Entertainment · Film · 9 hrs ago
San Francisco’s Doc Stories festival showcases films on Ukraine and US issues
SFFILM’s Doc Stories festival wrapped up in San Francisco on Sunday after its 12th edition.
Sean Penn introduced Black Sunflowers, about young Ukrainians coming of age during war, and is an executive producer on the film.
The festival also screened They’re Here, a short documentary about ICE agents in Minneapolis, made by Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller.
Mueller said the film was shot in January and February 2026 as residents evaded and resisted what she described as a paramilitary occupation.
Poitras said making it a short film helped them release it while events were still unfolding.
Ava DuVernay’s 14th explores belonging and birthright citizenship, and she said Democrats’ midterm victory could make the film more resonant.
SFFILM executive director Anne Lai said the festival aims to support independent filmmakers and help their work reach audiences.
SFFILM’s 12th Doc Stories festival in San Francisco featured documentaries about Ukraine and issues in the United States.
Sean Penn introduced James Marcus Haney’s Black Sunflowers, about young Ukrainians coming of age during martial law and war.
The festival also screened They’re Here, a short documentary about ICE agents’ descent on Minneapolis.
Other films included Ava DuVernay’s 14th, about belonging and birthright citizenship.
SFFILM executive director Anne Lai said the festival aims to support independent filmmakers and bring their work to audiences.
- Who
- SFFILM organized Doc Stories, which featured filmmakers and supporters including Sean Penn, Laura Poitras and Ava DuVernay.
- What
- The 12th edition of the festival screened documentaries about Ukraine and US issues.
- When
- It concluded on Sunday. The article does not state the festival dates.
- Where
- The festival was held in San Francisco, including screenings at the Vogue Theatre.
- Why
- SFFILM said it aims to support independent filmmakers and help them reach audiences.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Black Sunflowers premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Sean Penn introduced Black Sunflowers at the Vogue Theatre during Doc Stories.
The 12th edition of Doc Stories concluded.
- Festival
- 12th edition of SFFILM’s Doc Stories
- Location
- San Francisco
- Black Sunflowers
- Documentary by James Marcus Haney about young Ukrainians amid martial law and war
- They’re Here
- Short documentary by Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller about ICE agents’ descent on Minneapolis
- Short films
- 11 short documentaries screened at Doc Stories
What people are saying
This movie is the song I dreamed I could sing.
That means not only supporting films and filmmakers who are trying to put distinctive work out into the world, but also growing and sharing that work with audiences.
We describe (the film) as a horror documentary
I think we both felt a sense of urgency of making something that could be released in a more contemporaneous moment