2021 SF INDIEFEST VANGUARD AWARDEE Stranded in modern-day Mexico, a 16th-century conquistador (Eduardo San Juan) begins a journey, visiting bereaved relatives of murdered activists, exploring haunting strip clubs, and traversing misty mountains. A narrator brings to life text from old diaries, as the time traveler crosses over dunes and through bustling cities, detailing accounts of how the Spanish dehumanized the societies with whom they met, and with what impunity they maneuvered and battled. There are hints of remorse over the violence they unleashed, but these are few and far between. Director Rodrigo Reyes combines documentary and a bit of fiction, using magical realism to draw a parallel between the apocalyptic sacking of Tenochtitlan and the harsh reality of many modern-day Mexicans. The carefully crafted cinematography and the dream-like style of the film serve as a gentle backdrop for the restrained tenacity and stubborn hope of all the migrants, activists, and grieving mothers. In bringing these issues to the forefront, 499 can provide a way for a country and it’s citizens to finally start healing from centuries old wounds. SF IndieFest prides itself on recognizing those unconventional, creative risk-taking filmmakers that are redefining the cinematic form and are someone to watch. Rodrigo Reyes is the latest filmmaker the festival has recognized with its Non-Fiction Vanguard Award. Past honorees include Sean Dunne, Robert Greene, Jamie Meltzer, Penny Lane, Lise Swenson, Sara Archambault, Don Argott, Sheena Joyce and Melody Gilbert. Co-presented by <a href="https://sffilm.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SFFILM</a>.

Director Rodrigo Reyes combines documentary and a bit of fiction, using magical realism to draw a parallel between the apocalyptic sacking of Tenochtitlan and the harsh reality of many modern-day Mexicans.

Chris Metzler and the 2021 SF IndieFest VANGUARD AWARDEE Rodrigo Reyes discuss his latest hybrid documentary 499.

499 Q&A

Chris Metzler and 2021 IndieFest Vanguard Awardee Rodrigo Reyes discuss his latest hybrid documentary 499.

California

499 (plus Q&A)

Virtual Admission

San Francisco Independent Film Festival2440 16th St #107San Francisco CA 94103Tax ID 94:3372871

Donation to {{name}}

Donate

Gift Cards

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. Prefer paper? Print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". If purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

Access Everything

None available

Discount Passes

Explore our on-demand catalog here, and head over to the {{livestreams|Live Streams}} tab to see what's coming up.

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.