San Francisco Rising

San Francisco Rising (2026)



9.0 2026 91 min United States of America

Director: Adam Leao

Cast: Tia Nomore, JJ Smith, Poolside, Ben Davis, Mc

Documentary
San Francisco, a city defined by constant transformation, struggles to rebuild itself in the wake of widespread upheaval and relentless negative press. Through a series of deeply personal snapshots, the story unfolds via the eyes of a bus driver, the mayor, local creatives, the man tasked with cremating overdose victims, and countless other residents navigating the fragile line between crisis and rebirth.

More About This Film

San Francisco Rising is a 2026 documentary directed by Adam Leao that follows a year in the life of San Francisco as the city attempts to recover from years of political, social, and economic turmoil. Instead of relying only on headlines, the film presents intimate vignettes from people whose everyday experiences reflect different sides of the city.

The documentary features residents and public figures including former mayor London Breed, artists, a Muni operator, activists, business owners, and people working with the city's most vulnerable communities. Its portrait emphasizes both San Francisco's problems and its capacity for reinvention.

  • Adam Leao directed the documentary.
  • The film was produced by From Above Media.
  • Filming took place throughout San Francisco's seven-by-seven-mile city footprint.
  • The production used a guerrilla-style approach with natural light, no tripods, and no studio sets.
  • The film was released in the United States on May 1, 2026 and received an early IMDb rating around 8.4/10.

Where to Watch

San Francisco Rising is currently distributed through several digital platforms in the United States.