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SF CritterFest 2026: Four-Day Animal Documentary Showcase at 4 Star Theater
San Francisco’s indie film scene is about to get a splash of animal‑centric color. From September 17 to 20, the 4 Star Theater on Clement Street will host SF CritterFest 2026, a niche documentary series presented by the nonprofit SF IndieFest. The four‑day slate will feature 19 short and feature‑length documentaries that turn the spotlight on wildlife, domestic pets, and the surprising intersections of animal behavior and queer identity.
At the heart of the festival is the brand‑new feature “Second Nature,” narrated and co‑executive produced by Canadian actor and LGBTQ activist Elliot Page. The film examines same‑sex behavior and gender diversity across more than 1,500 species, aiming to dismantle myths about sexuality in the animal kingdom. Page’s involvement brings a high‑profile voice to the event and underscores the festival’s commitment to authentic representation.
The program also offers a mix of short films that range from the playful to the poignant. “Bears in Hot Tubs” follows black bears that have taken up residence in Los Angeles gardens, while “Austin Bat Rescue” gives an eight‑minute look at a Mexican free‑tailed bat rehabilitation center in Central Texas. Other shorts include “Gianna & Anne — Significant Otherness,” a profile of a German woman and her cow, and “The Western Snowy Plover,” which explores the shorebird’s life along Ocean Beach.
Feature‑length offerings add depth to the schedule. “Better Call Babs” tells the story of Babs Fry’s rescue mission in San Diego, highlighting her efforts to locate and return lost pets while revealing personal struggles that earned her a Red Cross Award. The festival’s flagship documentary, “Second Nature,” invites viewers to reconsider the narratives we attach to animal sexuality.
For those who prefer a lighter tone, the animated short series “Stoner Cats” – in which cats gain superintelligence after inhaling their mother’s weed – will be available for streaming on the festival’s website. In addition, “The Secret Lives of Pets 2” will screen for free at the Hayes Valley screen Proxy on September 18 in partnership with the San Francisco SPCA.
Ticketing remains flexible: individual screenings can be purchased separately, and an all‑film pass is available for $60. Free screenings and online streaming options broaden access, allowing audiences to explore a wide range of animal stories without a hefty price tag.
The 4 Star Theater, a mid‑size venue in the Mission District, has long been a hub for independent film events. Its location on Clement Street places it in a community known for cultural diversity and artistic experimentation, making it an ideal home for a festival that celebrates both animal welfare and LGBTQ representation.
SF CritterFest will open on September 17 and close on September 20, 2026, offering 19 documentaries, free screenings, and online streaming options. Tickets are available for individual shows or an all‑film pass starting at $60. As part of SF IndieFest’s broader programming, the festival will continue to highlight animal stories and queer animal behavior, though no additional releases or festival dates have been announced beyond the 2026 schedule.
At the heart of the festival is the brand‑new feature “Second Nature,” narrated and co‑executive produced by Canadian actor and LGBTQ activist Elliot Page. The film examines same‑sex behavior and gender diversity across more than 1,500 species, aiming to dismantle myths about sexuality in the animal kingdom. Page’s involvement brings a high‑profile voice to the event and underscores the festival’s commitment to authentic representation.
The program also offers a mix of short films that range from the playful to the poignant. “Bears in Hot Tubs” follows black bears that have taken up residence in Los Angeles gardens, while “Austin Bat Rescue” gives an eight‑minute look at a Mexican free‑tailed bat rehabilitation center in Central Texas. Other shorts include “Gianna & Anne — Significant Otherness,” a profile of a German woman and her cow, and “The Western Snowy Plover,” which explores the shorebird’s life along Ocean Beach.
Feature‑length offerings add depth to the schedule. “Better Call Babs” tells the story of Babs Fry’s rescue mission in San Diego, highlighting her efforts to locate and return lost pets while revealing personal struggles that earned her a Red Cross Award. The festival’s flagship documentary, “Second Nature,” invites viewers to reconsider the narratives we attach to animal sexuality.
For those who prefer a lighter tone, the animated short series “Stoner Cats” – in which cats gain superintelligence after inhaling their mother’s weed – will be available for streaming on the festival’s website. In addition, “The Secret Lives of Pets 2” will screen for free at the Hayes Valley screen Proxy on September 18 in partnership with the San Francisco SPCA.
Ticketing remains flexible: individual screenings can be purchased separately, and an all‑film pass is available for $60. Free screenings and online streaming options broaden access, allowing audiences to explore a wide range of animal stories without a hefty price tag.
The 4 Star Theater, a mid‑size venue in the Mission District, has long been a hub for independent film events. Its location on Clement Street places it in a community known for cultural diversity and artistic experimentation, making it an ideal home for a festival that celebrates both animal welfare and LGBTQ representation.
SF CritterFest will open on September 17 and close on September 20, 2026, offering 19 documentaries, free screenings, and online streaming options. Tickets are available for individual shows or an all‑film pass starting at $60. As part of SF IndieFest’s broader programming, the festival will continue to highlight animal stories and queer animal behavior, though no additional releases or festival dates have been announced beyond the 2026 schedule.
