The Director of Programming at SFFILM took the time to sit and discuss her experiences with festivals, the submission process, and the future of film.
By Gloria Hubbell Corena
Editor-in-Chief
On a recent Zoom call, Jessie Fairbanks, the Director of Programming for SFFILM, appeared relaxed but deeply thoughtful, speaking with the kind of clarity that comes from years in the film world. Smiling often and choosing her words carefully, she offered an inside look at how one of the country’s most respected film festivals comes together and what it really takes for a film to stand out.
At the heart of her approach is a surprisingly simple idea.
“We’re looking for fresh, bold stories,” Fairbanks said. “Things that surprise and delight us… from new voices as well as established filmmakers.”
That emphasis hasn’t changed over time. Despite shifting global events and evolving technology, Fairbanks explained that what makes a film feel “essential” is less about trends and more about execution: strong storytelling, technical craft, and a unique artistic voice.
From Submission to Selection
What audiences see at a festival represents just a fraction of the work behind the scenes. Each year, SFFILM reviews around 5,000 submissions. Every film is watched at least twice and evaluated by a team of over 140 screeners and curators.
“It’s a huge group effort,” Fairbanks said. “Every film is an accomplishment… so we try to be very thoughtful in our process.”
Over roughly six months, films are assessed on everything from cinematography and sound design to performance and narrative strength. But technical quality alone isn’t enough.
“There’s also the human reaction,” she added. “How engaging was it? What felt new or surprising?”
Even then, selection isn’t purely mechanical. The final lineup is shaped like what Fairbanks calls “a recipe” balancing tone, genre, and representation while ensuring a diverse and compelling experience for audiences.
What Sets Films Apart
For student filmmakers hoping to break in, Fairbanks emphasized that there’s no shortcut formula.
“It’s really based on merit,” she said. “If it’s something new and fresh and exciting, we’ll take it seriously.”
She pointed to filmmaker Sean Wang as an example. His early short film was programmed while he was still in college, eventually leading to industry connections and larger opportunities.
The takeaway? Originality matters more than budget or experience level.
No Trends Just Perspective
While audiences might assume festivals follow trends, Fairbanks pushed back on that idea. Instead, patterns tend to emerge organically after selections are made.
Still, certain themes naturally rise to the surface. This year, many films reflect global tensions, migration, and personal displacement, as well as stories about late-in-life reflection.
“There’s always something happening in the world that filmmakers are responding to,” she said.
At the same time, innovation in technology is shaping the future of filmmaking. Some films in this year’s lineup experiment with traditional formats like 16mm film, while others incorporate AI tools to build entire visual worlds.
Rather than seeing new technology as a threat, Fairbanks views it as an opportunity.
“It’s a way to heighten an artistic vision,” she said.
Why Film Festivals Still Matter
In an era dominated by streaming platforms, Fairbanks believes film festivals play a more important role than ever.
“An algorithm is never going to show you a film outside your comfort zone,” she said. “But at a festival, you’ll see work that challenges you.”
Festivals offer audiences access to films that may never receive wide distribution, along with opportunities to discover emerging filmmakers before they break into the mainstream.
More importantly, they create a shared human experience.
“These are films made by humans, curated by humans, for human audiences,” Fairbanks said.
Advice for Students
For aspiring filmmakers, Fairbanks offered practical advice: Be strategic about where you submit your work.
Instead of aiming only for major festivals, students should research festivals that align with their film’s genre, themes, and target audience.
“If your film is a short horror film, there are festivals looking specifically for that,” she said. “Be thoughtful, your money goes quickly.”
She also encouraged students to attend festivals, especially short-film blocks, to build connections and learn from peers.
Always Learning
Despite her experience, Fairbanks doesn’t claim to have all the answers.
“I feel like I know less now than I did when I started,” she said with a laugh. “You never stop learning.”
That mindset, curious, open, and deeply engaged, is what defines both her work and the festival itself.
In discussing this year’s selections, Fairbanks highlighted the beauty and power in films such as Black Is Beautiful, It Would Be Night in Caracas, and First They Came For My College, each reflecting a different facet of storytelling, from cultural legacy to political tension and institutional change.