June News
WELCOME PRIDE MONTH!
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.
By Julie Rubio
WIFSFBA President
From the Desk of Amy Harrison
When I sat down to write about Pride Month I thought back to the late 1980s and 90s, when I was first coming out, and the New Queer Cinema movement was sweeping festivals and theaters. That time was a culmination of forces, including feminism, civil rights, forged in the flames of the AIDS epidemic. Every film - documentaries about ACT-UP, about Harvey Milk, and TV shows like the L Word - felt completely new, and too good to be true.
Telling our stories on screen went hand in hand with fighting for our rights. After all, before Gay Pride was a parade, it was a protest, a demand for our rights. Writing from the perspective of today, from this “golden age of streaming,” I want to celebrate the newest wave of contemporary films and its inclusive cast of queer characters. From Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Milk, Carol, Tar, Heartstopper, to Modern Family, the list of queer and inclusive shows have made it to the mainstream. I only wish that when we turn off our devices or leave the theater, that the world is as welcoming now as it is in the movies.
In San Francisco, we see our LGBTQ+ history every time we pass through SFO, the Harvey Milk International Airport. An international hero, the first gay person elected to public office, Harvey Milk was assassinated for being gay, and for speaking out for gay rights. Marriage rights became essential for our human rights - it legitimized our relationships and bestowed legal rights on same-sex partners, including hospital visiting rights, which gay AIDS patients did not have. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that every American has the constitutional right to marry the person they love. This was a huge gain, obviously, but discrimination, harassment, and assault by individuals and terrorist groups continue to threaten LGBTQ+ people. The cross hairs of hate, egged on by politicians and hate groups, have focused on trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, including children.
Pride this year feels more important than ever.
At the end of May, the Department of Homeland security released an advisory, outlining the risk of terrorism attacks through this summer:
“In the coming months, factors that could mobilize individuals to commit violence include their perceptions of the 2024 general election cycle and legislative or judicial decisions pertaining to sociopolitical issues. Likely targets of potential violence include US critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions, individuals or events associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, schools, racial and ethnic minorities, and government facilities and personnel, including law enforcement.”
We have to push on, bringing our films to the screen. Whether historical documentaries of under-appreciated artists in nontraditional marriages, such as the painter Tamara de Lempicka, or broad (no pun intended) comedy programming such as Lesbian Straits. We do it for ourselves, and we do it for those who need to see it.
By Amy Harrison
Former WIFSFBA Secretary and Board Member
BAY AREA EVENTS CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH
Outwatch Film Festival, sponsored by Sonoma County Pride 2023
When: June 9-11
Where: Rialto Cinema, 6868 McKinley Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472
“This year’s 38th annual Sonoma County Pride Celebration spans three days of events and activities designed to appeal to a large diversity of tastes as well as to invite our neighbors from the entire bay area to join the weekend fun. Our festival will be returning to the fabulous downtown Santa Rosa on Courthouse Square.
Our 2023 theme, COMMUNITY!, is all about being together in the spirit of diversity and belonging. Celebrating our connectedness through our vast differences and our sameness to realize we are all in this together. Each of us is a unique individual, yet we are united.
Since 2018, Rialto Cinemas has been home to the OutWatch Film Festival. This year June 9-11 we present five films by, for and about the LBGTQI+ community.”
San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival presented by Frameline
When: June 14-24, 2023 with streaming encore June 24-July 2
Where: San Francisco and Oakland, various locations
“Frameline’s mission is to change the world through the power of queer cinema. As a media arts nonprofit, Frameline’s programs connect filmmakers and audiences in the Bay Area and around the world.
Founded in 1977, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival is the longest-running, largest and most widely recognized LGBTQ+ film exhibition event in the world. As a community event with an annual attendance of 60,000+, the Festival is the most prominent and well-attended LGBTQ+ arts program in the Bay Area. Frameline also presents year-round exhibitions, including Frameline Encore, a free film series highlighting diverse, socially relevant works. Year-round programs also include members-only sneak previews and special events, as well as special screenings and events featuring directors, actors and other queer media icons.
Frameline announces the dates for the 47th annual San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, moving the in-person Festival up a day earlier and closing on Pink Saturday.”
Queer Women of Color International Film Festival
When: June 9 - 11, 2023 -- FREE ADMISSION
Where: Presidio Theatre in the Presidio National Park
“Our Queer Women of Color Film Festival is the public face of the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project. It combines film, art, activism, and community building to engage communities to think critically about their relationship to our movement for social justice. QUOCMAP will present 30 films in its 19th annual international 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
10 Rising Black Women Film Directors to Discover This Juneteenth
From IndieWire -- by Aramide A. Tinubu - June 17,2022
“Black freedom has been hard-won and an uphill battle in all aspects of society, including the entertainment industry. Black people have certainly made strides in front of and behind the camera in recent years, but Black women — who are double, and even sometimes a triple minority — have often faced more obstacles than their male counterparts, especially when the stories they want to tell center Black women.
Legends like Zora Neal Hurston, Euzhan Palcy, and Julie Dash have laid the framework for Black women directors like Gina Prince-Bythewood, Kasi Lemmons, and Ava DuVernay. Now, these rising stars are pushing the narrative forward for a new generation of Black women storytellers. Let’s get to know them….finish reading article
BAY AREA EVENTS CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
When: Saturday June 17, 2023
Where: Fillmore District, San Francisco
“This enormous celebration will take over 8 blocks in the Fillmore District on Saturday from 11am-6pm. It will include live music and performances, a fashion and hair show, a classic car show, dozens of food trucks and booths, a 21+ beer and wine garden, FREE unlimited carnival rides, games, and an obstacle course.”
MORE INFO: Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth at MoAD
When: Saturday June 17 -- 12 - 5pm -- FREE Admission
Where: Museum of the African Diaspora -- 685 Mission Street, San Francisco
"This special day will include lectures and talks, musical performances, and a family art activity. Don’t miss the Curtis Family C-Notes performing A Song of Triumph II: The Diaspora of Black Music at 3pm and 4pm. Temporary exhibitions include Black Venus; Old Roots, New Leaves by MoAD teens; and Holding Space by Nimah Gobir."
More info: MOAD Juneteenth Celebration
San Francisco Black Film Festival
When: June 15 - 18, 2023
Tickets: $15 and up
Where: 1755 O’Farrell St. - Unit 309, San Francisco, CA
“Our mission is to celebrate African American cinema and the African cultural diaspora and to showcase a diverse collection of films - from emerging and established filmmakers.”
MORE INFO: San Francisco Black Film Festival
Miss Juneteenth Is the Perfect Movie to Honor an Important American Holiday -- by Anna Menta
Nicole Beharie and Alexis Cikaeze -- Miss Juneteenth
(From The Decider --June 19, 2020)
Nicole Beharie and Alexis Cikaeze -- Miss Juneteenth
Miss Juneteenth—which premiered in January 2020 at Sundance Film Festival—stars Nicole Beharie (Sleepy Hollow) as Turquoise, a former beauty queen pageant winner and current mother struggling to make ends meet. While other winners of the Miss Juneteenth beauty pageant have gone on to great things, Turquoise works double shifts at the bar in addition to her part-time work at the morgue. And she still doesn’t have enough to pay her electrical bill on time. Her husband Ronnie (Kendrick Sampson), despite good intentions, is little to no help. Her only hope is that her daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) will win the Miss Juneteenth crown as she did and receive a full-ride scholarship to any historically Black college and university of her choice.
Decider Juneteenth movie review
Juneteenth trailer - Available to buy or rent on iTunes, Amazon Video. Free on Kanopy, and BET+ with subscription.
Important Women Who Helped Shape Film & Cinema History
Ongoing Newsletter Series - by Tasha Nesbitt
There have been many important women trailblazers in film and cinema history who have made significant contributions to the industry as directors, producers, screenwriters, actors and more.
In each monthly newsletter, we will highlight a different one:
KATHRYN BIGELOW
Kathryn Bigelow is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. She was born on November 27, 1951, in San Carlos, California. Bigelow has made a significant impact on the film industry, particularly in the action and thriller genres, and is one of the most accomplished female directors in Hollywood history.
Bigelow began her career in the late 1970s with the short film "The Set-Up," which won awards at several film festivals. She made her feature film debut in 1982 with The Loveless, a biker film that she co-wrote and co-directed. Her breakthrough came in 1987 with the horror film Near Dark, which she directed and co-wrote.
Bigelow's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful film to date is The Hurt Locker (2008), a drama set during the Iraq War about a bomb disposal squad. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Bigelow, making her the first woman to win the award. She also won the Directors Guild of America Award and the BAFTA Award for Best Director for the film.
Bigelow's other notable films include Point Break (1991), an action-thriller about an FBI agent who goes undercover to catch a group of surfing bank robbers, and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), a drama about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Both films were critical and commercial successes, and received numerous awards and nominations.
In addition to her work in film, Bigelow is also a professor at Columbia University's School of the Arts. She is known for her intense and visceral style of filmmaking, and for her ability to create suspenseful and thrilling stories.
Bigelow has been a trailblazer for women in the film industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for other female filmmakers. She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
By Tasha Nesbitt
Board of Advisors, WIFSFBA 2023-Present
Former WIFSFBA President 2019-2022
*This article was researched and written with the help of ChatGPT & Jasper.ai, artificial intelligence driven writing tools.
Stay tuned for this series and our next featured filmmaker in the next newsletter!
WIFSFBA UPDATES:
AI in Filmmaking Event Thank You
On May 27, we had the pleasure of hosting another inspiring and informative event focused on AI and its impact on the filmmaking process. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed guest speakers, Basil Shadid and Philp Shane, for their exceptional contributions to our recent discussion. Their expertise and passion were truly inspiring, and we are immensely grateful for the invaluable insights they shared.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Basil for generously sharing his Excel spreadsheet, which has helped shed light on some of the mysteries surrounding AI applications.
Basil and Philip's exploration of the ethical implications surrounding AI's influence on the film industry and society at large was thought-provoking and deeply meaningful. They have empowered us to reflect on our own roles within the film industry. Their authenticity and generosity have made a lasting impact on us, and we are truly appreciative of the knowledge they imparted.
As we continue this important dialogue, it is crucial to remain aware of the potential risks associated with AI, while still keeping the conversation open. As we explore the ethics and tools related to AI's role in film and media production, we approach the subject with a balanced perspective, aiming to navigate the future responsibly.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities of hosting workshops or classes to delve further into this fascinating and controversial field. Such opportunities will enable us to deepen our understanding and ensure that we contribute positively to the evolving landscape.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Basil and Philip for their time and inspiring generosity. Their presence has enriched our community, fostering curiosity and encouraging healthy debate.
At WIFSFBA, we remain committed to providing networking, educational, and social opportunities, and offering practical solutions to help build a strong community and advance the careers of women working in digital media at all levels in the Bay Area.
With gratitude and warm regards,
Julie Rubio
WIFSFBA President
A SHOUT-OUT to our Event Community Partners
Larsen Associates
Cinematic Arts and Production Club
The Club
The Mamahood
Women in Film and Television-US
Due in no small part to your partnerships, our May 27th AI in Filmmaking event was very successful. The support you gave us as Community Event Partners helped expand our public outreach to bring in 45+ participants and several new dues-paying members. It pays to work together. From all of us at WIFSFBA, thank you!!
Internship/Volunteer Opportunity with WIFSFBA
Becoming a WIFSFBA intern or volunteer is a unique and exciting opportunity to be a part of a highly respected organization in the film industry. Come join our wonderfully diverse team!
Position Description:
We offer school credit for those attending a HigherEd institution, AND volunteer opportunities for non-students of all backgrounds and experience levels. During their internship, applicants will have the opportunity to work and interact with experienced working producers, directors, writers, editors, etc. on projects that expand WIFSBA’s community outreach, and will be invited to attend all of our events. In return, we ask interns to contribute 5-10 hours a week to WIFSFBA and attend mandatory monthly Zoom team meetings.
We are looking for interns to support our work in one or more of the following areas:
●Events
●Tech Support for Zoom Events
● Graphic design
● Work with Photoshop
● Marketing
● Canva -- assist in photo editing and marketing materials
● Updating website
● Manage social media, including: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and WIFChat
If you are experienced or trained in one or more of the areas listed above, and are interested in expanding your skills professionally, please APPLY by sending the following materials addressed to Julie Rubio, WIFSFBA President, at bod-admin@wifsfba.org
● Resume
● Cover letter -- please include:
-which area(s) above interest you
-your experience/training in that area(s)
-reason(s) for wanting to work with WIFSFBA
-if you are a student OR non-student
-If student: which semester/quarter/summer you are available
-If non-student: when you could begin a 6-month time commitment
We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC, gender diverse individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Questions? Please contact bod-admin@wifsfba.org and put INTERNSHIP in the subject line.
2023 WIFSFBA COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Membership and Volunteer Management Committee
Have you always wondered what happens behind the scenes of our Membership and Volunteer Management Committee? We would love to have you join the Membership and Volunteer Management Committee!
All levels of experience and expertise invited!
Your interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to be a team player are all that are required. We work closely and collaboratively, supporting each others’ strengths, and sharing our skills with each other.
Desired expertise and/or willingness to learn new skills:
Ideas for ways to increase our membership, decrease membership turnover.
How to reach, retain, and refresh volunteers
Please send an email to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with the subject line "Membership and Volunteer Management Committee Volunteer."
Please include a brief introduction, your experience with other organizations (not required), and why you’d like to volunteer to support our committee’s work.
We’re looking for a minimum commitment of 6-8 hours a month for 6 months.
Fundraising and Development Committee
Do you have a knack for connecting with people, organizing successful initiatives, or captivating audiences with your storytelling abilities?
If so, we encourage you to join our Fundraising and Development Committee TODAY! We’re a collaborative team who like to have fun, looking for like-minded people who:
are good storytellers
possess excellent interpersonal skills
are good listeners
enjoy engaging with people – on the phone, online and /or in person
are well organized
don’t like to take ‘no’ for an answer
like working on a team, but also enjoy working solo
If you’re interested, or want to know more, please send an email to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with the subject line ‘Fundraising/Development Committee.’ Please include:
a short intro about yourself,
why you’d like to help WIFSFBA raise money
any experience you’ve had in the fundraising world.
We’re looking for a minimum commitment of 6-8 hours a month for 6 months. Hope to hear from you soon!!
DON’T WAIT - GET INVOLVED - JOIN OUR TEAMS!!!
Members in the News
Do you have news you'd like to share with fellow members?
We’d love to hear from members on recent accomplishments, awards, or any news you’d like to share with the WIFSFBA community.
Send your blurbs and any related images to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with Members in the News in the subject line. Submit by June 21st to be included in the next newsletter.
UPCOMING WIFSFBA EVENTS
WIFSFBA July Summer Mixer
When: Saturday, Jul 22, 2023 from 2-4 pm
Where: Epicurious Garden, Berkeley CA
Get ready for an amazing, in-person event this July! We are thrilled to announce that the next gathering hosted by WIFSFBA will be held at the gorgeous Epicurious Garden on Saturday, July 22nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for an exciting and engaging open mixer.
Members and Non-Members alike, we invite you to come and connect with the local filmmaking community. This is the perfect opportunity to meet other talented individuals, share ideas, and have some fun. Plus, with the beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere at Epicurious, you're guaranteed to have a great time. So mark your calendars and don't miss out on this fantastic event. We can't wait to see you there!
Stay tuned for more information!
Cinequest Film Festival with WIFSFBA
When: August during the Cinequest Film Festival
Where: San Jose, CA
We will be partnering with the Cinequest film festival again this year and hope to get together for a member event during the festival! Stay tuned for more info!
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE BAY AREA
AI Film and Games Festival 2023
When: June 13, 2023 -- 5:30 - 10:00 PM
Tickets: $10
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema New Mission
2550 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
“AI movies and AI games will next year compete with Blockbusters in our cinemas and on our PC’s. Come see the future!”
MORE INFO: Culture AI Film and AI Games Festival
Deconstructing ‘Let it Be’ -- with Scott Freiman
June 11 @ 4:15 pm -- Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael CA
Tickets: $15 General; $13 Senior/Youth
“After more than eight hours of Peter Jackson’s epic Get Back documentary, you might think there is nothing more to be said about the Beatles’ recording sessions for Let It Be. But you would be wrong. Using rare audio and video, Scott provides a musical focus to the Get Back sessions, and will discuss how Phil Spector applied his special touch to the final Let It Be album.”
Ticket info Deconstructing Let it Be
SF Doc Fest
When: June 1 - June 11, 2023
Festival Passes: $90 and up; Individual Tickets: $10
Where: Roxie Theater
3117 - 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
“This two week event showcases real live stories that give us a look inside the beautiful and chaotic world we live in. Waving off the pedigreed, high-profile docs that premiere at Sundance, get national theatrical and virtual releases that chart a course for the Academy Awards.”
MORE INFO: Festival Guide | Tickets
Bravemaker Film Festival
Where: Redwood City, CA
When: July 13-16
"The Bravemaker Film Festival is a highly-anticipated event that will take place in Redwood City from July 13th to 16th, 2023. This festival is a celebration of independent cinema and features a wide range of thought-provoking films, including documentaries, narratives, and shorts."
MORE INFO: Bravemaker Film Festival
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
DepicT Short Film Competition
DepicT Short Film Competition
Festival Dates: September 27-October 1, 2023
Submission Deadline: June 12th -- Submission fee: FREE
“This competition is about creative freedom and imagination -- it doesn’t matter what your budget is or what genre you’re working in as long as you show originality and are able to connect with audiences. The competition is open to anyone from anywhere in the world -- but there is ONE simple rule: your film MUST be 90 seconds or less in duration.”
MORE INFO: DepicT Shorts | Submit
Finish Line Script Competition
Finish Line Script Competition
Submission Deadline for Latecomers: June 20, 2023
Submission Fee: $50 and up
“The Finish Line Script Competition helps showcase your writing skills, connects you with industry experts and lets you submit unlimited new drafts for free, improving your chances to WIN. The most special aspect of this competition is that the writer can re-enter their script after having completed any number of rewrites. They can receive comprehensive (6+) pages of notes provided by a top-notch, experienced script consultant. The competition follows the development process where a script is submitted, receives extensive story notes and is then rewritten and resubmitted until it is in its best form.”
MORE INFO: Finish Line Script Competition | Submit
LA Film Festivals - 5 unique festivals:
1 - LA Black Film Festival
Festival Dates: February 2 - 12, 2024
Submission Deadline: July 14th
Submission Fee: $45 and up
“Accepting submissions from Black directors, writers, majority Black crew, and/or Black centered stories of any genre in following genres: feature, short, animated short, TV pilot, and web series.”
MORE INFO: LA Black FF | Submit
2 - LA Women in Film Festival
Festival Dates: November 29-December 3rd
Submission Final Deadline: August 18, 2023
Submission Fee: $45 and up
“Accepting submissions from Female identifying directors, writers, majority female crew, and/or female driven stories of any genre in the following formats: feature, short, animated short, TV pilot and web series.”
MORE INFO: LA Women in Film Festival | Submit
3 - LA Queer Film Festival
Festival Dates: September 28-October 1, 2023
Submission Last Chance Deadline: July 21, 2023
Submission Fee: $45 and up
“Accepting submissions from LGBTQ+ identifying directors, writers, majority LGBTQ+ crew, and/or LGBTQ+ stories of any genre in the following categories: feature, short, animated short, TV pilot, and web series.”
MORE INFO: LA Queer FF | Submit
4 - LA Latinx Film Festival
Festival Dates: October 5-8, 2023
Submission Extended Deadline: July 14th
Submission Fee: $45 and up
“Accepting submissions from LATINX directors, writers, majority Latinx crew, and/or Latinx stories of any genre in the following categories: feature, short, short short, animated short, TV pilot, and web series.”
MORE INFO: LA Latinx FF | Submit
5 - LA Asian Film Festival
Festival Dates: January 25-28, 2024
Submission Final Deadline: October 6th
Submission Fee: $45 and up
“Accepting submissions from Asian directors, writers, majority asian crew, and/or Asian stories of any genre in the following categories: feature, short, short short, animated short, TV pilot, and web series.”
MORE INFO: LA Asian FF | Submit
Palm Springs International Film Festival Competition
Festival Dates: January 4-15, 2024
Feature/Doc Final Deadline: July 1, 2023
Submission Fee: $75 and up
“This festival brings together a sophisticated and diverse audience, including industry, film aficionados from across the country and filmmakers from around the world. Submitted films must be longer than 70 minutes for either narrative feature or documentary feature. Those wishing to submit a short film should visit here for information on ShortFest.”
MORE INFO: Palm Springs FF | Submit
Austin Film Festival
Submission Deadline: May 17, 2023
“Submit to one of the Academy Award-qualifying short film categories - Narrative, Documentary, or Animated - for the chance to have your work reviewed by industry professionals and to be entered into the Austin Film Festival Jury Advisory Program!”
MORE INFO: Austin Film Festival - FilmFreeway
National Lampoon's Girlz Rule Script Contest
Submission Deadline: June 30, 2023
The National Lampoon Company presents the NATIONAL LAMPOON’S GIRLZ RULE SCRIPT CONTEST (“NLGR Script Contest”) launched in association with Women in Film & Television US (“WIFT US”). This partnership seeks to provide women scriptwriters - LGBTQ+, women of color (Asian, Black, Indigenous, Latino), all religions, professional or amateur status, any race, ethnicity, country of origin, native language, political orientation, or sexual preference - with an opportunity to submit their scripts and be part of the GIRLZ RULE feature film series to be produced by National Lampoon. (#GirlzRule)
NLGR Script Contest seeks comedies and parodies of every kind that appeal to a wide audience. The scripts NL GIRLZ RULE seeks are intelligent, with cutting-edge wit, combined with some satire. National Lampoon has an illustrious history in the comedy genre beginning with its first film produced in 1978, National Lampoon’s Animal House, one of the most successful comedies ever.
Carol Bidault de l’Isle (“Daliland”) and Jerry Daigle ("Love, Wedding, Marriage" and "Odd Thomas") are set to produce the films. They will also participate in the review and determine the finalists.
National Lampoon and its NL GIRLZ RULE, LLC will sponsor the submissions process. Submissions will be free, at no cost to the writer, and will be accepted from February 24, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
MORE INFO: National Lampoon's Girlz Rule
GRANTS CORNER
Frameline LGBTQ+ Film Grant completion Fund
Submission Deadline: October
“The Frameline LGBTQ+ Film Grant Completion Fund provides grants up to $5,000 to emerging and established filmmakers. They especially encourage applications by women, people of color, transgender people, intersex people, asexual people, non-binary people, disabled people, and other underrepresented people and communities. Films submitted should represent and reflect LGBTQ+ life in all its complexity and richness. The fund supports documentary, narrative, experimental, animated, and episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and their communities.”
MORE INFO: Frameline Completion Fund
The Future of Film is Female Film Fund
Applications: Open the end of August 2023
The Future of Film is Female “advances gender parity in the film industry by amplifying all women and non-binary filmmakers through our short film fund, commitment to exhibition, and community building programs. We look at short films directed by women or non-binary filmmakers for two funding cycles a year. The preferred length is no more than 20 minutes -- all genres accepted.”
MORE INFO: Future of Film is Female Fund
The Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF) Film Grant
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2032
“Filmmakers who have great Mexican-American or Chicano/a stories, or lead characters, and need funds to finish their short film, feature-length film, proof of concept film or TV pilot before putting it on the market or presenting it to film studios, are encouraged to apply.
An applicant for this grant can be of any ethnicity or background, but the production team must include at least one producer, writer, director and lead actor who identifies as Mexican-American or Cicana/o of any generation or mixed ethnicity. Applicant must submit script of short film, film or TV pilot and be in the advanced stages of pre-production or production. Qualifying films will be assessed by the quality of the story (culturally positive and non-stereotypical stories are required) as well as production organization and viability of the project. Grantees will have their film highlighted at the next Mexican-American Film and Television Festival.”
MORE INFO: MACEF Film Grant
Women Make Movies - Production Grant
Submissions are taken on a rolling basis
“WMM offers a production assistance program for female filmmakers actively fundraising or about to begin fundraising. Filmmakers can only apply if they are not currently fiscally sponsored by another organization. One of the most important criteria for the Women Make Movies Production Grant is that you must be able to clearly communicate your fundraising or distribution strategies for the film.”
MORE INFO: WMM | Production Grant
Mountainfilm Commitment Grant
Applications: Open on August 14, 2023
“Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support our mission to inspire audiences to create a better world. The grant is focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in production or post-production stages. The commitment Grants are focused on supporting documentary filmmaker in the production or post-production stages. Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera.”
MORE INFO: Mountainfilm Commitment Grant
XPedition Doc Fund
Application deadline:Jun 16, 2023
“Our team is tired of seeing great stories get left behind or unfinished due to lack of funding and support. Our aim is to partner, support, and invest in filmmakers in the areas of production, post-production, sales, and distribution.
That’s why in 2022, the Xpedition Doc Fund supported two filmmakers: Oscar-nominated director Sami Khan’s short “Angel Dose,” which chronicles Muslim-American nurse Tarik Khan’s earnest attempts to vaccinate his city during the COVID-19 pandemic and award-winning director Timothy Harris’ feature “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn,” about the first openly gay person of color to run for United States Senate.
The Xpedition Doc Fund provides finishing funds of up to $100,000 per project. These funds could include editing resources, promotion, and/or distribution strategy for documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story, and need a hand getting their film completed.”
MORE INFO: Xpedition Doc Fund
The Disruptors Fellowship
Application deadline: Jun 10, 2023
“The Disruptors is an annual fellowship for emerging television writers of color who identify as undocumented/formerly undocumented immigrants, trans, nonbinary, or disabled.”
MORE INFO: The Disruptors Fellowship
Diversity Development Fund
"Looking for exceptional stories by filmmakers from diverse backgrounds: stories that take creative risks, inspire dialogue, and are rarely seen on public media. They are committed to supporting producers of color and creating public media programming that is truly inclusive. Diversity Development Fund gives directors of color up to $35,000 in research and development funding to develop documentaries for public media. The documentary can be on any subject, viewpoint, or style as long as it is in development or pre-production."
NOTE: There is only one funding round per year -- check it out now to prepare for the upcoming open admission period.
MORE INFO: Diversity Development Fund
Chopard and Breaking Through the Lens
Final application deadline: July 31, 2023
“This €10,000 Action Grant is open to any feature film Directors who experience marginalization due to their gender, including but not limited to cisgender women, transgender women, transgender men, and non-binary people.
Applicants must demonstrate how the grant funding will allow you to advance in a critical area of development – be it casting, location scouting, hiring a crew member, shooting a scene or sizzle – there are no limits, as long as the action(s) taken moves the needle on your project. This is about finding films with strong artistic merit and a bold original vision, ready to go into production within the next 12 months. If you are not selected at this time it is no reflection on the quality of your project, and we invite you to submit again at a later date, if your project has moved forward significantly.
All applicants will automatically be considered for our 2024 Cycle and will also receive a discount code to join BTTL x Pano's membership network, which offers industry mentorship, workshops, training, and access to key events throughout the year. “
MORE INFO: Chopard and Breaking Through the Lens
Film Independent Fast Track
Application deadline: Jun 26, 2023
“Every year Film Independent selects up to ten fiction and five non-fiction feature projects to participate in an intensive film finance market that takes place over four days in November. Designed to connect producer-director teams with industry leaders and put projects on the “fast track,” the market consists of meetings with top executives, financiers, agents, managers, distributors, granting organizations and production companies. Participants gain valuable exposure and build vital relationships as they propel their films toward completion.”
MORE INFO: Film Independent Fast Track
Thanks to Newsletter Contributors: Amy Harrison, Julie Rubio, Diane Walsh, Tasha Nesbitt, Nichole Carlson
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