorts, powerful documentaries, thought-provoking experimental films, sharp comedies, animation, horror, science fiction, surf and skate films, LGBTQ+ cinema, and visually stunning artistic works. Every official selection reflected the creativity, diversity, and storytelling that have defined the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival for the past twenty years.

TWENTY26 took place July 15 through July 19, 2026, at The Cut Outdoor Cinema at The Crossing, located at 250 Main Street in San Francisco. Thousands of film lovers, artists, and community members gathered for five unforgettable days of screenings, filmmaker discussions, and special events in one of the city's most unique outdoor cinema venues. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" and described by the San Francisco Chronicle as the "best festival deal in town," the festival once again demonstrated why it remains one of the Bay Area's premier celebrations of independent film.

In addition to its in-person programming, TWENTY26 featured a curated online festival, allowing audiences around the world to experience a selection of official films and expanding the festival's global reach.

Celebrating 20 Years with an Unforgettable Opening Night

TWENTY26 opened with a memorable 20th Anniversary Opening Night Cabaret at The Lost Church, bringing together filmmakers, performers, artists, and supporters for an evening celebrating two decades of independent creativity.

Held on Wednesday, July 15, the special event featured live music, dance, theatrical performances, comedy, and short films in an intimate setting that reflected the festival's longstanding commitment to supporting artists across disciplines. The celebration honored the filmmakers, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and audiences who have helped shape the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival over the past twenty years while launching an unforgettable anniversary festival.