Silicon Valley African Film Festival: Explore San Jose Between Screenings
This October, the 17th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) returns to San Jose’s Historic Hoover Theatre. With the theme “Experience Africa through the African Lens” you’ll immerse yourself in the stories told through the continent’s seasoned and emerging filmmakers. This year’s festival features 73 films from 33 countries, setting the stage for a weekend full of cinema and discovery.
The experience doesn’t stop at the theater. Between screenings and festivities, make time to explore more of San Jose using this guide.
Friday, October 9: Festival Kickoff
Start your weekend among fellow film lovers and creatives from around the world. Connect and mingle at the festival’s opening ceremonies, red carpet walk, food and beverage reception and opening night film screening.
Arriving early? Take the opportunity to explore two nearby San Jose neighborhoods, the Rose Garden and The Alameda. From the festival in the Rose Garden, stroll through tree-lined streets past historic Victorian and Craftsman homes, then make a stop along The Alameda. Grab a bite at Luna Mexican Kitchen, a Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite, or get your caffeine fix at Crema Coffee. Ready to toast to the weekend? Stop by Hop & Vine for a drink or head to the J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines tasting room for a taste of local wine.
Saturday, October 10: Screening Day One
With a full day of films ahead, start with breakfast at two longtime San Jose favorites located side by side on The Alameda. Stop by Greenlee’s Bakery for its famous cinnamon bread or head next door to Cafe Rosalena for signature breakfast burritos.
Between screenings, step outside for a change of scenery and explore the nearby San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. Wander through thousands of rose bushes representing nearly 200 varieties. Find a spot near the fountain or simply enjoy the fresh air.
Later in the afternoon, head back to the festival for the African fashion show, author spotlight and a round of evening screenings.
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Sunday, October 11: Close Out the Festival
On your final festival day, make time for a few more stops between screenings to experience more of San Jose'e culture and diversity. Across from the Historic Hoover Theatre is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home of the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Keep the cultural exploration going with a trip to Downtown San Jose's Soul Street, a growing hub for Black-owned businesses and culture in the city's SoFA District. Grab a coffee at Nirvana Soul, dig into soul food and BBQ at Jackie's Place and if you have extra time, experience making a custom scented candle at Ashy Aromas.
From there, head back to the festival to catch more screeings and the closing and awards ceremony, closing out a weekend full of cinema and culture.
You can find a full schedule of events and more details for the Silicon Valley African Film Festival here.
