Full Breakdown
DocLands 2026 Documentary Festival and San Francisco International Film Festival Highlight Global Stories
4/28/2026, 11:21:11 AM
Core Event: DocLands 2026 at Smith Rafael Film Center
The California Film Institute’s DocLands documentary festival runs Thursday through Sunday, April 27–30, at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael. More than 30 nonfiction titles—ranging from environmental activism to political biographies—are presented as part of week two of the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFF), which continues through May 4. Full schedules and ticketing details are posted on doclands.com and sffilm.org.
Highlighted Films
Opening night opens with David Alvarado’s portrait “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez.” Closing night features Jesse Lauter’s “Little Feat: The Documentary.” Additional entries include the French political doc “Zelensky,” the environmental film “Trade Secret,” the cultural portrait “Reggae Girlz,” “Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World,” and “Nuns vs. The Vatican.” SFF also screens the biopic “I Swear” (directed by Kirk Jones) and the indie comedy “The Travel Companion” (co-directed by Travis Wood and Alex Mallis).
Screening Schedule
- Apr 27 6 p.m.: “American Pachuco” (Smith Rafael)
- Apr 28 6 p.m.: “The Travel Companion” (Roxie)
- Apr 29 5 p.m.: “Enough Is Enough” (BAMPFA)
- May 1 7 p.m.: “Filipinana” (BAMPFA)
- May 2 12 p.m.: “One in a Million” (Marina)
- May 2 5:15 p.m.: “To Hold a Mountain” (Marina Theatre)
- May 3 5:45 p.m.: “Those Who Whistle After Dark” (Marina)
Festival Scope
The program spans at least nine countries—including the United States, Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkey, Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom, Serbia, Jamaica, and Ukraine—and features more than 30 nonfiction titles at DocLands, with SFF presenting a broader slate of narrative and documentary works.
Why It Matters: Cultural Impact
The lineup includes films on environmental protection, cultural heritage, and political resilience, covering topics such as climate change, human rights, and artistic legacy.
Data & Statistics
DocLands presents more than 30 nonfiction titles over four days, representing at least nine countries. The San Francisco International Film Festival runs into its second week and will conclude on May 4.
Official Statements
The California Film Institute presents DocLands as a platform for nonfiction storytelling. SFF organizers confirm the festival runs through May 4, with tickets and schedules available at sffilm.org and additional details on doclands.com.
Criticism
A Local News Matters review of “I Swear” criticizes director Kirk Jones for favoring an upbeat tone over deeper emotional nuance, calling the film “frustratingly formulaic.” The reviewer notes that this approach may limit the documentary’s educational depth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” — DocLands 2026 program, Festival lineup
- “Zelensky,” — DocLands 2026 program, Festival lineup
- “Enough Is Enough” — DocLands 2026 program, Festival lineup
- “I Swear,” — Graeme Hunter, Sony Pictures Classics (via Bay City News)
Upcoming Screenings
DocLands ends April 30, but SFF will show “One in a Million,” “To Hold a Mountain,” and “Yo (Love Is a Rebellious Bird)” on May 2, with a closing ceremony and final program on May 4.
