288 S Second St, San Jose, CA

San Jose Social Justice Film Festival

Produced by Guggenheim Entertainment in association with 3Below Theaters and San Jose Playhouse
When the world shut down in March 2020, our team put together a film festival to be hosted on the roof of our venue. Since there was very little available in the way of entertainment in the early months of the pandemic, the festival was a resounding success but it was also because of the curation of the films for the festival: film after film celebrating change makers and champions of social justice.

Now, in 2022, we are rebranding the festival as the SAN JOSE SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL with the goal of presenting dozens of films that deserve to be seen again on the big screen and experienced with your whole family. 

Programming Notice: This festival was originally scheduled to be up on the roof of our building. Unfortunately, due to ongoing vandalism, heat damage, and theft, we had to decide to end our rooftop programming early and move the movie festival indoors. For those looking for Covid-conscious entertainment, please note that we have blocked off every other row of the auditorium and the box office system will automatically force two seats on either side of your order to go offline after you make your reservation so you have distance between yourself and the next party. We hope this helps with your planning that you’ll enjoy our film festival.


Celebration of Black Filmmakers

Race is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about as a society or culture. Watching a movie can take away the confrontational aspect of race relations that might scare people off which is why everyone should join us for these movies. No singular movie is going to teach you everything you need to know about race. The topic is vast and riddled with complexities. However, watching these films provides a great, diverse starting point from which to begin the work. And that’s how movies can change perspectives on race: by giving us a place to start.


 

Celebration of Asian Pacific American Filmmakers

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Filmmakers with a special collection of stories that explore the history, traditions, and culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.


Celebrating Latinx Voices, Films, and Filmmakers

A celebration of Latinx people and their history presented through cinema. These films are essential viewing for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the contemporary Latinx experience in the United States. Join us as we highlight stories that paint real pictures of the systemic racism faced in the United States and the tremendous accomplishments Latinx people have made to advance social justice in spite of these challenges.


Amplifying LGBTQIA+

As our streets continue to flood with protests in response to the killing of George Floyd and ongoing police brutality against Black individuals, people across the nation are asking if change will ever come. The fact that we can celebrate the LGBTQ+ community — despite the first Pride being a riot, not a parade or celebration — is a beacon of hope that change is possible with persistence and protest. While Pride events may be canceled this year because of COVID-19, these films allow us to celebrate the LGBTQ+ social movement contributions from Up on the Roof.


Celebrating the Power of Women

As women continue to strive for equality across all forms of industry (see: Wage Gap, Pink Tax), these films capture powerful women making their mark – not just the characters portrayed, but the pioneering actresses and directors at the helm.


Get Lost In Space!

Join us for the best space movies the next time you feel the need to escape from the reality of Earth. The best space movies are beautiful manifestations of human curiosity, because for as long as humans have been around, they have always looked up towards the stars and wondered what mysteries they contained. Planets, stars, the sun, and the moon – have inspired countless tales and legends throughout human history. The possibilities for storytelling are endless, which is perhaps why so many incredible movies are set in space.


Animated Films for our Families

Join us for…


Trek or Treat!

It’s spooky season and what better way to celebrate than with trick-or-treating…TREK or TREATING, that is!