Our next monthly Table Read will be on Monday, July 15th  from 7-9pm. Come join us and hear 1-10 page excerpts from writers’ work, read by talented actors from the Bay Area and beyond. 

No homework! Just show up! And all participants are encouraged to give feedback.

If you have any questions about the table-read or would like to reserve a spot for your script at the June meeting, feel free to contact Carol Hall at bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “Script Incubator” in the subject line. 

BraveMaker Film Fest - WIFSFBA Board & Member Films

This year’s BraveMaker film fest will include films made by WIFSFBA member Jessica Sison as well as Board members Darlene DeRose, Kelli White, and Nil Unerdem! Please check them out and come say hi at our in person mixer during the festival!

The Elevator Dance (For Elisa) Remix (Jessica Sison) - On February 13, 2013, the Los Angeles Police Department released surveillance footage of a missing young woman. The footage showed Elisa Lam in a hotel elevator behaving strangely. This was her last known sighting. It was an instant internet sensation and was seen by 3 million people in China alone. The unsettling video prompted one person to write, "I'm so scared, I'm shaking. I'm numb." Her body was found on February 19, and the circumstances surrounding her death are still shrouded in mystery.

Rather than trying to solve the mystery of her death, this film is meant to be a celebration of her life. Her unusual moves have been reimagined into a dance where her spirit is set free.

Finding Hope in America (Darlene DeRose) - The nightmare of addiction, seen through the eyes of a group of men and women, and the power of the community that saves their lives. Playing July 12th and July 14th. 

Lost, Not Forgotten (Kelli A. White) - Shane, a high school senior, is in a cycle of drugs, alcohol, and running from the people that are willing to show him love. He is just skating by in school, smart enough to go places but not wanting to put in the work, and is lost in a world where he doesn’t want to figure out who he is. He doesn’t want to figure that out, but he’s scared he is like his father, who left him for drugs and alcohol, and he doesn’t see the parallels of this until his life crumbles around him and he realizes he has to be the one to determine his own fate and break this cycle.

Infectious Theatre (Kelli A. White) - They have to go viral or the show can't go on. This mockumentary comedy acts like a pilot episode to a TV series. In order to keep their doors open, Storytelling Theatre Institute hires a social media influencer to help them get more money...and followers, but instead they get more problems.

The Eulogies (Kelli A. White) - Everyone has something to share about Bhadrak Kappor when he dies. His wife, his adult kids, his sister-in-law, his brother, his next door neighbor, and even the intern who worked at his company, whether she was invited or not. Grief comes in many forms and grief expresses itself through many stories.

Pearl in the Window (Nil Unerdem) - When her chipper caregiver goes missing, an isolated, irritable old woman fearfully goes on a journey to find her, embracing her need for connection on the way. 

WIFSFBA and NYWIFT member Hyong Jung "Helen" Lee

Hyon Jung “Helen” Lee is the writer and executive producer behind the thought-provoking short film, Bible Camp. This captivating film delves into the lives of young immigrants at a backwater camp who face daily microaggressions from the locals.

“That NYWIFT x WIFSFBA speed networking event? I met Dani Milton (WIFSFBA), who liked hearing about my short film, and she suggested I submit it to the Kansas City Film Fest International, and we just screened the film in KC. Dani moderated the Q&A and I met many wonderful members of the KC film community. It’s a proof point that the speed networking efforts are a smashing success!” - Hyong Jung "Helen" Lee

Helen’s storytelling prowess shines through in Bible Camp, as she skillfully explores important themes such as identity, belonging, and resilience. Through her writing, she sheds light on the challenges faced by young immigrants and encourages dialogue surrounding issues of discrimination and prejudice.

Helen was recently featured in the “Meet the New NYWIFT Member” blog series, where she talked about her career journey from editor to marketer to writer and EP.  

Follow Helen Lee on Instagram at @helen_lee_

June Events Wrap Up

Writing Workshop with Lorien McKenna 

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a very special evening with Lorien McKenna, screenwriter and popular co-host of the Screenwriting Life podcast, on June 5th. We learned about Lorien’s screenwriting journey from working at Pixar to showrunner for Emmy-winning Tab Time. 

We left inspired, and Lorien’s guided meditation type writing workshop was an emotional experience! We hope to welcome her back soon for another fun and engaging event!

Screening of Daddio (with Sony Picture Classics) at the AMC Metreon

WIFSFBA partnered with Sony Picture Classics for a screening of the new film Daddio starring Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson, directed by Christy Hall at the AMC Metreon on June 26th! 

Christy Hall - Director

Christy Hall, a New York City based playwright, moved to LA in 2017 when her original stage play turned screenplay, Daddio, was honored in the top 3 on THE BLACK LIST. A year later, Christy’s original screenplay Get Home Safe was also listed in the top 3 on THE BLACK LIST 2018. She was named one of Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch 2018 and went on to write, executive-produce and co-create the series I Am Not Okay With This for Netflix and 21 Laps, which premiered in 2020.

BraveMaker Film Festival - A Celebration of Independent Cinema

Dates: July 11-14, 2024

Where: Redwood City, CA

WIFSFBA is proud to be a Community Partner of the BraveMaker Film Festival, taking place July 11-14th in Redwood City, CA! We have several Board members with films at the festival and will be having an in person mixer event on July 13th (see Upcoming WIFSFBA Events section above) so we hope to see you all there! 

“The Bravemaker Film Festival offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with other industry professionals, and gain wider exposure for their films. The festival also offers a fantastic platform for film enthusiasts to explore and discover new and emerging talent, while engaging with the dynamic and vibrant community of independent filmmakers.

The Bravemaker Film Festival offers an extensive range of films that cover diverse themes, genres, and styles. From drama to comedy, romance to action, and documentaries to short films, there is something for everyone at this festival. In addition to showcasing films, the festival offers a platform for expert speakers to share their knowledge and experiences, providing valuable insights into the filmmaking industry.”

MORE INFO:BraveMaker Film Festival

For passes, tickets, schedule: BraveMaker film fest schedule

Get your All Access pass  NOW at All Access Pass

The Vine: The Video Industry Networking Event - BBQ & Beats on the Bay

When:  July 4th, 12PM PDT
Where: Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland, CA

“The July mixer promises to be another fantastic opportunity to catch up with colleagues, forge new connections, and share insights into the latest trends and innovations in our industry.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, editor, or play any role in the video industry, The VINE is the place to be for networking and inspiration.”

Register here: VINE Networking Event for July

SIMI Film Fest -- Film Submission Invitation

Festival Dates:  September 5-8, 2024 -- Simi Valley, CA
Film Submission Deadline:  July 21, 2024
Cost:  Varies  

“The SIMI Film Fest  extends beyond the ‘start date’ with pre-event online meetings and chances to promote your work throughout the entire festival journey.  

Our curated panels aim to boost filmmakers’ careers by connecting them with industry professionals. We facilitate 1-on-1 meetings after panels with esteemed individuals, including Oscar and Emmy winners, studio execs, and recognized industry experts, to maximize exposure and career advancement opportunities.

What Films are we looking for?   We seek films that capture the essence of cinematic magic across all genres -- comedy, drama, action, thriller, animation, scifi, or any unique combination.  If your storytelling is compelling, you may just be a perfect fit for screening at SIMIFF.”

Contact us at bod-admin@wifsfba.org for a 20% submission WIFSFBA member discount code if submitting.

Submit films here:  SIMI Film Festival 

From CineMama - Call for Latinx Filmmakers

Submission deadline: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11:59pm 

“In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, SFO Video Arts and Film SF are partnering together this fall to curate a short film showcase of work by Latinx filmmakers with ties to the San Francisco Bay Area. This is an opportunity to feature your work to a global audience and we are thrilled to invite filmmakers to participate. Selected filmmakers will receive a $400 honorarium and their films will screen for about 4-5 weeks in the space from 8am-11pm. 

Submissions for the September program are now open and we encourage you to apply today!" 

MORE INFO: Cinemama Film &  Cinemama application

Austin Film Festival Script & Film Competition

Film and Short Competition Deadline:

• Late Deadline: June 21, 2024

• Extended Deadline: Jul 6, 2024

Cost: Varies based on what is being submitted, from $60+. Contact us at bod-admin@wifsfba.org for a member discount code if submitting.

“For thirty years, Austin Film Festival has been catapulting writers into life-changing careers. With one of the most noteworthy competitions among Hollywood tastemakers, AFF consistently yanks newcomers from the isolation of their desks and ushers them into the bustling world of film and television. Whether your dream is to sign a contract, land an agent, learn from an industry icon, or take home the coveted Bronze Typewriter Award, it’s simple: you can’t win if you don’t enter.”

Apply here: Austin Film Festival 

Extended Deadline: July 15, 2024 

Cost: Varies depending on date submitted

“The 33rd annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (October 18-26, 2024) is the longest-running non-fiction film festival in North America in the following documentary categories:  Shorts, features, episodic series.  HSDFF  is a designated Academy Award-qualifying festival for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts in Sciences in Documentary Short Subject.”

Submit here:  Hot Springs Doc FF