Embedded Files
Welcome to December!
Image by FreePik
Winter is almost here. Here at WIFSFBA, we would like to celebrate all our collective filmmaking accomplishments this past year!
We started off back in January with a screening of Julie Rubio’s amazing documentary Tamara de Lempicka and the Art of Survival at the DeYoung In San Francisco. Then, we had an engaging Town Hall with all our members that gave us insightful and useful feedback for future WIFSFBA programs and events which lead directly to our monthly online mixers, as well as other events. It’s so great to see everyone sharing and collaborating through this online forum every month!
After that, we had our Cinequest meetup and co-presented two amazing films at the festival.
In May, we had an informative session with Philip Shane who talked about AI tools in filmmaking, and we followed that up in June with our biggest event, Pitch-A-Pro! We co-sponsored another AI event with VINE, an East bay filmmaker group, as well as hung out with BraveMaker during their awesome festival and women directors panel in Redwood City.
In September and October, we had Sara Elizabeth Timmons talk about the American Film Market, and an inspiring panel of women horror filmmakers moderated by Jenn Wexler.
This month, we were proud to present a panel of accomplished filmmakers talking about self-distribution and the direct to consumer model on December 2nd, followed by our annual in person holiday mixer at Cafenated Cafe in Berkeley Dec. 6th.
Of course, we also have our monthly Script Incubator where writers can share their scripts and do table reads with actors! Last but not least, quenching the community’s thirst for more in-person networking, members Beth Barany, Amy Boyd, and Kristin Tieche have continued to hold local meetups in Oakland and San Francisco every month! Way to go, gang!
Here’s to continued artistic expression, creativity, and community in the new year…through art, we can connect and feel our common humanity during these troubling times.
See you soon,
Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary
Letter from the President
Dear WIFSFBA Community,
As we enter the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the incredible light this community brings into the world. One of the truths I’ve carried with me this year is deeply personal:
As a woman, I still often feel as though I am not seen, heard, or understood and yet there is this big, bright light ahead of me, being lit candle by candle, person by person. It guides me forward and reminds me that I am moving toward something powerful, that I am not alone. It takes away the darkness and makes me feel seen, heard, and supported. Thank you to each of you, our members and board members, in Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area who continue lighting the way.
This season, that sense of illumination has felt especially profound.
Over the past month, I had the privilege of traveling with The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival, sharing it with audiences across Europe. After years of navigating the challenging and often exhausting distribution process, I was not in a place of gratitude, I was drained. The daily struggle took so much energy that it was hard to remember why we fight so fiercely for our films.
But stepping back out into the world changed everything.
We began in Madrid at the Cine por Mujeres Film Festival, a celebration of films made by women, for women. Screening the film inside the magnificent Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum was an experience beyond words, Tamara’s spirit felt present in those halls, and the audience received her story with such reverence that it moved me in ways I didn’t expect.
From there, we traveled to Málaga, where the film screened at the Centre Pompidou Málaga. It was here that I finally, after three years of collaboration over phone calls and messages, met Jörgen Liljefelt Wennström, a person who has been my artistic partner, confidant, and creative anchor throughout this journey. Walking on stage with Jörgen, my co-producer Blake Wellen, and alongside Tamara’s great-granddaughter Marisa de Lempicka for our Q&A was truly extraordinary. It felt like a moment of completion, connection, and celebration.
Our final stop was Paris for A Shade of View, On Fashion Film Festival at the intersection of film and fashion. To screen Tamara’s story in the very city where she lived, loved, and created felt almost like placing her legacy back into her own hands. The audiences there understood her in a way that only Paris can.
As I moved from city to city, by planes, trains, museum corridors, theaters, and historic squares, I felt gratitude returning to me. After the heaviness of the past years, these screenings reminded me that film is meant to be experienced together, in rooms full of breath, emotion, and human connection. They reminded me why we tell stories.
One of the quotes I shared during this journey captures a truth that continues to guide me, and that I believe resonates with many of us:
“When I tried to get my first film made, only 1% of directors were women. That was the moment I stopped waiting to be chosen. You either step forward or you don’t. And when a director walked off one of my early projects, I had a choice: sit in the chair or let the film die. I sat down and directed.”
And of course, the legacy of Tamara herself continues to teach us:
“Tamara lived a life society wasn’t ready for. We are only catching up now. Women in the arts still face gatekeeping and erasure. Tamara proves that you can exist outside the gate and still make history.”
Looking ahead to December, I hope you will join us for a couple of special opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate together as a community.
First, I will be moderating and participating in Breaking Boundaries: Self-Distribution & the Direct-to-Consumer Model on Tuesday, December 2 at 6 PM via Zoom. This will be a candid conversation with accomplished creatives Lisa Hurwitz, Heather Spore, Jeremy Workman, and myself as we discuss new approaches to independent film distribution in today’s marketplace. You can register at WIFSFBA.ORG.
Then, on Saturday, December 6 from 1-3 PM, please join us for our WIFSFBA Holiday Mixer at Cafenated Coffee Co, 2085 Vine St, Berkeley, CA 94709. Come celebrate the season with white elephant gifts, holiday ugly sweaters, a raffle, and more. Registration is also at WIFSFBA.ORG. This is a wonderful chance to gather in person, connect with old friends, and welcome new members as we close out the year.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for lifting one another up, for championing women’s stories, and for continuing to light the way, for me, for each other, and for the next generation of filmmakers.
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and inspiring holiday season.
With gratitude and love,
Julie Rubio
President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area
WIFSFBA EVENTS
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
When: Monday, December 15th, 7:00-9:00pm PDT
Where: Zoom
The Script Incubator meets on Zoom every third Monday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the group’s work, which includes TV pilots, features, shorts, and web series. For 2025, we are reviewing each other's work "table read" style, in which we will read aloud up to 3 script portions of 1-10 pages each. No homework! We are also seeking actors to bring the parts alive so the scriptwriters can hear their words aloud. Each Zoom session will be recorded so the screenwriter can go back and see what worked and what didn't. And all participants will be encouraged to give feedback and support each other during the meetings.
If you have any questions about the table-read or would like to reserve a spot for your script at the next meeting, feel free to contact Carol Hall at bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “Script Incubator” in the subject line.
WIFSFBA Holiday Mixer
When: December 6th, 2025, 1-3pm
Where: Cafenated Coffee Company, 2085 Vine St., Berkeley, CA
Come one, come all to the merriest of the merry holiday mixers! We will gather in festivity again at Cafenated Coffee in Berkeley (Vine St. location, not the other one!) on a crisp December afternoon to hang out, eat appetizers, drink coffee, exchange White Elephant gifts (new gift, $15 max), have a raffle, laugh at each others’ ugly holiday sweaters, and talk about how difficult the business is right now.
MORE INFO and register here: Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area
December Community Networking
WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night
We’re skipping this month since we have our in-person mixer, so we’ll see you in January!
SF Wednesday Winedown
Join member Kristin Tieche for the Wednesday Winedown in San Francisco!
Keep a lookout for the announcement on our social media channels, WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!
East Bay Meetup
WIFSFBA members (Beth Barany and Amy Boyd) have organized a monthly East Bay meet-n-greet -- an Oakland WIFSFBA hub. Ideally, we'll meet monthly on the third Tuesday of the month. Keep an eye out on WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!
We'll connect, get to know each other, and drink iced tea!
** Yes, bring your non-WIF members friends.
WIFSFBA UPDATES
Wrap Up: Breaking Boundaries: Self-Distribution & the Direct-to-Consumer Model
Thanks to all who joined us for this insightful discussion about self-distribution, and a special shout out to our accomplished panel: Lisa Hurwitz (Director/Producer of The Automat), Jeremy Workman (Director of The Secret Mall Apartment and The World Before Your Feet), Heather Spore (Producer of Almost Famous), and our own Julie Rubio (Director, Writer, and Producer of the award-winning documentary The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival)!
Together, they shared strategies for thinking outside the box, taking intelligent risks, and building sustainable careers in a marketplace where many still struggle. From negotiating deals to creating new revenue streams, and from protecting your copyright to connecting directly with audiences, this conversation gave filmmakers practical tools to take charge of both their creative and financial futures.
Key Takeaways:
How to find solutions in an unpredictable independent film market
Effective strategies for negotiating deals and maximizing revenue
Connecting directly with audiences while protecting creative rights
Turning challenges into opportunities with practical, actionable steps
WIFSFBA Public Member Crew List
One perk of individual WIFSFBA membership is the Public Member Crew List that you can opt into, accessed through the WIFSFBA website under "Join Us" then "Hire Us." Take a look here to find your next crew, or list yourself and your skills!
Check it out here: Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area - Public Member Crew List
Become a Dual Member of WIFSFBA & New York Women in Film and Television
New York Women In Film and Television (NYWIFT) is offering dual membership to WIFSFBA members. If you are a WIFSFBA member in good standing, you may purchase a NYWIFT Industry Level membership for $100 (plus a $50 initiation fee), a saving of 50% off the normal $200 membership. Membership in NYWIFT includes:
Online and in-person networking and learning events
Marketing Creative Talent in weekly e-blast, Twitter, and Members in the News Webpage
Advanced Screenings
Online Member Center
Benefits Program
Fiscal Sponsorship
Affinity Groups and Committees
Electronic Copies of NYWIFT Publications
One Member-Price Ticket to the NYWIFT Muse Awards
For more information, please see the description here, and download and fill out form. Applications may be emailed or snail mailed to the addresses inside the application. If you have any questions, please email membership@nywift.org or call 212 679-0870 x 31.
WIFSFBA Private Member Crew List
A similar perk of individual WIFSFBA membership is the private version of the public list (those who prefer to only be viewed by other WIFSFBA members). This Private Member Crew List can be seen by logging into our website. This is another great resource to find collaborators, crew, and connections!
Check it out here: Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area - Member Directory
IMDB Pro Member Discount
The new 2025 IMDbPro discount code for 30% off an annual or monthly membership is available if you are a WIFSFBA member. Please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “IMDBPro discount” in the subject line for the code.
To redeem the code, users must go to IMDbpro.com/redeem, enter the promo code and log in. Please note offers may not be combined and entering a new promo code will override any lesser discount that has been applied to your account. Promotional discounts will be applied at the start of your next billing cycle. This offer is limited to members only and is non-transferable.
WIFSFBA Merch Store!
Check out our exclusive new WIFSFBA Film Role Apparel (Producer, Director, Screenwriter, etc.)! Wear your film role with pride AND support Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area at the same time! Whether you're treating yourself or finding the ideal gift for a friend, we've got something special for everyone. Check out the online store here: WIFSFBA merch!
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Insights from the American Film Market
by Carol Lee Hall, WIFSFBA Treasurer
As I decompress from attending the AFM in LA, here are some insights gathered from visits to the Exhibitors offices, the daily sessions, and the Connect platform:
Appointments booked up quickly. Most exhibitors did not bring their acquisitions team, only their selling team. And if they were acquiring, you had to have attachments and/or some investment already. Some companies did give me the name and email of their acquisitions exec that didn’t come so I could send them my materials.
Filmmakers can use AI to streamline the entire production process from creation to distribution. Friday’s session gave the names of several platforms and what they can do. For example: Callaia for script coverage, Cinelytic for financial forecasting and market analysis.
The AFM2025 Connect and Chat platform was not very useful. Film editors, screenwriters, and other producers seeking funding wanted to connect with me, but I was not in the position to help them. I tried to connect to acquisitions execs, financiers, and companies that did co-productions, but none wanted to chat with me.
Despite some of the disappointments, I did meet a potential investor in the hallway and another individual in the lounge who owned a platform that connects people with projects to financiers and distributors. Will need to investigate it further.
The Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel was very conducive to meetings, sessions, and networking. Across the street was the Westfield Century City Mall and AMC Theaters where films were shown and you could get a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants. I hope they decide to return to this venue next year.
Filmmaker Kristin Tieche's The Invisible Mammal at Willow Camp Speaker Series
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Pavilion at Willow Camp, 7 Willow Camp Way, Stinson Beach, CA, 94970
Cost: $20 per ticket
MORE INFO: Events in Stinson Beach California — Willow Camp
“Willow Camp Speaker Series is back, and we will have a special Movie Screening of the award-winning documentary, The Invisible Mammal!
This feature-length film follows an all-woman team of biologists working to save bats, illuminating the vital connection between conservation and the spread of infectious disease.
We are honored to be joined by the film's Director and Producer, Kristin Tieche, for a post-screening discussion. Kristin is a seasoned producer committed to crafting compelling narratives that explore the natural world and highlight women in science.
Get your tickets now! Join us for an evening of discovery and conversation on this critical topic!”
About Kristin Tieche:
Besides putting on the monthly ‘Wednesday Winedown’ many of you attend, Kristin is an experienced producer and editor of non-fiction, documentary, and branded video content based in San Francisco, CA. She has edited thousands of hours of film and television programming, specializing in non-fiction and documentary storytelling. Her work has been seen by millions of viewers on PBS, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Al Jazeera, LinkTV, Current TV, Court TV, Food Network, and HGTV. Check out the WIFSFBA website for a Member Spotlight we did on Kristin. https://www.kristintieche.com
Women Who Inspire - Julie Rubio
WIFSFBA President Julie Rubio was featured in a two part article on LinkedIn from Cindy Weidmann. Excerpt and links below!
“Today, I want to share what Julie has learned about overcoming barriers and creating meaningful work.
1. Silence the Voice in Your Head
“Your voices in your head are just thoughts. You have the ability in that millisecond when you’re beating yourself up to go, ‘No, I’m going to do this.’ What’s the alternative? You don’t do it.” This reframe changed everything for Julie. She spent years letting that voice tell her she wasn’t smart enough and that her dyslexia made her less capable. Now, she understands her brain works differently and that difference has become her creative advantage.
2. Find Your People
Julie serves as President of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA), supporting over 10,000 women in media. “Find your people. Your people know how you feel. We have to surround ourselves with women who uplift us.” She’s also honest about the complexity. “It’s a problem that women can sometimes hold each other back.” Her advice is to choose your circle carefully. Lift others up and let yourself be lifted.
3. Transform Pain into Purpose
Julie lost her mother and best friend within a month while making her documentary. The grief could have ended her career. Instead, it deepened her work. This isn’t about bypassing grief. It’s about honoring what you’ve lost by creating something that matters. Pain doesn’t have to stop you. It can fuel you.
4. Stop Waiting for Permission
Your support system matters, and your community is essential, but at some point, you have to choose yourself. As a single mother in an industry where only 1% of women were directing, Julie knew no one was coming to save her. That moment when her director walked off set was the universe asking if she was ready. She was.
Julie could have waited. She could have believed the voice telling her she wasn’t ready. She could have let the industry statistics convince her it was impossible. Instead, she sat down and started directing.
What are you waiting for permission to do? Julie’s message is to go for it, head down, and go!
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This post is part of my series featuring inspiring women leaders who are making an impact in business and life. Follow me for more remarkable stories.
* Photography credit to Svetlana Cvetco”
Do you have career or event news you’d like to share with fellow members?
We’d really like to hear about any recent career accomplishments, awards, new ventures, or a positive experience having to do with our industry. This is one of the advantages to being part of an organization like WIFSFBA -- by letting others know what you’re doing, you can expand your creative family and even find new collaborators for future projects.
So…take a moment to sit down and write something you’d like to share with your WIFSFBA sisters. Then email that blurb and any related images to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with ‘Members in the News’ in the subject line. Do it now rather than next week -- you deserve to shine! Submit one week before the end of the month to be included in the next newsletter.
Bay Area Happenings
22nd Another Hole in the Head Film Festival
When: December 1 - 31st, On-demand via Eventive
Where: Balboa Theater - San Francisco
“A Celebration of the Wild, the Weird, and the Wonderfully Unexpected. Now in its 22nd year, the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival continues its mission to bring bold, boundary-pushing cinema to adventurous audiences. This year’s festival dives deep into the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and beyond, offering a global showcase of fearless independent filmmaking. Audiences can expect dozens of feature films and hundreds of short films that redefine genre storytelling -- each one a testament to the imagination and creativity thriving in today’s indie film scene. Whether it’s mind-bending sci-fi, darkly comic horror, or genre hybris that defy easy labels, the 2025 lineup promises to challenge, thrill and inspire.”
For Tickets: Another Hold in the Head FF
Producing Essentials: From Concept to Screen
When: December 6th
Time: 11am - 12pm
Tickets: From $17.50
“This intensive 60-minute session introduces you to the essential steps for bringing your project to life. Gain expert guidance and techniques to move your project forward, access valuable career and industry insights, and receive tips and resources to help you succeed.”
MORE INFO: Producing Essentials
BASH - Bay Area and Sac Short Films Festival 2025 - Part 2
When: December 13th
Where: Fort Mason Arts and Cultural Center - 2 Marina Blvd, SF 94123
Time: 11:00am - 5pm PST
Tickets: $19.98
“BASH is a semi-annual Film Festival showcasing a diverse sampling of BAY AREA and SACRAMENTO made shorts and minifeatures, award-winning directors along with amateurs breaking in the industry and blowing everyone away. From epic comedies, horrors, serious dramas, and documentaries, our selections are eclectic and all across the board.”
MORE INFO: BASH
Community Partners:
Events & Invitations
A BIG THANKS to our October Community Partners for their support of "Filmmakers Panel: How to Slay in Indie Horror Filmmaking"
A BIG THANKS to our October Community Partners for their support of "Filmmakers Panel: How to Slay in Indie Horror Filmmaking"
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival - Short Film Script Submissions Open Now
Deadline: January 23, 2026
Submission fee for short scripts: $20
“CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival is open now on FilmFreeway for submissions for its 2026 Script Studio to be Sunday, May 3 in Bellingham, WA. during the in person festival.
Up to four, unproduced short film scripts written by a woman will be selected for this year's Script Studio which is free and open to the public.
Selected scripts will receive a reading by our ensemble of actors while the audience follows along with the script projected on a big screen. Following the reading, a panel of film industry professionals will discuss the script with the selected writers.”
FOR MORE INFO: CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival - FilmFreeway
CAAMFest 2026 Call for Entries is now open!
Final Deadline: December 12, 2025
“Each year, the festival brings together audiences from the Bay Area and beyond to experience films from Asian America and beyond. .
For over forty years, CAAMFest has been more than a showcase—it has been a gathering place where filmmakers, artists, and communities reflect on the narratives that shape our times and open doors. Submit early to benefit from reduced entry fees.”
MORE INFO and submit here: CAAMFest
Call for Submissions
San Francisco International Festival
San Francisco International Festival
Festival Dates: April 23 - May 3, 2026
Deadlines: November 12th, December 10th, 2025
Submission Fee: Varies by category
The SF International Film Festival, presented by SFFILM, is the longest running film festival in the Americas, bringing films from around the world to Bay Area audiences since 1957. SFFILM is rooted in the culture of film appreciation by exploring film as an evolutionary art form, and as a transformative force for social change.
Narrative Feature (60+ min)
Documentary Feature (60+ min)
Animated Feature (60+ min)
Animated Short (Under 30 min)
Documentary Short (Under 30 min)
Narrative Short (Under 30 min)
Mid-length Animation (btw 30-59)
Mid-length Narrative (btw 30-59)
Mid-length Documentary (btw 30-59)
All Films must have premiered after June 1, 2025.
Submit Here: San Francisco International Film Festival - FilmFreeway
ShortsTV
ShortsTV
“We have the world’s largest catalogue of high-quality shot movies and series available on TV, on mobile, online, and in theaters, and also produce original short film content for broadcasters and brands. Are you the world’s next biggest filmmaker? We are always looking for short movies from exciting talents to broadcast on our TV networks and beyond. If you have a short movie that you would like us to con sidere, please complete the form below. Our acquisitions team will watch your film and contact you if they are interested in discussing a license agreement.”
MORE INFO: https://shorts.tv/en/about
International Queer Women of Color Film Festival
International Queer Women of Color Film Festival
FREE submission deadline: December 31, 2025
This festival accepts films of any length, genre, and subject matter that are created by LBTQIA+ BIPOC producers and directors between 2023 and 2026. Features, shorts and episodic can be of any length, genre and subject matter.
MORE INFO: https://qwocmap.org/festival/submit/
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
Pre-register: December 30, 2025
Early: March 5, 2026
Regular: May 1, 2026
Late: May 15, 2026
Extended: May 31, 2026
Submission Fee: $40
“Script Pipeline is searching for extraordinary writers with original television pilots or unproduced indie series scripts.
Together with the Screenwriting Contest, we focus foremost on finding writer representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
We're currently the only competition offering an intensive, personalized process to our Quarterfinalists and higher: 1-on-1 development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to only the leading industry execs. This has resulted in over $8 million in spec sales to studios, multiple films produced, and hundreds of emerging writers introduced to reps.”
Submit Here: Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Pre-register: December 30, 2025
Early: March 5, 2026
Regular: May 1, 2026
Late: May 15, 2026
Extended: May 31, 2026
Submission Fee: $40+
“The 24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.
We focus foremost on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
We're currently the only competition offering an intensive, personalized process to our Quarterfinalists and higher: 1-on-1 development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to only the leading industry execs. This has resulted in over $8 million in spec sales to studios, multiple films produced, and hundreds of emerging writers introduced to reps.”
Submit Here: Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Portland Film Festival
Portland Film Festival
Submission Fee: $30-$80
“The festival is jam-packed with networking, workshops, guest speakers, film premieres, financing talks, director Q&As and more. This year’s event will be hosted at the Center for Native Arts & Cultures. Come be a part of what MovieMaker Magazine calls “one of the coolest film festivals in the world.” Jury prizes will be given in the following categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Will Vinton Creativity Award
Stacey Stevens Indigenous Spirit Award
Portland Shorts Winner
Portland Feature Winner
MORE INFO: https://filmfreeway.com/PortlandFilm
Grants, Fellowships, and Funding Corner
Chicken & Egg Films Research & Development Grants
Applications Open: December 15, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: January 7, 2026
“Now in its 4th year, the Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film. With continued grant-making support by Netflix, the grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, this grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported.
A total of $450,000 will be awarded in the following grant amounts:
-$10,000 USDF grants for Research
-$20,000 USD grants for development
MORE INFO: https://chickeneggfilms.org/programs/research-and-development-grant
FEAR FILMS: Film Incubation Fund - In Association with the Independent Horror Society
Rolling Deadline
“Turn your nightmare into a reality with FEAR and FILM3! Apply for funding for your short horror film.”
FOR MORE INFO AND APPLICATION: Horror Short Film Fund | Apply for Funding
Women Make Movies Production Grant
--Production Assistance Program
Rolling Applications
“This program focuses on supporting BIPOC/ALAANA, LGBTQIA women, older women, and women in film with disabilities. It provides fiscal sponsorship and offers personalized consultations, workshops and networking opportunities. Recipients get access to one-on-one consultations and pay reduced rates for industry workshops. Projects need to raise at least $50,000 in funding.”
You must be a woman filmmaker serving as project director or co-director, and should show a clear direction and realistic plan for distribution in your application.
MORE INFO: WMM Production Grant
Stowe Story Labs: Curated Short Film Production Grant
Late Submission Deadline: December 16, 2025
“Stowe Story Labs will award a grant of $50,000 to support the development, production and distribution of a narrative short film with a total run time of approximately 10 minutes. Mentoring will be available to support the winning project through all aspects of its development and production.
In the first stage of the process, applicants need only submit a properly formatted narrative short film script of approximately 10 pages or less for consideration. We are agnostic on genre. Initial script reviews will be conducted at the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. Top applicants will be asked to submit a statement of intent, attachments, other works, developed materials and bio. Prior production work or experience is not required (but is welcome) to be selected.”
MORE INFO: https://stowestorylabs.org/short-film-production-grant
Impact Partners Development Fund
Application Deadline: rolling deadline
“For early-stage documentary features, series, or projects that could be either. Impact Partners will invest in the development of 4-8 projects a year, with a range of $10K -$100K per project. We are now accepting applications. Filmmakers can apply to the fund for a variety of reasons as they get their projects off the ground, including development shoots, cutting a trailer or reel, conducting archival research, casting characters, etc.”
MORE INFO: Impact Partners
Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant (From the Heart Productions)
Applications Open: November 30th, 2025
Winner receives $3,000 in Cash and Donated Services
“Many filmmakers use short films to hone their craft and as a proof of concept for later full length features. From the Heart Productions wants to support their work and encourage them to make films with stories told with passion that enlighten us about our lives and the world we live in. This grant is specifically for narrative fiction shorts, live action or animated, that are 40 minutes or less in length. Among the donations the winner could receive are:
$3,000.00 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen
$6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield. This is 1/3 off normal price for 6 weeks of animation
$500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools
Tom Malloy of Glass House Distribution donates an hour of consultation on distribution of your film
$1,400 value (4 hours of sound mix session) from Silver Sound
$600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by NetCaptioning”
MORE INFO: Roy Dean Short Film Grant
Rolling Applications
"Administered through Film Independent, the Sloan Distribution Grant awards $50,000 to a maximum of three narrative features that are entering their distribution phase. Eligible films must depict themes, stories, and characters grounded in real science, technology, or economics.
Films with innovative marketing and distribution plans are encouraged to apply."
MORE INFO: Sloan Distribution Grant
Thanks to newsletter contributors: Diane Walsh, Julie Rubio, Nil Unerdem
Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem
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