July News
WELCOME JULY!
Summer is here! We here at WIFSFBA wish all of you a great summer, filled with enlightening film, television, and art.
As you enjoy a cool drink on a hot day, perhaps consider checking out a few films with climate change as a theme. I just virtually Zoomed in/listened to the opening of the Hollywood Climate Summit 2023. It was great to hear so many creators thinking about this important existential topic and how to write it into their stories. If you’re writing a story with climate change in it, whether it is the main driver, or part of the backstory, consider checking out this valuable playbook:
A Playbook for Screenwriting in the Age of Climate Change
- Nil Unerdem
Women in Film Stands with the WGA
“WIF stands in solidarity with the WGA and their members as they seek equitable compensation and sustainable working conditions. While streamer and studio profits and CEO salaries have ballooned over the last decade, the pay gap for writers has grown wider. And the gap is even worse for women, particularly women of color. Without the power of collective bargaining, we’d be pushed even further behind when it comes to pay equity, career sustainability, and working conditions – the very things WIF is dedicated to fighting for. That’s why we strongly support the WGA in their fight for a fair contract.
If you are a WGA member, or looking for ways to support WGA members, go to WGA Contract and Support for the latest info. For resources, funding, support, and strike accessibility info, visit Strike Resources.”
Women in Film Turns 50
“WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer talks about how the advocacy group has evolved since being founded by a former Hollywood Reporter editor-in-chief and how much more Hollywood needs to do: ‘In some areas we’re on track, and in some areas we’re still woefully behind.’”
Read more here from the Hollywood Reporter: WIF Turns 50
Important Women Who Helped Shape Film & Cinema History
Ongoing Newsletter Series - by Tasha Nesbitt
WIFSFBA UPDATES:
Charting New Paths:
A Thank You to Gabrielle Carteris
Dear WIFSFBA Community,
In these dynamic and unpredictable times, our industry stands at a crossroads. With the WGA on strike and the imminent decision on June 30th regarding whether SAG and AFTRA will also be joining them, we find ourselves in the midst of significant change in our industry. We stand with the WGA, SAG, and AFTRA, to bring fair pay & protection to all creatives. As the tides turn and uncertainty looms, one thing remains abundantly clear - we are in this together.
There are incredible people fighting for these important causes and we wish to extend our deepest gratitude to one of them, Gabrielle Carteris, for her enlightening and impactful presence at our June virtual Speaker Series event. Gabrielle's wealth of knowledge, unflinching courage, and forthrightness have left a lasting imprint on our community.
The response from our members has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous emails and messages pouring in to express awe and admiration for the enlightening conversation.
Gabrielle's journey, characterized by her dedication to bolstering representation, diversifying perspectives, and championing safety in the entertainment industry, has been a source of inspiration to us all. Her candid reflections on the industry's transformation, particularly in the wake of the Weinstein saga, underscore the critical need for continuous dialogue and systemic reform. While these conversations can often be challenging, Gabrielle navigates them with finesse, empowering others to step forward with their own narratives.
Gabrielle's relentless efforts to confront sexual harassment, age bias, foster gender parity, and advocate for pay equity truly inspire us. Her work kindles hope for a brighter, more equitable future within our industry and society at large. Her wisdom has been an invaluable asset, sparking meaningful conversations within our community and reinforcing our collective mission to foster a more inclusive and safer industry. As we look towards the future, we eagerly await Gabrielle's continued successes and are deeply moved by her graciousness and generosity. Thank you, Gabrielle, for being an exceptional guiding light in our industry.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Julie Rubio, President, and the Board of Directors, WIFSFBA
Writer, Director, Producer
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.
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.
Member Spotlight
Hello! I am a local Bay Area bilingual video editor with motion graphics design experience. Originally from Madrid, Spain, my previous career in psychology brought me in the 90s to London, where I lived for three years, and then to this side of the pond. I have been alternating my residence between Madrid and the Bay Area ever since. I love them both so I chose to not make a choice…
The fact of being bilingual is not just a linguistic matter. It also implies that being a foreigner immersed in a different culture for a long time, I have a very unique way to see the world, which is reflected in the way I create stories through video editing.
Since I was very little, I have been charmed by the audiovisual world. Documentaries, movies, music videos, tv series, animation, you name it. A two year full time cinema program at City College of San Francisco provided me the training and the joy to become a professional in my beloved world. Although I enjoy pre-production, production, and post, I found video editing a fascinating step in creating a captivating audiovisual piece. Being in San Francisco since 2013, I have been working on docs and narrative with independent filmmakers, music videos with local musicians, corporate clients, and ad agencies.
"Smoakland,” a short filmed in Oakland that I edited, helped with pre-production, and added special effects, was selected for the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival and screened at the Roxie theater. This is the trailer and the full piece can be found at my website, linked below.
For the past ten years, I have been employed by agencies such as Rodan and Fields, Google, Sephora, Repertoire Productions, The Marlowe-Pugnetti Company, OWC (Instructional videos for FasTrak), IGN Entertainment, School of Thought, Slow Clap Productions, and Reebok.
Combining technical and organizational knowledge, aesthetic sensibility, and enjoying very much being part of a team, navigating its dynamics with efficiency, humor and warmth is what, in my experience, makes a great video editor.
I have always been a keen observer and explorer of the world around me. I consider myself a natural storyteller, always trying to find the balance between substance and style, spontaneity and commitment, provocation and grace.
Please check my website that I have created which includes my video editor and motion graphics reels as well as my portfolio: www.mereditor.com. Thank you!
WIFSFBA Member
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. Even if it's just a quarterfinalist in a screenplay competition! Something to be proud of.
Send your blurbs and any related images to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with Members in the News in the subject line. Submit by July 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 in a few weeks! 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!
Cinequest Film Festival with WIFSFBA
When: Aug 20, 2023
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
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
When: July 20 - August 6
Where: Castro Theatre - 429 Castro Street, San Francisco (July 20-30)
Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre - 4186 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland (August 1-6)
Presented by the Jewish Film Institute, this year’s Festival showcases films from American and international filmmakers that explore the complexity, diversity and vitality of Jewish life around the world.
WIFSFBA is a community partner with the JFI and will be co-sponsoring two films at the festival. We're proud to co-present Queen of the Deuce. An offbeat and extraordinary portrait of Chelly Wilson, the undisputed skin flick matriarch of the “Deuce,” the seedy underbelly of Manhattan that operated on 42nd Street in the 1970s and 80s.
Get Tickets: Queen of the Deuce tickets
And we’re also proud to co-present The Artist's Daughter at the festival. Filmmaker Margarita Linton hopes that her estranged father’s newest exhibition of paintings will serve as the catalyst for their reconnection, but as his excuses mount, she resolves to tell her story regardless, resulting in an inspired turn of events.
Tickets: The Artist's Daughter tickets
MORE INFO: Jewish Film Festival
Frozen Film Festival
Where: The Cut Outdoor Cinema at the Crossing - 250 Main St., San Francisco
When: July 12-July 15th
Founded in 2006, the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival is dedicated to creating avenues for independent filmmakers, youth, filmmakers of conscience, and artists from under-served communities to come together and exhibit their work to the widest possible audience. All festival passes include access to the opening night party on July 12th.
MORE INFO: Frozen Film Festival
Bravemaker Film Festival
When: July 13-16th
Where: Redwood City, CA
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
Bravemaker Women in Entertainment panel discussion
When: July 15th, 1-2:30pm
Where: Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Road Redwood City, CA 94063
Brave actors, screenwriters, filmmakers opening and interactively discuss the state of being a women in the entertainment industry.
Free Tickets: Women in Entertainment
San Francisco Silent Film Festival
When: July 12-July 16th
Where: Castro Theatre - 429 Castro Street, San Francisco
The Silent Film Festival celebrates the art of live cinema (silent-era films with live musical accompaniment) with five days of programming.
MORE INFO: Silent Film Festival
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition
American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition
Early-bird Submission deadline: July 17, 2023 -- Final Deadline: September 5, 2023
Submission Fee: Early-bird ($40) - General ($50)
"The mission of the American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition is to find and promote new and innovative voices in cinema. The competition considers feature-length film scripts, as well as pilot scripts for television/streaming services. Every script is read closely by a select handful of professional readers, and the American Zoetrope staff and Francis Ford Coppola choose a winner from among ten finalists."
MORE INFO: American Zoetrope Screenplay Competition | Submit
ReelAbilities Film Festival Los Angeles
ReelAbilities Film Festival Los Angeles
Submission Deadline: July 31,2023
RAFFLA is proud to showcase films that are made by disabled creators, and that include authentic representations from actors, writers, directors, and crew with lived experiences with disabilities. Seeking narrative or documentary shorts or feature films.
MORE INFO: RAFFLA | Submit
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
Final Submission Deadline: July 24, 2023
Entry Fee: $30-$115
The Slamdance Film Festival was established in 1995 by a wild bunch of filmmakers who wanted to showcase the unfiltered voice of independent artists -- judges are looking for new, bold and raw voices.
MORE INFO: Slamdance Screenplay 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
Film Independent Project Involve
Film Independent Project Involve
Non-Member Deadline: July 10, 2023
Film Independent Member Extended Deadline: July 24, 2023
“This robust program provides invaluable hands-on filmmaking experience from inception to completion. Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.
Each year, 30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists.”
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
ScreeningRoom/Jigsaw Productions Follow Focus Grant Submission Period: July 7 - August 31, 2023
Offering a $10,000 finishing fund grant for a cinematic documentary short in post-production, ScreeningRoom is committed to supporting sustainability, inclusion, and storytelling for short form documentary filmmakers.
MORE INFO: Follow Focus Grant | Submit
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
Thanks to Newsletter Contributors: Diane Walsh, Tasha Nesbitt, Nil Unerdem, Julie Rubio, Kelli A. White
Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem
We're looking for guest editors. Join the newsletter team! bod-admin@wifsfba.org