June News

Welcome Pride Month!

Image by Freepik

June marks the start of Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community and their invaluable contributions to society. As we reflect on the progress that has been made, it's essential to recognize the women and gender diverse individuals who have paved the way for LGBTQIA+ representation in the entertainment industry.

At this critical moment in history, we must listen to and amplify the voices of trans and gender diverse storytellers. Their experiences and perspectives are essential in shaping a more inclusive and diverse society. It's time to stand with LGBTQIA+ and uplift their voices, and work towards a future where everyone is celebrated and accepted for who they are.

Julie Rubio, WIFSFBA President

Film Events in the Bay Area

Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival

When: June 17-27th, 2026

Where: San Francisco theaters, New Parkway theater in Oakland, and streaming

“Founded in 1977, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, hosted by Frameline, is the longest-running, largest, and most widely recognized queer film exhibition in the world. In June 2026, be part of film festival history as we celebrate five decades of queer media at Frameline50.

In 2026, join us for Frameline50 — 11 days of film screenings, parties, networking events, and industry panels at venues in San Francisco and Oakland. Be a part of history in the making!

Frameline50 will be an 11-day in-person showcase of the world’s leading queer cinema in venues throughout San Francisco and Oakland.
With an average of 60,000 attendees, Frameline is the most prominent and well-attended LGBTQ+ arts program in the US.
We bring together an unparalleled community of festival-goers for the world’s largest celebration of queer media.
We have a proven, five-decade track record of championing queer and trans films and filmmakers, making Frameline the place for your work to be seen by an average of 400 Festival guests, including programmers, distributors, producers, buyers, and other industry professionals.
Frameline was ranked #8 in a 2023 USA Today‘s Readers Choice poll of the 10 Best Film Festivals in the United States and, the following year, made MovieMaker‘s annual list of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee and 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.”

MORE INFO: Frameline Festival & How to Fest

International Queer Women of Color Film Festival

When: June 12-14th, 2026

Where: Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129

Cost: Free, need to RSVP

“The 22nd annual QWOCFF arrives June 12–14 at San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre, with satellite screenings throughout the year, and a virtual Encore in the fall. 49 films across three Festival experiences. Free, and open to the public.

The festival bridges communities, bringing together a theater full of friends and family who gather not only to watch a film together, but to experience something new, think differently, build community, and participate in deep, lasting social change.

For 22 years, QWOCFF has been where LBTQIA+ BIPOC filmmakers bring their work and where audiences show up to see it. The films come from across continents and generations. The communities gather wherever the festival lands.”

MORE INFO: 2026 International Queer Women of Color Film Festival

Celebrating Juneteenth

“Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.” -- History.com

For additional information about this holiday: Juneteenth origin

For book recommendations: San Francisco Public Library selections

Check out these sites for Juneteenth related events in the Bay Area:

Letter from the President

Dear WIFSFBA Members and Friends,

As we step into June and welcome the beginning of summer, this season invites us into a moment of renewal, resilience, and reflection. June is a month filled with meaning. It marks the official beginning of summer, but it also brings with it powerful cultural reminders of who we are, what we stand for, and why storytelling continues to matter.

As the global film community gathers this season at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, and as many of our own members, friends and family, take part in that larger international conversation, there is a palpable sense that cinema is returning to its artistic and cultural roots. The atmosphere this year has been defined by emotionally rich storytelling, internationally driven voices, and films that explore identity, resilience, politics, and the human condition with depth and authenticity. In an era increasingly shaped by technology and AI, Cannes has embraced work that feels profoundly human, reminding audiences around the world that cinema remains not only entertainment, but also a powerful form of cultural expression, reflection, and connection.

This is also Pride Month, a time to honor LGBTQIA2S+ communities here in San Francisco, throughout the Bay Area, and throughout the world. As a bisexual woman, I recognize both the personal significance of this month and the broader cultural legacy it represents. Pride is not only a celebration of identity, but also a recognition of the long and ongoing struggle for visibility, dignity, safety, and equal rights. It is a tribute to the artists, activists, and storytellers whose courage has challenged exclusion, expanded representation, and helped create more honest and inclusive forms of expression. At WIFSFBA, we celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ voices and the vital role they continue to play in shaping cinema, culture, and the future of storytelling.

June also brings Juneteenth, a powerful day of remembrance, reflection, and continued commitment to justice. It honors the delayed but historic announcement of freedom for enslaved African Americans in Texas, while reminding us that liberation has never been a single moment, but an ongoing struggle for truth, dignity, equity, and full recognition. As filmmakers and storytellers, we have a responsibility to honor the histories that were silenced, elevate the voices that were excluded, and continue creating work that deepens empathy and expands understanding.

June is also African-American Music Appreciation Month, honoring the extraordinary legacy of Black musicians whose artistry has shaped cinema, culture, and the soundtrack of our lives.

This past month, our WIFSFBA community came together for a truly extraordinary AI panel. It was an honest, thoughtful, interesting, and necessary conversation about how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the filmmaking landscape while challenging all of us to protect the heart of human storytelling. I had the privilege of sharing this conversation with an exceptional group of filmmakers and innovators, including Philip Shane, Rox Ducharme, and Basil Shadid. These were filmmakers who are not only adapting to this moment, but helping shape what comes next. Together, we explored the creative, ethical, and financial realities filmmakers now face in the age of AI. And one thing became abundantly clear: the future of storytelling will belong to those who embrace innovation without losing sight of humanity.

As I said last year when speaking about AI, people often talk about having “the right people at the table.” But I believe what matters even more is having good people at the table, people with integrity, heart, vision, and conscience. People who do not simply adapt to change, but who actively shape it. I truly believe our organization is filled with exactly those kinds of humans. Through our writing, directing, producing, mentoring, advocacy, and distribution, we hold extraordinary influence. The stories we tell can challenge injustice, inspire empathy, shift perspectives, and help make this world more inclusive. That is not small. That is powerful. And whether we like it or not, it seems AI will be part of the future of filmmaking. That is why WIFSFBA must not simply keep up with the conversation, we must help lead it, ensuring that wisdom, responsibility, creativity, and humanity remain at the center of whatever comes next. I have real hope not just for where this technology is going, but for how we can help guide it.

On a personal note, May was an extraordinary month for my documentary, The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival. After nearly eight years of research, filmmaking, and grassroots distribution, we reached two major milestones this spring. First, our film had its national theatrical premiere in 21 AMC Theatres locations across the United States. It was a dream milestone for any independent filmmaker and a reminder that with persistence, community, and belief, independent stories can break through on a national stage. We also finalized an international distribution agreement with Canal+ in Poland, bringing Tamara’s extraordinary story to TV audiences abroad and opening yet another exciting chapter for the film internationally. And on Sunday, May 17, we had the honor of screening the film at the iconic Crocker Art Museum as part of the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival, followed by a wonderful post-film Q& A discussion and reception. Many of you helped spread the word about my screening, and I want you to know how deeply grateful I am. That kind of support means more than I can truly express.

Moments like these remind me why independent storytelling matters — and why community matters even more. At WIFSFBA, I am reminded again and again that none of us has to walk this creative path alone. We are surrounded by an extraordinary community built on friendship, generosity, shared resources, encouragement, and true camaraderie. Looking ahead, as the summer solstice approaches and the days grow longer, I find myself thinking about what this season asks of us: to move forward with more light, more courage, and more conviction.

We are living through a profound moment of change in cinema, in technology, in culture, and in the way stories are created and shared. In the current climate of many stocking our division, having great allies like you gives me hope that we can turn the tide. Through all of that change, one truth remains: stories are still one of the most powerful ways we understand each other and love each other or hate each other. They help us remember. They help us question and they help us imagine a more compassionate world. That is the work before us and YES WE CAN make that change for the better but we have to keep creating and being there for one another.

So as we enter this new season, I invite all of us to stay bold. Keep creating work that matters. Keep lifting one another and give back to our community. Keep protecting humanity at the center of our art. Because the future of storytelling will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by the artists brave enough to lead with passion and purpose.

With gratitude and renewed purpose,

Julie Rubio

President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area

Founder, East Meets West Productions

WIFSFBA EVENTS

WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night

When: Wednesday, June 24th, 6:00-7:00pm PDT

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

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

Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads

When: Skipping this month due to the Pitch A Pro event!

Where: Zoom

The Script Incubator meets on Zoom every third Monday (sometimes second due to holidays) from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the group’s work, which includes TV pilots, features, shorts, and web series. Continuing in 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 screenwriters 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.

Pitch A Pro Night

When: June 15th, 7:00-9:00pm Pacific

Where: Zoom

Cost: $20 members/$40 non-members

Our most popular annual event!

Are you a screenwriter with a completed script or a director with a project looking for a producer or a manager? Are you a producer looking for a partner? Then come to our Pitch-A-Pro Night when you can present your 3-minute pitch to an industry professional of your choice. You will get feedback for 3 minutes afterwards. At the end of the evening, at least 4 lucky people will get a chance to pitch all of the professionals at once before the entire audience.

This year, we have a variety of independent producers and a few literary managers to choose from!

Also, if you sign up, you’ll get to attend Pitch Practice a week before on June 8th with James Dalessandro and Pamela Wallace (see below).

MORE INFO and register: WIFSFBA - Events

As of 5/28/26 -

Alexia Melocchi - 7 Slots Left
Daniel Herther - 7 Slots Left
David Greenberg - 7 Slots Left
Kaitlyn Coffey - 9 Slots Left
Marc Manus - 5 Slots Left
S.P. Taylor - 8 Slots Left
Sean Hussey - 10 Slots Left
Sofia Rovaletti - 7 Slots Left
Stephen Mastrocola - 4 Slots Left

Pitch Practice

Nervous about presenting at Pitch-A-Pro?

When: June 8th, 7:00-9:00pm Pacific

Where: Zoom (a link will be provided one day before the event)
Note: Please do not share the link with others. Recording of this event is strictly prohibited.

Cost: Free if you registered for Pitch A Pro, $5 if not

Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect.

Have no fear, pitching expert James Dalessandro and Oscar-winning screenwriter Pamela Wallace are here! They will listen to your 2–3-minute pitch and give you feedback on what you may need to improve to get the industry pro's attention.

Pamela and James have done several large screenwriting conferences together and teamed up to help writers pitch and perfect their screenplays.

MORE INFO and register: WIFSFBA - Events

June Community Networking

The Vine: The Video Industry Networking Event

When: Thursday, June 4th, 6:00-8:00 PM PDT
Where: Informal Spaces (formerly Port Labs), 2044 Franklin St., Oakland, CA
Cost: $5

“We are so excited to be partnering with the Visual Effects Society again for the May VINE! As many of you know, VFX has been in the news a lot lately:

• The ground-breaking 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗳𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗗 𝗔𝗜 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹

• The closing of the award-winning 𝗣𝗶𝘅𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼 VFX Studio

• New consumer 𝗔𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗙𝗫 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 disrupting the industry

We will have a VES member kickoff of our Voices of the VINE segment with their thoughts on the unprecedented change their industry is facing, as well as information about VES Bay Area.

And 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."

So 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.

SF Wednesday Winedown

Join member Kristin Tieche for the Wednesday Winedown in San Francisco every month!

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 an East Bay meet-n-greet in Oakland, a WIFSFBA hub.

Ideally, we'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of the month. Keep an eye out on WIFchat or social media! Come join us to connect, share, schmooze, and make new filmmaking friends!

Open to all -- Bring your filmmaking buddies and colleagues. Keep an eye out on WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!

Thank you Beth and Amy!

WIFSFBA UPDATES

Filmmaking in the Age of AI Panel Wrap Up

Thanks for joining us for our “Filmmaking in the Age of AI” event on May 30th, with panelists Rox Ducharme, Basil Shadid, and Philip Shane!

From a letter to the panelists from our President, Julie Rubio:

“This was one of my favorite panels! The conversation was thoughtful, engaging, and incredibly valuable for our community. AI is a topic that generates both excitement and uncertainty, and each of you brought a unique perspective that helped illuminate the opportunities, challenges, and possibilities ahead for filmmakers.

What I appreciated most was your willingness to share not only the tools and practical applications you are using but also your reflections on creativity, storytelling, and the evolving role of the filmmaker in this new landscape. Your honesty and generosity made for a rich and meaningful discussion.

Thank you for helping our members better understand this rapidly changing moment in our industry and for encouraging us to remain curious, adaptable, and thoughtful as we move forward.”

Thank you for joining us!

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 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

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

Rashmi Rustagi's Film Designed By Preeti

From WIFSFBA member Rashmi Rustagi:

“Over the years, I witnessed stories of strong, successful women quietly living in controlling relationships. Those experiences stayed with me and eventually inspired my new film, Designed by Preeti, a romantic drama about healing, friendship, and finding the courage to begin again.

It’s a film that explores relationships, identity, and the challenges many people face but don’t always talk about. The movie is now available to watch online for a limited time.

Watch here: Ticket Link

Independent films thrive and grow through community. If you have already seen the film, please share the viewing link with friends and family.

P.S. If the film moves you, I would truly appreciate a review on IMDb.”

Congratulations Rashmi!!

Natalie Nakamine's Short Film Tales of Clayton Nakamine

From WIFSFBA member Natalie Nakamine:

“A short 2 minute documentary I created will be screening at The New Parkway in Oakland on 6/7 at 12: 30pm and at Polly Class Community Center in Petaluma on 6/2 at 7pm.

The doc is about and dedicated to my dad who passed 20 years ago.

Tickets can be found here. If you can’t make a screening and are interested in watching the short doc, it can also be found here.

Let me know if you plan to attend so I can say hi!

Natalie Nakamine

she/her | Filmmaker | Actor

www.natalienakamine.com”

Congratulations Natalie!!

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 Thank You to our “Filmmaking in the Age of AI” Community Partners

WIFSFBA is a Community Partner for the following event in June:

BACK TO SET: AWD Working Directors Intensive

When: June 12-13th

Where: Burbank, CA (In-person)
Learn more at backtosetla.com

"This year’s Intensive returns for two days of hands-on workshops, industry conversations, networking, and career development for directors and filmmakers of all genders.

The event brings together working directors, producers, executives, and creatives for practical sessions on episodic directing, blocking and camera movement, pitching, microdramas, leadership, and the future of filmmaking.

Featured speakers include Rachel Goldberg (Gen V, Agatha All Along), Odetta Watkins (Amazon MGM Studios), Elizabeth Dell (HOORAE), and more."

AWD has generously given our WIFSFBA a community partner discount of $25. Please use this CODE -- bts26wifsfba -- when registering here to receive that discount: AWD Back to Set

Call for Submissions

NewsFest: The New York LGBTQ + Film Festival

Festival dates: October 15-27, 2026

Extended Submission Deadline: June 11, 2026 -- $75 Fee

Final Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026 -- $100 Fee

“New York City’s NewFest presents LGBTQUIA+ programming year-round. Founded in 1988, this festival is one of the world’s largest and most respected annual celebrations of the year’s best queer films from the U.S. and abroad --featuring nearly 150 films from more than 30 countries, as well as special events that bring together filmmakers, celebrities, movie lovers, industry professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community.”

Categories: Narrative Features, Documentary/Nonfiction Features, Narrative Shorts, Documentary/Nonfiction Shorts, Episodic Series - TV and Web

MORE INFO: NewFest: The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival - FilmFreeway

Film Pipeline Short Script Contest

Early Deadline: June 5, 2026 -- $45 Fee

Regular Deadline: September 10, 2026 -- $50 Fee

“The 9th Annual Film Pipeline Short Script Contest is geared toward writers and directors looking to get a project financed and produced, or seeking development on a proof of concept for a feature.

Our execs collaborate 1-on-1 with the finalists and winner, supporting efforts on their selected script as well as future features or pilots. Think of this less as a contest and more as an opportunity for long-term mentorship and development no matter what path you're on in film and TV.

Accepting all genres—from traditional stories, to "experimental," to animation. Go big (just short).”

Submit here: Film Pipeline Short Script Contest

ShortsTV

Submissions: Rolling

“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

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

SLAMDANCE Screenplay Competition

Regular Deadline: June 22, 2026

Submission Fees: $60 - $95 (script only); coverage included for additional fee

“The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. We welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world.

We provide a small paragraph of constructive feedback for every entrant, free of charge. More In-depth coverage is available for an additional fee. Our Screenplay Competition Readers are veteran readers with oodles of experience. They are comprised of previous screenplay award winners, professors, script consultants and of course they are all writers. This award winning team is extremely diverse and located all over the world. We pay all of our readers competitive rates and truly value the work that they do.

Since 1995, the competition has established a strong track record for introducing writers to members of the entertainment industry who have gone on to produce, option and represent submitted work. Like the Film festival, the Screenplay Competition is a place for new, bold, and raw voices. We are looking for scripts that take risks, refuse compromises, and go places where most fear to tread.

Our competition consists of four categories:

Feature
Horror/Thriller
TV Pilot
Short

Awards are given to the top three scripts in each category. The Grand Prize Winner is selected from these top 12 scripts.”

MORE INFO: Slamdance

Woodstock Film Festival

Final Deadline: June 12, 2026

“Named by MovieMaker Magazine one of its Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, the Woodstock Film Festival is the landmark film festival of Upstate New York and an Academy Award®–qualifying festival for Short Narrative, Short Documentary, and Short Animation. Now entering its 27th year, WFF has grown from a passionate dream into one of the country’s top indie film festivals.

In keeping with Woodstock’s legacy rooted in art, music, activism, and creative experimentation—submitted films may also be considered for our Woodstock Legacy programming. If your film explores themes of art or artists (in any medium), music or music videos, experimental work, activism, or environmentalism, please note this in your application for special consideration.”

Across a range of juried competitive categories, the Woodstock Film Festival offers prizes including:

– Best Narrative Feature*
– Best Documentary Feature
– Ultra Indie Award*
– Changemaker Award*
– Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography
– Best Short Narrative
– Best Short Doc
– Best Student Short
– Best Animated Short
– Best Editing Award for Narrative & Doc Features
– Audience Award for Narrative & Doc Features

*Eligible to receive cash prices.

Submit Here: Woodstock FF

Grants, Fellowships, and Funding Corner

Frameline Completion Fund

Submissions: While their primary submission windows usually open in August, checking Frameline Artist Development can help you prepare for their upcoming late-summer intake.

“Grants up to $5,000 are available for the completion of films that represent and reflect LGBTQ+ life in all its complexity and richness.

The program seeks to support works by and for under-served communities. With this in mind, we encourage submissions from women, people of color, transgender people, intersex people, asexual people, nonbinary people, disabled people, and other underrepresented people and communities.

The Completion Fund accepts projects in all categories, from documentary and narrative works to experimental, animated, or episodic projects, so long as the films are about LGBTQ+ people and their communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Only applications that provide a full working cut of the film will be considered. Temporary sound, color, or visual effects are allowed — just let us know what’s missing or still being worked on in your application.
Grants are given for completion only, so 90% of production must be finished. If you aren’t in the post-production phase, you must be ready to begin post-production as soon as this funding is in place.
Grants are only given to individuals with creative and financial control of the project. In the case of collaboration, a sole project director must be designated as the applicant.
Grants will be given to projects in any film/video format, of any length, genre, or nationality.”

MORE INFO: Frameline Completion Fund

Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant - Spring 2026

Summer Grant Application (Deadline: June 30th, 2026)

Fall Grant Application (Deadline: October 31st, 2026)

Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant (Deadline: November 30th, 2026)

“Now in its 35th year, this respected grant supports independent filmmakers creating meaningful, socially impactful work.

Eligible Projects: Documentary, narrative feature, short film, and web series

Budgets under $500,000 (students encouraged to apply)

Spring 2026 Award Includes: 💵 $3,500 Cash, 🎥 Thousands in donated film products & services, including:

IndiPro Kratos Battery Kit ($600 value)
40% off ProMedia NYC post-production services
$500 Filmtools equipment credit
$1,600 Silver Sound mix session

✨ New This Year: Stories That Matter Awards

Three additional $500 awards honoring films reflecting real lives and pressing social issues.

🏆 Britt Penrod Award

$500 cash award recognizing a film making an exceptional contribution to society.

📞 Every applicant receives a complimentary 15-minute consultation."

Apply here: Roy W. Dean Grant Application - From the Heart Productions
Questions: info@fromtheheartproductions.com | 805-984-0098”

MORE INFO: Documentary & Film Fiscal Sponsorship Program For Filmmakers

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

Sloan Distribution 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