SF CritterFest presents:
WILD ASIA: LIFE AT EXTREMES
Atop the world’s tallest peaks of the Himalayas, get an intimate look at elusive Snow Leopards and Tiger moms in Nepal raising their young. Witness a Tibetan Fox ‘hide-and-seek hunting’ amongst yaks on an ancient plateau, catch glimpses of the secretive red panda in its remote forest stronghold, meet the remarkable long-eared jumping Jerboa in the harsh Gobi Desert, and fly alongside beautiful songbirds feeding on “sapcicles” in northern Japan. In the world’s richest coral seas of the Pacific, discover the cute-yet-deadly Sea Bunny and be immersed in an unbelievable shark feeding frenzy, that’s never been filmed before. Each story reveals the incredible ways in which wildlife has adapted to thrive in these challenging habitats.
Produced by the world-renowned wildlife storytellers at the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, Wild Asia - Life at Extremes is an experience for all ages featuring amazing biodiversity, never-seen-before animals and heartwarming behaviors across spectacular landscapes and mesmerizing seas.
THE WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER
This is a short documentary about the Western Snowy Plovers at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA, that explores the lives of a small shorebird with close proximity to humans. By adopting dueling perspectives: how humans perceive these birds, and how the Plovers may perceive their own lives to create a film that challenges the standard approach to nature filmmaking.
Q&A with director Danny Roberts to follow the feature screening.
RISKY ROUTES
Every year, thousands of toads make the arduous journey back to the waters of their birth to reproduce. They have to overcome numerous dangers along the way - from dangerous roads to other obstacles that turn their journey into a fight for survival.
THE LEAP BENEATH
Narrated by Coyote Peterson, this film dives into the hidden world beneath the forest floor. Follow a springtail’s clumsy quest for food through a bustling ecosystem where mites, beetles, and other tiny creatures keep the forest alive.
BEARS IN HOT TUBS
Bears in Hot Tubs is a tender, emotionally resonant short film co-created with Maddie Bear and her wild kin, who move through the suburban landscapes of Los Angeles with curiosity, intelligence, and quiet grace. From soaking in backyard tubs to wandering garden paths, these black bears are not intruders; they are neighbors, navigating a world remade by human presence.
SAND CASTLE: THE SECRET LIVES OF POTTER WASPS
Join a courageous potter wasp on an enthralling journey! Witness this fascinating insect's tenacity and perseverance as it navigates its dangerous realm teeming with challenges and predators.
The secrets of its hidden world are revealed in this short documentary.
SF IndieFest's latest festival is CritterFest, September 17 - 20, 2026, a series of films about animals, pets, wildlife. CritterFest is interested in exploring the profound resonance and interaction between humans and the animal kingdom with an eye towards the animal-human relationship.