Embedded Files
Welcome to January!
Happy 2026 WIFSFBA members! Glad you’re here. Thanks for joining us last month for our in-person mixer at Cafenated Coffee in Berkeley. It was our biggest mixer yet!
Let’s hope for a more uplifting and hopeful year this year since last year left most of us kind of reeling. Especially this last week, I found myself saddened by ongoing and current events worldwide. I thought a lot of Rob Reiner, whose films like Stand By Me (complete and total barforama) and The Princess Bride (as you wish!) shaped my childhood. My friends and I would constantly quote Stand By Me in the high school halls and in our yearbooks.
I still consider When Harry Met Sally the quintessential rom com, and who can forget the courtroom scene in A Few Good Men? “You can’t handle the truth!” As I read in some of the tributes to him online, his films gave us hope in humanity and in the inherent goodness in the souls of people.
Wishing you all kindness, empathy, creativity, and wonder in 2026.
-Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary
Image above by Columbia Pictuers and Act III Productions
Letter from the President
Dear WIFSFBA Community,
Winter has finally arrived bringing colder days, shorter light, and, in true Bay Area fashion, a mix of Pineapple Express rain and rolling tule fog that keeps us all guessing. This season of contrast feels like an apt reflection of the moment we’re in: shifting and uncertain at times, yet filled with possibility when we pause to return to what truly matters, connection, community, and care.
It was truly wonderful to see so many of you gathered together at our Holiday Mixer at Cafenated. The energy in the space alive with conversation, laughter, and genuine connection—was a powerful reminder of the strength of this community and the creatives we champion. Our heartfelt thanks to Cafenated for generously hosting and for their continued support of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area.
Thank you to our members and volunteers, for coming out to celebrate together, and a special thank you to our board members Nil Unerdem and Carol Hall for spearheading this memorable event. From the spirited White Elephant gift exchange moderated by the wonderfully witty Amy Boyd to the bold ugly sweaters, the afternoon felt both festive and unmistakably WIFSFBA. It was a beautiful reminder that community is built not only through meaningful work, but through shared moments of joy.
As we reflect on the close of this year, we are deeply grateful for an extraordinary season of connection and purpose. Earlier this month, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area hosted a powerful Self-Distribution Panel & Benefit, an evening devoted to independent storytelling, innovation, and candid dialogue around sustainable paths forward for filmmakers. Coming together to share hard-won knowledge and real-world strategies reaffirmed why community-driven spaces like ours matter so deeply.
At the same time, we acknowledge that the final days of the year have been heavy. The relentless violence dominating the news cycle has weighed on many of us. In moments like these, we are reminded why storytelling matters, why voices rooted in empathy, truth, and courage are essential.
We also take a moment to honor the legacy of Rob Reiner, whose work has long reminded audiences of storytelling’s power to reflect our shared humanity, challenge injustice, and bring people together. His films continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to lead with heart, integrity, and purpose.
The film and television industry can be exhilarating but it can also be deeply challenging, particularly for women, minorities, and non-binary creatives who often face barriers others never see. At WIFSFBA, we recognize those realities and remain committed to ensuring that no one navigates them alone. Through advocacy, collaboration, and shared experience, our members continue to lift one another up with strength, care, and solidarity.
This year marks more than twenty years of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area. I genuinely believe that being here, doing this work, and making these films is a calling. The world needs our voices more now than ever. We are stronger, more educated, more evolved, and more powerful than at any other time in our history. Our talent has risen. Our output has risen. We are making more films than ever before and each one is a testament to our resilience, creativity, and collective brilliance.
As we look ahead, I’m feeling deeply optimistic about the year to come, and I’d like to share a meaningful milestone that feels closely aligned with the values we hold as a community. On International Women’s Day—March 8, 2026, my documentary The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival will screen at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. To have Tamara de Lempicka honored in this extraordinary space, on a day dedicated to women’s voices and achievements, is a moment of immense gratitude made possible by the belief, support, and encouragement of so many along the way. Here is the link: Film Screening: Tamara de Lempicka | National Museum of Women in the Arts
As we step into the new year, I hope it offers you renewed clarity and quiet strength. May it give you the courage to pursue work that stretches you, the confidence to speak when something does not align with your values, and the wisdom to step away from what no longer serves you. May it remind you that your voice matters and that you never have to accept less than your worth.
Finally, I want to take a moment to honor someone who embodies the very spirit of this organization.
Almost twenty years ago, when I first met Ami Zins, then the head of the Oakland Film Office—only one percent of directors were women, and independent filmmaking often felt nearly impossible. Walking into Ami’s office was like stepping into a beam of light. Oakland could be tough then, but Ami’s presence, strong, passionate, and deeply kind—made everything feel possible. She opened doors many of us didn’t even know we were allowed to knock on.
That is who Ami is. She makes the impossible feel possible. From guiding students at UC Berkeley to elevating our board with her insight and humanity, she brings clarity, hope, and purpose into every space she enters.
Ami is now stepping down from our board to spend more time with her family, something we honor deeply. While we will miss her presence in our meetings, we are grateful that she will continue as an advisor, offering her guidance, vision, and friendship.
If the world had more people like Ami, there would be more compassion, more equality, and far greater celebration of our differences. She is a rare and extraordinary light and we will miss her.
To be part of this organization and to stand alongside women who lift, inspire, and champion one another is one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you, truly, for showing up, for this work, for this community, and for one another.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and peaceful holiday season, and a New Year filled with purpose, possibility, and grace.
With gratitude and hope,
Julie Rubio
President
Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA)
WIFSFBA EVENTS
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
When: Monday, January 19th, 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 2026, 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 and NYWIFT Virtual Networking Night
When: Tuesday, January 20th, time 4:00pm PST (7:00pm EST)
Where: Zoom
It's time for WEST Coast to meet EAST Coast again! New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) has invited WIFSFBA to join them for a 3rd annual virtual speed networking mixer that will bring our two member groups, friends and colleagues together again to share creative ideas, suggestions, and forge potential collaborations.
Registration info COMING SOON!
January Community Networking
The Vine: The Video Instudty Networking Event
When: January 8th, 6:00-8:00 PM PDT
Where: Port Labs, 2044 Franklin St., Oakland, CA
Cost: $5
“Whether you're a filmmaker, DP, motion designer, producer, editor, or play ANY role in the video industry, The VINE is the place to be for networking, promotion and inspiration. And as usual, your $5 admission gets you pizza, wine and other refreshments.
Also, you'll have the opportunity to promote yourself and what you are working on, during the last portion of the evening in a segment we call ‘Voices of the Vine.’”
Register here: Vine Mixer Event
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
December In-Person Holiday Mixer Wrap Up
Thanks to everyone for joining us at Cafenated Coffee in Berkeley! It was great to see so many new faces. We had actors, writers, producers, editors, directors, a psychiatrist, and a plethora of amazing film collaborators! Many connections were made that will hopefully lead to creative collaborations.
We had a huge White Elephant gift exchange, and a fun raffle with gift baskets, skillshare sessions, and WIFSFBA merch (check out our store on wifsfba.org).
Thanks again to everyone for joining. Hope to see you all at another virtual or in-person event soon!
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
WIFSBA Member Kate Schultz's short film "End Run" at the 2026 Poppy Jasper Film Festival!
Kate Schultz’s short “End Run” will be screened in April 2026 at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, date to be announced. As Kate describes, “it’s about a dying patient seeking physician-assisted Death with Dignity, but it's illegal in his state of Texas.”
Congratulations Kate!
MORE INFO: Kate Schultz & trailer END_RUN_FINAL_Trailer on Vimeo
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival at the National Museum of Women in the Arts!
From our President, Julie Rubio:
“On International Women’s Day — March 8, 2026 at 3 PM, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. will host a special screening of my documentary: The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival.
This is more than a screening—it’s a celebration of one of the most iconic and trailblazing artists of the 20th century. Following the film, join us for a live Q&A with:
🎬 Julie Rubio — Director, Writer & Producer
🎬 Blake Wellen — Producer
Deep gratitude to our partners, 🇵🇱 The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., and Katarzyna Rybka-Iwańska for their inspiring support of independent film and Polish cultural heritage.
🗓 Tickets on sale: February 3, 2026
📍 Performance Hall, NMWA
1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC
To have Tamara de Lempicka honored here—on International Women’s Day—is a moment of immense pride. Thank you to everyone who has supported this film’s journey from museums to festivals to international audiences. And a special thank you to my cast and crew—your talent and dedication made this film possible.”
Congratulations Julie! MORE INFO: National Museum of Women in the Arts
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.
Community Partners:
Events & Invitations
A BIG THANKS to our Community Partners for their support of "Breaking Boundaries: Self-Distribution & the Direct-to-Consumer Model"
A BIG THANKS to our Community Partners for their support of "Breaking Boundaries: Self-Distribution & the Direct-to-Consumer Model"
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
Call for Submissions
15th AmDocs - American Documentary and Animation Film Festival & Film Fund
15th AmDocs - American Documentary and Animation Film Festival & Film Fund
Extended Deadline: January 11, 2026
Submission Fee: $60-$70
“This internationally recognized event celebrates excellence in documentary, animation, and music video storytelling across both short and feature formats.
Recipients of the festival’s qualifying awards become eligible for consideration in the Documentary Short Film and Animated Short Film categories of the Academy Awards®, without the standard theatrical run, provided their films meet Academy rules.
In conjunction with the festival, the American Documentary Film Fund supports U.S. filmmakers through competitive grants for start-up and finishing funds, helping visionary works reach completion.”
MORE INFO: AmDoc
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: Shorts TV
LA Film Festivals
LA Film Festivals
Submission Dates: various
Submission Fees: various
“LA Film Festivals is a creative hub for Los Angeles’s top independent film festivals, and a home for independent filmmakers.” Each of the following LA festivals has its own requirements, submission deadlines, and fees:
LA Comedy Film Festival
LA Indie Film Festival
LA Queer Film Festival
LA Women in Film Festival
LA Black Film Festival
LA Asian Film Festival
LA Latinx Film Festival
LA Sci-Fi Film Festival
LA Action Film Festival
LA Horror Film Festival
LA Animated Film Festival
LA Student Film Festival”
For submission info on individual festivals: LA Film Festivals
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
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
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
Regular Deadline: January 14, 2026
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
Early-bird deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Fee: $20
Final application deadline: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Fee: $35.
“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: Chicken & Egg Films
AT&T Untold Stories - in collaboration with the Tribeca Festival
Submission Deadline: February 6, 2026
“This program goes beyond funding, offering comprehensive mentorship and distribution support to help unique stories onto the screen. At the 2026 Tribeca Festival, 5 new filmmaking teams will pitch their original feature scripted film projects to an esteemed committee of industry professionals to decide who will be the next $1.2 million dollar recipient.
The winning film will be guaranteed a premiere at the 2027 Tribeca Festival, and the additional 4 finalist teams will receive a $15,000 grant for development support.
Throughout the year, Tribeca Studios works closely with the winner, offering creative feedback, giving script notes, and providing production, casting and crew consultations. We also coordinate screenings of rough cuts to ensure the film is festival ready. The winner is also counseled on their film’s festival strategy, distribution plan and more.”
MORE INFO: ATT/Tribeca Untold Stories
Submission Deadline: February 11, 2026
--Applicants will be considered for the Producer’s Lab and Fellowship (yearlong program commencing July 2026)
“The 2026-2027 Feature Film Producers Fellowship is a yearlong program designed to nurture emerging producers with project-specific support through the Producers Lab, year-round mentorship from a dedicated industry mentor, film industry networking opportunities, professional development and project advancement strategy workshops, and ongoing support from Sundance Institute staff. The program is designed to hone emerging producers’ creative instincts and evolve their communication and problem-solving skills at all stages of their next feature film.”
Submit application here: Sundance Feature Film Producers Track
Note: There is a separate Producers Track application for producers working on a documentary film. More info can be found about support for nonfiction projects here: Sundance Doc Program
Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant (From the Heart Productions)
Spring Grant Application (Deadline: March 31st, 2026)
Short Film Grant Application (Deadline: April 29th, 2026)
Summer Grant Application (Deadline: June 30th, 2026)
Fall Grant Application (Deadline: October 31st, 2026)
Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant (Deadline: November 30th, 2026)
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
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
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
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
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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