Wim Wender’s 3D ‘Anselm,’ ‘American Symphony,’ Julia Reichert Tribute Among 2023 SFFILM Doc Stories Lineup

The SFFILM Doc Stories lineup has officially been unveiled for 2023.

The ninth annual program runs November 2 through 5 in San Francisco, California, screening 10 features, and two shorts programs, while hosting a tribute to late filmmaker Julia Reichert, the beloved “American Factory” co-director who died last year. While screenings are taking place in person, a limited streaming window from November 6 to 7 will be available to ticket buyers online.

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Matthew Heineman’s “American Symphony” opens the festival for an intimate portrait of Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste. The SFFILM Doc Stories centerpiece screening is “Copa 71,” which debuted at TIFF and tells the lost story of the first Women’s World Cup for soccer. The film features 50-plus-year-old footage from the World Cup that took place in Mexico in 1971. Wim Wenders’ “Anselm” closes the festival with a 3D presentation of Anselm Kiefer’s life’s work.

“This year’s lineup explores the powerful effects of institutional erasure and the unlimited possibilities of human determination,” SFFILM director of programming Jessie Fairbanks said. “Documentaries offer a critical space in which audiences can contemplate challenging world issues, core ideological beliefs, and stories of inspiration. We are elated to host so many formidable documentarians who craft nuanced and thrilling stories that encompass these complex topics, while continuing to evolve the form of non-fiction storytelling.”

SFFILM executive director Anne Lai added, “Hosting Doc Stories each fall is a highlight for SFFILM. It is a celebratory moment to welcome filmmakers from around the world and create the space where singular stories expand the minds and hearts of San Francisco’s intelligent and curious audiences.”

Caroline Suh’s “Sorry/Not Sorry” documentary about Louis C.K. finds new life at the festival after premiering at TIFF and being dropped by Showtime. The film is currently seeking U.S. distribution and is co-directed by Cara Mones.

Lisa Cortés’ “Little Richard,” “Four Daughters,” and “The Mission” will also screen, as well as other films from Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss, Kaouther Ben Hania, Roger Ross Williams, dream hampton, and more filmmakers.

Special events include the New York Times Op-Docs curated 92-minute program, and the tribute to Reichert titled “Julia Reichert: A Woman’s Work. The “American Factory” director died in December 2022 of cancer. Reichert’s life will be celebrated with clips of her films, guest speakers, and a special new work-in-progress presentation about Reichert from Steve Bognar will screen.

The 2023 SFFILM festival took place in April 2023, with “Earth Mama” taking the festival’s audience award.

For the full Doc Series lineup, head here.

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