Image by FreePik
Summer is here and we here at WIFSFBA wish all of you a summer filled with enlightening and inspiring works of art. Personally, I really enjoyed Hacks on HBO (or is it back to MAX now?)…so well written, with such heartfelt, witty, and soul-baring performances by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Despite what might be going on in the world, we can take solace in the fact that humans can create beautiful stories that move us, make us laugh, and bring us together in our common humanity.
To celebrate summer, please join us for our upcoming in-person mixer at the BraveMaker film festival on Saturday, July 12th in Redwood City! More info below. Also, WIFSFBA will be on summer break in August so see you in September for the next newsletter!
Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary
Dear WIFSFBA Members and Friends,
Summer is here. The skies are brighter, the days are longer, and the world feels just a little more alive. Your children may be home for the summer, you might be preparing for an exciting getaway, or perhaps you're staying close to home this year, keeping things simple because funds are tight—and we see you. We know it’s been a challenging time in the industry, and you're not alone.
Whatever this season holds for you, I hope you’re finding moments of peace, joy, and inspiration. These are not easy times—socially, politically, or economically—but in the face of uncertainty, we press on. We rise as artists, as visionaries, as women who know the power of storytelling.
If you’re feeling worn down, take a moment. Breathe. Rest if you need. Then rise again. You are needed. Your voice, your work, your presence—all of it matters. Especially now.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent unrest in Los Angeles and the frightening events unfolding throughout the world. These are difficult days, but together we hold space for grief, for resilience, and for hope. We move forward with purpose—grounded in community, and fueled by our shared vision for a better future. And it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to be angry. Just—whatever you do—don’t be silent. Take your grief, your pain, your outrage, and transform it into something beautiful and healing. Make a film. Write a story. Start a conversation. Help someone else. Offer a hand, a listening ear, a moment of kindness. Create something that matters. But don’t stay silent.
This last month, we celebrated that spirit of perseverance and passion with our annual Pitch-A-Pro event, led by our incredible board member Carol Hall. A heartfelt thank you to Carol, our entire board of directors, and our dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts make these events—and our mission—possible. I also want to express deep gratitude to our community partners, whose collaboration and support help bring our shared vision to life and extend our impact across the Bay Area and beyond.
It was an unforgettable night—one that reminded us of what’s possible when creative minds meet opportunity. Participants pitched their projects directly to top industry professionals, delivering compelling 2–3 minute presentations filled with heart, vision, and originality.
Another extraordinary event to look forward to is the BraveMaker Film Festival in Redwood City, running from July 10–13th—a highly anticipated celebration of independent cinema. This inspiring festival showcases a wide range of documentaries, narratives, shorts, and features engaging panels, workshops, and parties. Our WIFSFBA mixer will be held on Saturday July 12th—a fantastic chance to connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and friends before the panel. We look forward to seeing you there!
On July 13th at the BraveMaker Film Festival, don’t miss the incredible heartwarming film The Peanut Butter Falcon screening at 12:00 pm at the Fox Theatre. Star Zack Gottsagen and producer Dave Thies will be there for a special Q&A — an event not to be missed!
As we move further into July, we also honor Disability Pride Month, commemorating the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and rights of people with disabilities. As we continue to advocate for inclusion in film, we remain committed to promoting accessibility and authentic representation.
I wish you and your family a joyful and safe Fourth of July. May it be a time to reflect on the freedoms we hold dear—and the work we must continue to do to ensure those freedoms are extended to all.
Here’s to a summer of courage, creation, and community.
With warmth and gratitude,
Julie Rubio
President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area
WIFSFBA EVENTS
When: Wednesday, July 9th, 6:00PM-7:15PM PDT
Where: Zoom
Cost: $15 regular/$10 for students
Join us for a quick tour of how AI can be used as an invaluable tool in professional film, video and photography, with a look at several real-world projects and tools that are accessible and easy to include into your workflow.
Jeff Foster Bio:
Jeff Foster is an accomplished professional with 35+ years of experience in media production. He is an award-winning producer, published author, videographer/photographer, animator/editor, trainer, and a current member of VES (Visual Effects Society). Jeff's expertise spans traditional and digital images, video production, illustration, animation, motion graphics, and special effects - and he just completed a 5 year VFX project for a feature film, "Cheech & Chong's Last Movie", with title credits. As a respected writer for ProVideo Coalition, he focuses on reviewing video and photo gear, exploring new technologies, and AI tools for imaging and content creation.
Links:
Video demo reel: SVM Demo Reel 2023 01
Summer Mixer at the Bravemaker Film Festival!
When: Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 AM
Where: in person at Hella Mediterranean, 855 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
Cost: Free
Grab your lunch at Hella Mediterranean in Redwood City and join Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area and other female filmmakers from all over the country who are attending the BraveMaker Film Festival (July 10th-13th).
Then walk over to the festival’s FREE Women In Entertainment Panel starting at 1:00pm at the Redwood City Library.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with and learn from other female filmmakers you may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
No need to register!
MORE INFO: Events - Summer Mixer
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
When: Monday, July 21st, 7:00-9:00pm PDT
Where: Zoom
Our next Script Incubator meeting will be Monday, July 21st. We will be continuing to feature a full feature screenplay, 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 next meeting, feel free to contact Carol Hall at bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “Script Incubator” in the subject line.
WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night
When: Monday, July 28th, 6:00-7:00pm PDT
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
The WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night is now monthly!
Join WIFSFBA for an exciting Virtual Networking Night, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow members, share your projects, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations—all from the comfort of your home!
Whether you're looking for a creative partner, industry advice, or just want to expand your network, this is the perfect chance to engage with a vibrant community of women in film and media.
Expect breakout room discussions, and engaging conversations with like-minded creatives. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and get inspired!
MORE INFO: RSVP here
SF Wednesday Winedown
Join member Kristin for the Wednesday Winedown. Keep a lookout for the announcement on our social media channels , WIFchat, and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!
WIFSFBA East Bay Meetup
Where: TBD
When: TBD
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 Peninsula Meetup
Where: TBD in Mountain View
When: July 24th, 5:00 PM PDT
Organized by members Rashmi Rustagi and Joy Ma, come and connect with fellow filmmakers, creators, and great minds from the Women in Film SF Bay Area community. Keep an eye out on when and where on WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!
July Community Networking
The Vine: The Video Industry Networking Event
When: July 3rd, 6:00-8:00 PM PDT
Where: Port Labs, 2044 Franklin St., Oakland, CA
“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
WIFSFBA UPDATES
Pitch-A-Pro Wrap-Up
Thanks for joining us on June 23rd for this amazing event where filmmakers and writers pitched their projects to 10 professional managers, producers, and execs over Zoom! So many creative, interesting, and inspiring ideas were shared in multiple breakout rooms. Many of the pros requested marketing materials and scripts from the pitchers. Hoping it leads to meaningful and creative connections in the future!
Thank you to all of our helpers, our Board, and especially to Carol Hall for organizing and producing this popular yearly event!
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
Email bod-admin@wifsfba.org to get the dual membership form emailed to you. Please use subject line “NYWIFT dual membership.” 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 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
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!
Actor & Writer Rashmi Rustagi's Designed by Preeti feature film at BraveMaker FIlm Festival!
When: July 13, 3:00PM - 4:45PM PDT
Where: Bravemaker Film Festival, Fox Theatre, 2221 Broadway St., Redwood City, CA 94062
The BraveMaker film festival is happening this year July 10-13th in Redwood City and WIFSFBA member Rashmi Rustagi’s film Designed by Preeti is in the lineup! Congratulations Rashmi!
“Designed by Preeti is a compelling and heartfelt romantic drama about Preeti Kumar, a resilient woman in her 50s who courageously escapes an oppressive and unfaithful marriage. Her journey towards independence is met with scorn from her conservative community as her daughter Mallika struggles to untangle the conflicting stories from her parents.”
MORE INFO and tickets here: Designed by Preeti tickets
Movie website: Designed by Preeti
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival in LA
When: July 17, 2025 premiere
Where: Laemmle Theaters across Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Premiere of The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival (directed by WIFSFBA President Julie Rubio) will be on the big screen at Laemmle Theaters across LA!
"Our premiere night Friday, July 17 will be in Santa Monica at The Royal Laemmle Cinema and will feature a LIVE Q&A with:
• Julie Rubio (Director)
• Blake Wellen (Co-Producer)
• Rowland Weinstein (Cast)
• Moderated by Gabrielle Carteris — actor, activist, and former SAG President
Additional Q&A on Sunday, July 20 • Town Center 5 – Encino
With filmmakers:
• Julie Rubio (Director)
• Blake Wellen (Co-Producer)
This is more than a film it’s a story of art, resilience, and bold reinvention.
Additional screenings:
• Claremont 5
• Glendale Laemmle
• Monica Film Center
• Newhall Laemmle
• Town Center 5 – Encino
Showtimes:
• Thursday, July 17 – PREMIERE NIGHT
• Saturday, July 19 – 10 AM
• Sunday, July 20 – 10 AM
• Monday, July 21 – 7 PM
This is our moment — and we’d love to share it with you."
MORE INFO and tickets here: Laemmle Theatre - Tamara de Lempicka
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.
Pitch-A-Pro Night
45th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
“The countdown is on to the event of the summer! From July 17 – August 3, experience the magic of the 45th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival,
presented by the Jewish Film Institute, in theaters across San Francisco and the East Bay. SFJFF45 presents a world-class showcase of independent cinema that celebrates the diversity and joy of Jewish identity, culture, and history.”
Discounted Early Bird ticket packages are now on sale.
FOR MORE INFO: 45th SF Jewish Film Festival
MARLEE MATLIN: Not Alone Anymore
Documentary Director: Shoshannah Stern
Cast: Marleen Matlin, Randa Haines, John Naucere, Lauren Ridloff, Aaron Sorkin, Henry Winkler, Liz Tannebaum
Where: Landmark Opera Plaza in San Francisco
When: June 27th - July 3rd
“In 1987, at the age of 21, Marlee Matlin shattered expectations as the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her groundbreaking performance in Children of a Lesser God. Catapulted into the spotlight, she seized the moment to challenge an industry unprepared for her immense talent, emerging as a trailblazer not only as a performer but also as an author and activist. Matlin opens up about her personal and professional struggles -- her meteoric rise to fame, the challenges of navigating a predominantly hearing industry, the pain of a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober and years of being overlooked by Hollywood -- alongside her many triumphs.
Director Shoshannah Stern reimagines traditional documentary storytelling, elevating ASL as the film’s heart and soul while removing conventional voiceovers and including open captions, creating an authentic and visually immersive experience. Through split-screen interviews with both Deaf and hearing contributors, the film weaves a poignant and inspiring narrative of Matlin’s legendary career, highlighting her tireless fight for inclusion and representation in an entertainment world that at first had no place for her.”
For Tickets: Marlee Matlin Doc
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Final Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025
Submission Fees: Various $35-$120 (early discounts)
“The Slamdance Screenplay Competition has been discovering, nurturing and championing new voices in screenwriting since 1995. Our alumni have gone on to make award-winning films, sign with top agencies, and launch careers in Hollywood and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned storyteller, Slamdance is the place where bold, daring and original voices thrive. This is YOUR YEAR to take that next step. There are 3 ways to submit -- FilmFreeway, Coverfly and Slamdance’s own Direct Submission Form -- in the following formats:
Feature -- 41-140 pages; all narrative genres
TV Pilot -- Up to 80 pages; half-hour, one-hour or webisode; all narrative genres
Horror/Thriller -- 41-140 pages; scripts featuring menacing situations, heightened feelings of suspense, or imminent danger
Short -- Up to 40 pages; all narrative genres
Every entrant will receive short feedback from one of our readers. It will include a genre suggestion, a logline, and a paragraph outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your screenplay. Our goal is to provide constructive, concise, and insightful notes to help you refine your work.”
MORE INFO: Slamdance
Festival Dates: October 17-25, 2025
Late Deadline: July 18, 2025
Submission Fee: Early: $25 /Late: $50
“This festival provides a platform for the artistry of storytelling of the Asian and Pacific Islander through the lens of the American experience, the imaginable and the unimaginable connecting our lives and communities through written words, song and performance. Films must have a connection (filmmaker, actor/actress, story, etc) to Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders. Need to submit films that can be shown in person or online.”
MORE INFO: Silicon Valley Asian American Pacific FF
Festival Dates: October 9-12th, 2025
Submission Fee: $65
Discount Deadline: July 25, 2025 for $10 off
Final Deadline: September 5, 2025
“We are currently accepting submissions from LGBTQ+ identifying directors, writers, majority LGBTQ+ crew (at least 50%) and/or LGBTQ+ stories of any genre in the following categories:
Feature
Short (10-30 min)
Short Short (under 10 min)
Animated Short (under 30 min)
TV Pilot (Industry Standard 22 mins)
Web Series (up to 3 episodes with combined TRT of no more than 30 mins)
Sketch Comedy (under 10 mins)
Music Video (under 10 min)
All films must have been completed no earlier than July 1, 2024.”
MORE INFO: LA Queer Film Fest
Accepting: Documentary Shorts, Features, and Episodic Series
Extended Deadline: July 15, 2025
Fees: Range from $35-$85
"Now in its 34th year, the Oscar-qualifying Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the oldest nonfiction film festival in North America. It offers multiple awards categories and is a designated Academy Award-qualifying festival for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Documentary Short Subject."
MORE INFO: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Festival Dates: December 4 - 7, 2025
Application Fee: $65
Discount Deadline: July 25, 2025 for $20 off / September 5, 2025 for $10 off
Final Deadline: October 17, 2025
“We are currently accepting submissions from Black directors, writers, majority Black crew (at least 50%) and/or Black centred stories of any genre in the following categories:
Feature
Short (10-30 min)
Short Short (under 10 min)
Animated Short (under 30 min)
TV Pilot (Industry Standard 22 mins)
Web Series (up to 3 episodes with combined TRT of no more than 30 mins)
Sketch Comedy (under 10 mins)
Music Video (under 10 min)
All films must have been completed no earlier than July 1, 2024.”
MORE INFO: LA Black Film Fest
Regular Deadline: July 15, 2025
This festival “invites women-identified screenwriters to submit short screenplays (20 minutes/pages and under) to CinemaStreet Pictures for production consideration. The winning screenwriter will receive $1,000 for the option to produce the film. Screenplays may be from anywhere in the world, but must be in English. Scripts across all genres of fiction (drama, comedy, horror, action, thriller, sci-fi, animation, musical, etc.,) may be about any topic, but MUST HAVE A SIGNIFICANT FEMALE CHARACTER. Love from Friends, by winning screenwriter Elise Marenson, premiered in Los Angeles and played in film festivals around the country last year. The contest is managed by Terry Lawler, former Executive Director of NYWIFT.“
MORE INFO: CinemaStreet Women's Short Screenplay
GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS & FUNDING CORNER
Almanack Screenwriters Retreat
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
Submission Fee: $40
“For nearly 25 years, we’ve welcomed feature film screenwriters to Almanack Pond Farm each October, offering a retreat experience nestled in the heart of Nantucket’s cranberry bog conservation land. Selected from a pool of nominated candidates, our writers-in-residence are given time an space to write, revise, and reimagine their work in a setting designed for deep creative focus and restoration. We champion original, meaningful storytelling in all its forms and believe that the most dynamic cohorts are shaped by a range of voices, genres, and perspectives.
Our October Colony supports writers across all areas of feature filmmaking. On weekends throughout the month, professional industry mentors join us on Nantucket for intensive one-on-one feedback sessions and intimate social time with writers over shared meals and island adventures.”
MORE INFO: Almanack Screenwriter Retreat
AXS Film Fund
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Grants: Up to $10,000
“This fund strives to support independent documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living with disabilities from a range of backgrounds, particularly those from historically underserved communities, in their endeavors to tell stories, make films, and create content. While we prefer that a person of color living with a disability is a key contributor to the project, we welcome diverse teams to apply.”
MORE INFO: AXS Film Fund
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
3-4 Grants of $10,000-$15,000
“The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Project must be a feature length documentary (60 minutes or more), and be within 3 months of beginning post-production from the final deadline. Applicant must be in a key creative role for the film - ideally, the producer or director.”
MORE INFO: SFFILM Documentary Fund
Extended Deadline: September 30, 2025
Fellows Receive: $5,000 to produce a short film or first episode of a web series
Application Fee: $25 (Reading fee for processing your application)
“Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & lecture Series, the first Academy qualifying festival devoted to women filmmakers, offers you an opportunity to produce a short film or pilot for your web series! Apply and learn the art of creating a high-quality micro-budget short film.
Eligibility: Script must be written or co-written by a woman of color and non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters will accept submissions by women of African, Caribbean, Latina, Asian, Indian and Native American descent. Please include your ethnicity in the application to confirm eligibility. We encourage writing teams to apply.”
MORE INFO: Reel Sisters Fellowship
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.”
Apply here:: Impact Partners
Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant (From the Heart Productions)
Applications Open: October 31st, 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”
Apply Here: Roy Dean Short Film Grant
Thanks to newsletter contributors: Diane Walsh, Julie Rubio, Nil Unerdem
Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem