Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bolinas Film Festival, Inc. ?
The Bolinas Film Festival, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a focus on arts and education. The scope of the organization includes:
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An annual film festival
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Year-round film screenings
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Local immersion events
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Educational programs, including panel discussions, and a variety of filmmaker workshops
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Support for filmmaking and film production activities
When was the Bolinas Film Festival, Inc. founded?
The Bolinas Film Festival, Inc. was founded in the Spring of 2022.
When is the Annual Bolinas Film Festival Event?
The festival event is held annually during the third weekend of September.
Are there events and activities outside of the annual festival event?
Yes, The Bolinas Film Festival hosts events and activities, including screenings, workshops, panels, education activities, and immersion activities throughout the year. Stay informed by submitting your contact information to our “stay informed” form on our website at www.bolinasfilmfestival.com.
What makes The Bolinas Film Festival unique?
The Bolinas Film Festival is located in a small community at theedge of the sea in West Marin. The community is home to manyartists, writers, farmers, surfers, and innovators. Our festivalweaves many elements of the community into the fabric of thefestival itself.
Can I volunteer for Bolinas Film Festival?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to help with various aspects of the festival. Please visit the volunteer page of our website to view open opportunities.
How can I support the festival?
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Contribute In-Kind
Please contact us at sponsorship@bolinasfilmfestival.com for sponsorship opportunities.
How can I stay up to date with Bolinas Film Festival news and announcements?
To stay updated, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter on our official website.
What are the festival Covid-19 health protocols?
There are currently no plans to implement mandatory COVID-19 related health and safety protocols at the Film Festival. However, the health and safety of festival attendees remains our number one priority, and the festival will continue to monitor the situation. Attendees will be subject to all applicable federal, state, and local safety precautions in place at the time of the event. In addition, BFF may implement additional mandatory safety precautions to be determined.
May I bring my pet/animal to the festival?
It is our goal to ensure all attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Bolinas Film Festival. Service Animals, as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Unruh Act, may accompany owners who have been admitted into any festival area. “Service Animal” means, in part, any animal that is required because of a person’s disability and is specially trained to perform tasks related to the person’s disability.
Are there accomodations for attendees in wheelchairs or other special seating needs?
Venue managers will make every effort to accommodate our guests with special seating needs in a manner that is equitable for all attendees. In instances when the number of guests with wheelchairs or other special seating needs exceeds the designated accessible spaces, venue managers will address these instances on a case-by-case basis.
Is photography or filming allowed during the screenings?
To avoid distractions during the film screenings, no filming or photography is allowed during the showtime.
Will there be opportunities for networking with filmmakers and industry professionals?
Yes, the Film Festival hosts a number of networking opportunities for creatives and others to connect.
As a donor and/or Duxbury pass sponsor, I was notified that I will receive a special festival jute bag. Where do I pick it up?
Donors and Duxbury pass holders can retrieve their festival jutebag prior or during the film festival at the Box Office.
When is the 2026 annual Fesival?
The 2026 festival runs from September 17th-20th, 2026. It also includes some pre-festival activities, such as a full script table read on September 17th, 2023.
What are the Festival event venues?
The Bolinas Film Festival is currently in partnership with followingvenues, for festival-specific activities:
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Film Screenings and Gala Night: The Calvary Church / StarlightTheater in Bolinas, California at 5 Brighton Ave, Bolinas, CA 94924.
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Artist’s Lounge and Closing Party: Smiley’s Saloon in Bolinas,California at 49 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924
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Spaghetti Dinner Night: Coast Café in Bolinas, California at 49 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA 94924
Future events are expected to include additional indoor and outdoor event venues.
The festival will also host the following immersion experiences:
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Bird Walk
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Hike Mt. Tamalpais
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Farm Tour
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Yoga by the Sea
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Surf Lessons
What activities will occur during the annual event?
During the 2023 festival, events will include:
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An opening night gala [Starlight Theater]
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Over 20 films [Starlight Theater]
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A screenplay table read [Artist’s Lounge]
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A spaghetti dinner [Coast Café]
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A procession from the spirit house to the Starlight Theater
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A panel discussion on “nourishing community”
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A closing party
Are there free events during the festival?
There are several free events in the 2026 festival, including:
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A full afternoon of free film screenings for the community
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A full-script table read of “Pulp Fiction” at Smileys
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A closing party at Smiley’s
What should I wear to the festival?
The dress code for those attending the Gala Night is upscale casual attire. This typically means wear something that is comfortable and also a bit on the elegant side. For all other events, attendees should dress comfortably and prepare for possible temperature changes and/or weather changes. While September is typically a warm month, it can get cool in the evening. We recommend bringing a light jacket just in case.
Are there any parties during the festival?
There is a closing party at the Artist’s Lounge at Smiley’s onSunday, September 24th, 4-7 PM. Open to the public.
Where do I buy my passes?
Tickets can be purchased online through our website at www.bolinasfilmfestival.com/tickets and at the popup airstream box office during the event, across from the Starlight Theater.
How do I get my tickets?
When passes and tickets are purchased, an email with QR code is sent.
Where do I pick up my festival pass?
All pass holders can pick up the physical pass at the Box Officeprior or during the festival event. The box office is located next to the Starlight Theater.
Can my pass/ticket be transferred?
Passes and tickets cannot be transferred unless under extenuatingcircumstances such as health or travel-related issues.
Can I buy single tickets?
Single tickets are available for purchase on our website.Additionally, individual (rush) film tickets are only available forpurchase 30 minutes before the start of the film, space permitting.A rush ticket line will be at each venue for these last-minuteavailable seats. Rush tickets are $15.
When do passes and tickets go on sale?
Tickets will go on sale in July for the 2026 season.
Are there discounts?
Yes, we offer discounted tickets for qualifying locals. Valid identification may be required.
Do I need a pass / ticket for the closing party?
No, the closing party is free for all.
Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for festival tickets. However, under certain circumstances, tickets may be transferable to another person.
Can I purchase a pass at the festival, or does it require advance purchase?
As pass inventory is limited, we highly recommend you purchase your pass as soon as you are sure you plan to attend. If passes remain unsold at the start of the festival, those passes may be available for walk-up purchase. For more information on Festival passes.
How can I get an industry pass?
Qualifying individuals that work in the film industry can apply for an industry pass.
Email us at info@bolinasfilmfestival.com.
How can I get a press pass?
Qualifying individuals that work in the film industry can apply for a press pass.
Email us at press@bolinasfilmfestival.com
How do I submit my film?
Filmmakers can submit their films through our official website. Please visit our account on Film Freeway.
What kinds of films does the festival accept?
Bolinas Film Festival welcomes films of various genres, including narrative features, documentaries, short films, animations, and experimental works.
Is there a film submission entry fee?
Yes, there is an entry fee for film submissions. Submission cost detail can be found on our Film Freeway page. The fee helps support the festival's operations and ensures a thorough review of each submission.
Are awards given for films?
Yes, The Bolinas Film Festival will present awards in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking.
How will I be notified of my submission status?
Once the selection process is completed, you will be notified via email of your submission status.
Are there specific eligibility criteria for film submissions?
To learn the submission guidelines and detailed information please review our Film Freeway account.
How are films selected for the festival?
Our selection committee reviews each submission based on artistic merit, storytelling, production quality, and alignment with the festival’s vision.
Will filmmakers receive feedback on their submissions?
While we appreciate all submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback due to the high volume of entries.
When will the official film lineup be announced?
The official film lineup will be announced in July 2026, and selected filmmakers will be notified via email.
How do I get there?
Bolinas is approximately one hour north of San Francisco, just off the beautiful Highway 1. It is accessible via car and on public transportation on the Marin Transit system. See schedules and routes here: https://marintransit.org/routes
Where should I stay?
If you’re coming from out of town, check out our lodging page for updates on deals from partner places to stay in Bolinas near our screening venues. Additional lodging is available in Stinson Beach, Olema, and Point Reyes Station.
Where do I park?
Street parking is limited in town. Please plan to arrive early to find appropriate parking.
Is there overnight parking in town?
Guests who have lodging are allowed to park on the streetsovernight during their stay.
Where can I get gas?
There is one gas station in Bolinas, Bo Gas, that is available 24/7.
How late are restaurants and local stores open?
The town’s two stores are typically open until 6:30 PM, though some seasonal adjustments are made. Restaurants (The CoastCafé, Eleven, Smiley’s) are open and serving food until 8/9 PM depending on the day.
Where is the nearest main market?
The Bolinas General Store is at 40 Wharf Road. The Bolinas People’s Store is at 14 Wharf Road. Don’s Bolinas Liquor Store is at18 Brighton Avenue.
What is there to do in town?
Visit local stores, galleries, and the free Bolinas Museum, walk along the beach, enjoy good food, visit the local farms, and explore the outlying areas such as Stinson Beach and the Point Reyes National Seashore.