Where are classes held?
Most classes are held at the San Francisco Film Centre (39 Mesa Street in the San Francisco Presidio) or the Ninth Street Independent Film Center (145 Ninth Street). Some classes are held on location; check descriptions carefully.

Why are there two prices listed for classes?
The first price listed is for year-round members of the San Francisco Film Society. You can join at sffs.org for just $60 at the Film Enthusiast level, or better yet, the Filmmaker Pro level ($90), which gives you access to our Filmmaker Services benefits, including eligibility for SFFS grants, fiscal sponsorship, FilmHouse Residencies and discounts to SFIFF calls for entry and more.

How do I sign up for a class?
You can sign up online or by calling 415-561-5048.

Can I make a reservation via email?
No. You must purchase online or, during business hours, by calling 415-561-5048. Business hours are Monday–Friday, 9:30 am-6:30 pm.

Can I reserve a space in class before I pay for it?
No, we cannot reserve space until payment is made in full.

How far in advance are classes scheduled?
Classes are scheduled triquarterly. February–April, June–August and September–December. Classes are available for purchase online roughly 50 days before the beginning of each quarter.

How do I know when a class is full?
If a class is full, it will be noted on the Web site. You will have the option of being placed on a waiting list.

Can I sign up for a class at the first session?
You cannot sign up for a class at the first session. All orders must be placed by 3:00 pm the day of the class and by Friday at 3:00 pm for weekend classes.

Can I be placed on a waiting list for a class?
If the class you want to register for is full, you may request by email to be put on the waiting list. After you have requested by email that you be placed on the waiting list, you will receive an email confirmation. The waiting list is populated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will only be contacted if a space in the class becomes available. You will be notified of an available space before 12:00 noon on the day of the class. Your chances of being able to take the class during the next session are good if you sign up early.

Can I purchase a class for a friend online?
Members may purchase one class for a friend at the member price. Because we track all students by email, you must create a separate account for your friend, then choose the member price at checkout. Let us know in the notes section that you have signed up a friend. We will process the order appropriately.

Why is class enrollment limited?
Class sizes are in most cases limited to 16 and in some cases to eight participants. Enrollment is limited to ensure quality educational experiences. Classes fill quickly and are first-come, first-served. Students are encouraged to sign up early and to notify SFFS if they are going to miss a class. The cancellation policy is designed to keep administrative costs down and to ensure that students on the waiting list get an opportunity to attend.

What is the cancellation policy? If I need to cancel out of a class, can I get a refund?
Cancellations made 14 calendar days before the start date of the class will receive a full refund or full credit toward a future class. Cancellations made seven calendar days before the start date of the class will receive a 50 percent refund or full credit toward a future class. Cancellations received fewer than seven days before the class will not be credited or refunded. If SFFS cancels a class due to a scheduling conflict, instructor illness or low enrollment, you will be refunded in full.