ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

San Francisco’s Another Hole in the Head Film Festival is a 31-day cinematic excursion into the realms of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and other genre fare. Presented under the auspices of SF IndieFest, AHITH has built a legacy of championing independent genre cinema since its founding in 2004. Over more than two decades, the festival has showcased diverse films across all styles, budgets, and production levels — from professional studio projects to micro-budget labors of love.

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The 2026 festival runs December 1 – December 31, 2026.

The festival will take place live in San Francisco at the historic Balboa Theatre. Screening in a historic movie palace — rather than a conference hall or office venue — reinforces the festival’s commitment to cinema as a true theatrical art form. The shared big-screen experience, professional projection, and immersive atmosphere elevate each film and signal to audiences and industry alike that these works deserve to be experienced as real cinema.

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In addition to in-theater screenings, the festival will be available On-Demand via the Eventive platform, along with live online screenings featuring audience interaction and filmmaker Q&A sessions via Zoom.

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With this festival, we seek broader horizons than the common interpretation of “genre film” allows. All styles of independent film are welcome to compete. Whether a major professional production, a student film, or a micro-budget passion project, we are committed to giving each film thoughtful consideration.

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Located in one of the world’s most film-literate and artistically adventurous cities, the festival has built a passionate and loyal audience over the years. 2026 marks our 23rd year among the most highly regarded genre festivals worldwide — and we continue to grow. The Bay Area’s deep roots in technology, innovation, and counterculture make it an especially receptive environment for boundary-pushing science fiction, horror, animation, experimental, and AI-driven storytelling.

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Many films that screen at AHITH spark attention from other festivals, distributors, and film brokers. Festival selections and screenings are covered by major industry outlets including Variety, San Francisco Chronicle, Dread Central, Bloody Disgusting, and Fangoria.

Audience Awards (Feature, Featurette, and Short):

Top Film
Best US 
Best Foreign 
Best Local 
Best Student Film
Best Action/Adventure 
Best Animated 
Best Art/Experimental 
Best Crime 
Best Documentary 
Best Fan Film
Best Fantasy 
Best Horror 
Best Musical/Music Video 
Best Mystery/Noir 
Best Science Fiction 

Best Slasher/Splatter 
Best Thriller/Suspense 

Best Dark Comedy 

Best Off Beat Comedy
Best Western 

Best Drama 

Best AI

Staff Awards: 
Favorite Feature

Favorite Featurette 
Favorite Short 
Best Trailer (entries limited to films screening in the festival)

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