As a fan of film, one of the most important things you can do to support this ever-changing, increasingly less social medium is: support film festivals and independent cinema. This was constantly on my mind during the past two weeks at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF), an annual event throughout the city of San Francisco that celebrates the best of independent cinema.

I know what many of you are thinking: not everyone is a fan of independent cinema. While SFIFF is no Cannes or TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in terms of clout in the industry, the good news is these smaller, more accessible film festivals are quite successful in their own right, without losing the feel that makes it special.

Over the past two wonderful weeks, a whole host of films, from foreign films and documentaries, to even some larger independent films with stars such as Emily Blunt, Jack Black, Paul Giamattii and more featured in films. From spending a whole Saturday watching a trilogy of German films titled Dreileben, to seeing The Third Man (one of my favorite film’s ever) at the world famous Castro Theater, SFIFF is truly the type of film experience that is unique to the two weeks out of the year where film buffs descend upon San Francisco’s cinemas to celebrate the medium they love.

The Third Man:

What an incredibly captivating, cinematic, and thematic film! As I’ve said before, The Third Man is my second favorite film of all time. Yet, this was the first chance I’ve had to see it on the big screen, in its proper presentation. SFIFF did a fantastic job presenting this film at the Castro Theater in honor of the late Bingham Ray, and the whole experience was a true highlight of the festival.

These festivals have a wide range of audiences, which shouldn’t discourage even casual fans from checking out even just a few films. While there is a year until the next SFIFF graces the city by the bay, film festivals continue to play at cities around the world year-round. Support independent cinema and film festivals – I do, and don’t regret it!