An Evening of Exclusive Social Engagement, Cinema, Insight, and Festival Celebration
An Elevated Signature Members Only Event
Step into a rare, membership invitation-worthy experience—an evening that brings together elevated social gathering, global storytelling, and direct access to the voices shaping both.
Hosted in partnership with SFFILM at the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival, this exclusive engagement is designed for those who value intellectually rich dialogue, cultural relevance, curated connection, and film festival celebration.
Featured Screening: American Doctor (In competition for the Kirby Walker Documentary Award)
Runtime: 93 minutes
Language: English, Arabic
At the center of the evening is a limited screening of American Doctor—a powerful and deeply human documentary following three U.S. doctors—Palestinian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian—strive to alleviate suffering in Gaza as war devastates its hospitals, confronting impossible choices, human suffering, and moral peril.
This is more than a film.
It is a front-row perspective on courage, complexity, and conscience under pressure.
Exclusive Access: Filmmakers & Frontline Voices
Following the screening, engage in a Q&A with:
Director Poh Si Teng
Producer Kirstine Barfod
Featured physicians:
Dr. Thaer Ahmad
Dr. Mark Perlmutter
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa
This is a rare opportunity to move beyond the screen—into conversation, context, and candid insight.
About the Director
Poh Si Teng makes her feature debut with American Doctor. A Primetime Emmy winner for Patrice: The Movie (2024) and producer of the Oscar®-nominated St. Louis Superman (2019), her work bridges journalism and cinematic storytelling. Her career spans leadership roles at The New York Times, Al Jazeera English, and ABC/Disney—bringing global perspective and editorial rigor to every project.
The Experience
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Private networking reception with Penn Club members and SFFILM members at the SFFILM Festival Lounge. Light hors d'oeuvres and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Curated transition to the theater (5–8 minute walk)
8:30 PM
Film screening begins at the Premier Theater
Why This Evening Matters
- Engage with a curated network of alumni, filmmakers, and cultural leaders
- Experience a globally relevant film in an intimate, limited setting
- Gain direct access to award-winning filmmakers and frontline experts
- Participate in a conversation that sits at the intersection of humanity, policy, and storytelling
To see more films at the 69th SF International Film Festival, visit: https://sffilm.org/2026-about-the-festival/
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Locations:
SFFILM Festival Lounge:
1008 General Kennedy Ave
San Francisco, CA 94129 [link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gZJpYuwoAWFxVKHPA]
Premier Theater: 1 Letterman Dr #B, San Francisco, CA 94129 [link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nFYxFctkjNH1ijkf9] (navigate to “Yoda Fountain” in the Presidio)
Transportation: Uber, Lyft, and ride-sharing platforms recommended
Friday, May 1, 2026
5:30pm - 10:00pm PT
HCSF Members: $16
Not a member? Register here for membership!
Click here to register
Light hors d'oeuvres and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided.
Event Registration (Harvard Alumni):
Please sign in with your HarvardKey otherwise a duplicate record will be created and you will not be able to log-in.
No HarvardKey? Please retrieve your HarvardKey here. If you need help, email ithelp@harvard.edu or call 617-495-7777
HCSF Guidelines for attending in-person events
If you are showing COVID-19 or Flu symptoms, please stay home. This is critical to the health and safety of our staff and communities.
Event Organizer:
jules sebastian
julessebastian@alumni.harvard.edu