The San Jose International Short Film Festival takes place every October at Cinemark’s CineArts Theatre at Santana Row in San Jose, California. Here’s how to get here, where to park, what to know about accessibility, and where to eat and stay nearby.

Dates for the 2027 festival will be posted on our Tickets & Passes page as soon as they are announced. New to the festival? See our FAQ.

The Venue

Cinemark CineArts Theatre at Santana Row

3088 Olsen Drive, San Jose, CA 95128

Every festival screening takes place at CineArts, a state-of-the-art cinema with stadium seating and luxury recliners. Films are projected in 4K from a DCP with up to 5.1 surround sound, and Santana Row’s restaurants, shops and cafés are a few minutes’ walk from your seat.

Get Directions
The CineArts at Santana Row theater sign, home of the San Jose International Short Film Festival

Getting Here & Parking

By car

CineArts is just off Stevens Creek Boulevard, close to I-280 and I-880. Search for “CineArts Santana Row” or 3088 Olsen Drive in your map app.

Parking

Santana Row’s public garages, including the Olin, Olsen and Santana garages, offer free self-parking for the first two hours, then an hourly fee up to a daily maximum. Planning back-to-back blocks? Budget a few dollars for parking. Valet parking is also available outside Hotel Valencia. Rates can change, so check santanarow.com before you go.

Rideshare and transit

Rideshare drop-offs are easy, and VTA buses run along Stevens Creek Boulevard if you’d rather leave the car at home.

Flying in

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is about 15 minutes away by car.

Map of Santana Row showing the Cinemark CinéArts festival theater, the Olin, Olsen and Santana parking garages, and valet parking

Accessibility

We want everyone to enjoy the festival. Here’s what to know about the theater.

  • CineArts at Santana Row is wheelchair accessible, with stadium seating and luxury loungers.
  • Cinemark offers assisted listening devices at this theater. Ask the theater staff when you arrive.
  • Cinemark’s closed-caption and audio-description devices work only with films that include those tracks, and many festival shorts don’t. Contact us before the festival if you’d like to know which programs include them.
  • Films in languages other than English are shown with English subtitles.
  • Have a question or a specific need? Email contact@sjsff.com before your visit and we’ll do our best to help.

Where to Eat

This is where Santana Row shines. Grab a quick bite between blocks or settle in for dinner after the last screening, all a short walk from the theater.

Dumpling Time’s patio with red lanterns at Santana Row

Dumpling Time

When you need something quick and delicious between blocks.

Augustine restaurant’s patio in the evening at Santana Row

Augustine

For a special night out after the last screening.

Smitten Ice Cream storefront at Santana Row

Smitten Ice Cream

A sweet treat between screenings.

Other favorites include Pizza Antica for an easy group dinner, Momosan for a bowl of ramen and Blue Bottle Coffee for a refill. Double-check hours before you go, and on festival Saturday, book ahead or join a waitlist before your block lets out.

VBar lounge inside Hotel Valencia at Santana Row

Where to Stay

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Right on the Row, a few minutes’ walk from the theater, so you can stroll back after the late screenings.

The Row Hotel

A more budget-friendly option on Stevens Creek Boulevard, about 15 minutes away on foot, with free parking.

More hotels nearby

You’ll find plenty more a short drive away in San Jose, Santa Clara and Cupertino.

First-Timer Tips

1

Arrive early

Come 15 to 20 minutes before your block to pick up your tickets, find your theater and get settled.
2

Stay for the Q&A

Some of the best moments happen after the credits roll, when the filmmakers take the stage.
3

Vote for your favorites

Your votes decide the Audience Choice awards.
4

Mix it up

Pair a block you know you’ll love with one you’d never normally pick.
5

Bring a light jacket

October evenings in San Jose cool off after dark, and theaters can run chilly.

More tips in our First-Timer’s Guide.

Ready for the Festival?

Tickets & Passes Festival FAQ Film Schedule