March News

Welcome to March!

Women's History Month

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March is Women’s History Month! Please join us in celebrating and supporting the creative works and contributions of women storytellers.

Women's History Month Film Events in the Bay Area

HERstory: Women's History Celebration

When: Throughout March

Where: San Francisco Public Library, other various locations in SF

“Get inspired by HERstory, SFPL’s celebration of women's history, honoring and acknowledging the contributions of women and the experience of being female. All year round, the Library champions women writers, artists, academics and professional leaders in their fields. Come hear author talks and panel discussions, see what's on view in our exhibits, take part in book clubs, watch films, engage in interactive programs and build strength and solidarity. Themes center around women as groundbreakers, feminism, the women’s movement and much more.”

MORE INFO: HERstory: Women's History Celebration | San Francisco Public Library

Women in Broadcasting 2025 - “He Said, She Said: Reality Check”

When: Saturday, March 15th, 11:00AM

Where: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA

Cost: $50-100/person

“The Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame commemorates Women’s History Month with our second annual women’s program titled, ‘He Said, She Said: Reality Check.’ This year’s event will be held Saturday, March 15th at 11am at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant at Jack London Square in Oakland.

How have women changed the face of broadcasting? How have they navigated a male dominated field in which they had little power and influence and few, if any, advocates. How have women elevated their own progress in radio and TV? Which visionary managers championed women in those early years? And what are the experiences and challenges that women broadcasters face today?

Our panel includes Marcia Brandwynne, who has the distinction of being the first woman to anchor a local TV prime time newscast at KTVU Channel 2 in 1972. Marcia will be joined by decades-long ABC President and General Manager of KGO Radio Newstalk 810, Mickey Luckoff and current top-rated broadcaster, martial artist and cancer survivor Freska (Griarte) of KOIT and KBLX. Our host for the program is longtime TV and radio weather forecaster Roberta Gonzales of KTVU Fox 2 and formerly of KPIX-TV (Channel 5) and KCBS Radio.”

As a WIFSFBA member, you can receive a 15% discount on tickets. Please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org for the code!

MORE INFO: Women in Broadcasting 2025

Glide’s Center for Social Justice presents: Doloros Huerta

When: March 6th, 6:00-8:00PM

Where: Glide Memorial Church, 330 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA

Cost: Free

“This year we are honored to have Icon American Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta as a featured speaker.

Join GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice as we celebrate Women’s History Month! This March, we are doing everything we can to show our love for women and families. With women’s rights under attack, honoring the achievements and contributions women of all backgrounds have made throughout US History is absolutely vital. Join us in remembering those who paved the way in the struggle for gender equity in the United States– and recognizing history-makers and barrier breakers of today.

This year, we are honored to have an iconic American labor leader and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta as a featured speaker. Dolores will speak of the challenges and achievements of her path, as well as the contributions and future of the Latinx/immigrant communities in these uncertain times. Her speech will be followed by a question-and-answer session, led by our Host Moderator Olga Talamante.

Also joining us is Danza Xitlalli a cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial group committed to preserving the Indigenous traditions of Danza Mexica.

Danza Xitlalli's vision is to honor the Natural World and provide a space for the traditions and Indigenous wisdom to be passed on to future generations.”

MORE INFO: Glide - Dolores Huerta

Letter from the President

Dear Members,

It was truly a pleasure seeing all of you at the Town Hall meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with each of you and hearing your incredible ideas. As we plan our 2025 calendar, we’ll be sure to keep your thoughtful insights in mind as we move forward.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of women in film, media, and beyond. As we honor the trailblazers who defied expectations and broke barriers, we also recognize the ongoing work ahead.

Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area exists to amplify women’s voices, stories, and talents in an industry where representation matters. This month, we celebrate the directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, actors, crew, and artists shaping the cinematic landscape with courage, vision, and authenticity.

On International Women’s Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and beauty of women worldwide. Women are the heartbeat of our communities—visionaries, leaders, caregivers, and creators who shape our world in ways seen and unseen. It’s a day to reflect on the progress made toward equality and stand in solidarity with those still fighting for their rightful place in society. Yet, as we celebrate, we cannot ignore the reality that many of our rights are under threat. The struggle for equality and equity continues, reminding us that the battle is far from over. It’s a call to action for all to join the fight for justice.

Together, we move forward with love, strength, and hope, striving to make the world a more inclusive place for future generations.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am thrilled to announce the addition of the extraordinary Gabrielle Carteris to our Board of Advisors. Best known for her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, Gabrielle is a champion for artists and a fearless advocate for women in entertainment. As former President of SAG-AFTRA, she fought for gender equality, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Currently, she serves as the President of the International Federation of Actors (FIA), continuing her commitment to performers’ rights globally. We are honored to have her join us in our mission to uplift and empower women in film.

We also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in film over the past year, including several films directed or produced by women that have received critical acclaim:

• The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, earned nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards.

• All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, also received Golden Globe nominations.

• Emilia Pérez, with a female forward cast and the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Academy Award, leads with 13 nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards, a historic achievement for a non-English language film.

These accomplishments underscore the vital contributions of women in our industry and inspire us to continue advocating for greater representation and recognition.

As we reflect on our progress, we also acknowledge the ongoing setbacks and challenges women's rights face, especially in terms of recognition and representation. Some days it seems like an uphill battle and yet I want to thank you for being part of this incredible community and this positive change. Your passion and commitment make a difference. Let’s continue breaking barriers together.

With gratitude,

Julie Rubio

President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area

WIFSFBA EVENTS

You're Invited to an Evening of Cinequest Films: Nora and Voices Carry

We are thrilled to be partnering with Silicon Valley’s Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival again this year on TWO very special films directed by women:

When: Saturday, March 15, 2025

TICKETS:

A limited # of FREE tickets are available for WIFSFBA members - claim your tickets before they’re gone by emailing bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “Cinequest-Nora” or “Cinequest - Voices Carry” in the subject line.

Additional tickets $14: Cinequest - Tickets

Start your movie night with:

A WIFSFBA Mixer at 5 PM that is open to the public before Nora screens at 6:45 PM. BRING A FRIEND! You’ll be receiving more information about the mixer next week. You do not have to attend the movie to go to the mixer...then...

NORA _- World Premiere!

When: 6:45pm PST (101 min) - with Q & A to follow

Where: Hammer Theater - 111 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95112

WIFSFBA is the proud SPONSOR of Nora, an unfiltered exploration of the pressures of modern motherhood, which marks the feature film debut of director, producer and actor Anna Campbell: “Having given up her career in music, Nora returns to her hometown to focus on her precocious six-year-old, a new house, a new school year, and the place she deliberately left behind. Her dreams and ambitions, however, have different plans. A joyful, unflinching look at modern motherhood clashing with the artistic notion of pursuing your passion.”

MORE INFO: Cinequest - Nora

Following the Nora Q & A, take a leisurely short walk to 3Below Theaters for:

VOICES CARRY

Time: 9:00pm PST (91 min) - with Q & A to follow

Where: 3Below Theater - 288 S. Second St., SJ, CA 95113 (just half a block from the Hammer Theater)

A paranormal thriller about a couple that struggles to settle in as memories of the past boil to the present, Voices Carry is co-directed/written by Ellyn Vander Wyden and Abby Brenker. “After Sam and Jack move into Sam’s childhood home (to make a fresh start), the couple struggle to adjust. The discovery of a necklace and antique diary leads Sam to believe the spirit of her ancestor is trying to reach her. But when Sam begins sleepwalking and is mysteriously drawn to the lake, life begins to unravel.”

MORE INFO: Cinequest - Voices Carry

Voices Carry - Interview with Filmmakers Ellyn Vander Wyden and Abby Brenker

By Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary

Board Member Kelli White and I briefly sat down over Zoom with filmmakers Ellyn Vander Wyden and Abby Brenker to discuss their film Voices Carry, premiering at the Cinequest film festival on March 15th. Ellyn and Abby worked together to co-direct the paranormal thriller film. Ellyn knew of Abby from her previous horror films and was interested in working with her. They wanted to use the setting of a house by the lake in New Hampshire, and worked on the story together. Abby then wrote the screenplay. She describes Voices Carry as “a story about women and mental health” at its core.

Production occurred over the course of an entire year to capture the different seasons. The lake community where the film was shot all came together to support the production. Neighbors and friends brought food and helped out on set. The total shooting days were more like 18-20 days, say the co-directors. Scheduling was a challenge for cast and crew as they needed to be committed for an extended duration.

Co-directing duties were split between the two directors: Ellyn worked closer with the DP while Abby focused on the actors. They produced the film together as well, and it was more manageable because they could split the work. As for casting, Jeremy Holm was always someone Ellyn wanted, and then Jeff Ayars was cast. It took a while to find the lead due to the on and off time commitment to play Sam, and Gia Crovatin finally joined to round out the talented cast.

Please join us in watching Voices Carry at the upcoming Cinequest film festival on March 15th!

Bios -

Writer/Director/Producer Ellyn Vander Wyden is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and director whose work spans dramatic feature films, compelling television series, and impactful documentaries. With projects that have garnered critical acclaim and achieved global distribution, Ellyn is known for her versatility and storytelling prowess. In addition to her narrative and documentary work, she creates high-quality content for major brands. Ellyn is a proud member of the Producers Guild of America.

Abby Brenker is a writer and director, specifically fascinated with horror and science-fiction. Abby is the creative director of The Lunatics Project which produces short horror films, horror magazines and The Lunatics Radio Hour podcast which explores the history of horror. Her films have been featured by Final Girls Berlin Film Festival, Upstate New York Horror Film Festival, New Jersey Horror Con, NEPA Horror Fest, Horror Unleashed, and more. Additionally, Abby leads the global partnerships and content distribution team at Condé Nast.

Script Incubator News

Our March monthly Table Read will be on Monday March 17th from 7-9pm. This time, we will be featuring a full feature screenplay, read by talented actors from the Bay Area and beyond. No homework! Just show up! And all participants are encouraged to give feedback.

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

Wednesday Winedown with Kristin Tieche

This month, the Winedown will be on March 19th in San Francisco. Location TBD. Keep a lookout for the announcement on our social media channels!

Upcoming Event: NYWIFT Virtual Hangout

When: March 10th @ 4pm PST on Zoom

Mark your calendars NOW to join us in March for the 2nd annual hangout with our NYWIFT sisters. Find out what’s happening in film and television in the Big Apple, and get a chance to meet potential collaborators in lively breakout rooms. You’ll also discover why having a dual membership with New York Women in Film & Television (info in updates below) is a plus! Registration is FREE -- RSVP here

March Networking

The Vine: The Video Industry Networking Event

When: March 6th, 2025, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Port Labs, 2044 Franklin St., Oakland, CA

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

Monthly Filmmaker Mixer

When: Wednesday March 12th, 8:00 PM - midnight
Where: The Hub, 2650 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063

“For filmmakers & film lovers! Come meet others in the film industry & enjoy some networking, screenings (with the filmmakers present) & more. We do plan further film industry events in the future, so please follow us here or on Instagram (@TheHubRWC).

Second Wednesday of every month from 8 p.m. until around midnight. If you're a filmmaker & you have short films/trailers/music videos etc you'd like to showcase, let us know! If you’d like to show your short or trailer, email Claire@thehubrwc.com

There's plenty of parking out the back in Perry St Lot (free parking from 8 p.m.) or the Redwood City Caltrain station is only a few minute's walk.

21+ only due to our liquor license (sorry, it's the law!), only food & beverages purchased at The Hub may be consumed on the premises.”

WIFT-US Member National Networking

When: March 13th, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern, 4:00 PM Pacific

Where: Zoom

“Join us to meet other crew across the US! Crewing up in another area, join us and let’s put you guys together! Want to network? Join us! Must be a paid member of your local WIF chapter.”

MORE INFO: Register for WIFTUS Networking Night

Dragon Slayer Fundraiser and Filmmaking Mixer

When: March 15th, 2025, 4:00-7:00 PM Pacific
Where: Woody’s Cafe, 1841 Park Blvd Oakland, CA 94606

WIFSFBA member Beth Barany is having a fundraiser and filmmaker mixer! Come on over:

🎬✨ Lights, camera ACTION for a cause! Join us for our Henrietta The Dragon Slayer fundraiser and filmmaking mixer for a delightful afternoon and evening of film, community, and celebration! Our "Making It Happen" film mixer and fundraiser brings together film enthusiasts, fantasy lovers, and supporters of independent cinema for a fun and fabulous experience. Come network, sip and support -- because every great film starts with a great community!

MORE INFO: Tickets

WIFSFBA UPDATES

WIFSFBA Advisory Board Update

Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA) is honored to announce the addition of Gabrielle Carteris to our advisory board. Ms. Carteris, who is renowned for her extensive career in the entertainment industry and her impactful tenure as president of SAG-AFTRA, brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and insight to our organization.

As a steadfast advocate for equity and inclusion within the entertainment industry, Gabrielle's leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of actor's rights and industry dynamics will provide invaluable resources to WIFSFBA. Her commitment to promoting women's roles in film and television aligns perfectly with our mission to support and advance the careers of women in media arts.

Julie Rubio, President of WIFSFBA, expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointment: "Gabrielle’s remarkable career and advocacy align with the vision of WIFSFBA to empower women in the film and media industry. Her experience will be instrumental in guiding our efforts and enhancing our programs. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her contributions.”

WIFSFBA looks forward to the perspectives and initiatives that Ms. Carteris will bring to the organization. Her expertise and passionate advocacy for artists’ rights will greatly benefit our community and help us further our objectives of creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA) is thrilled and honored to announce another distinguished new addition to our advisory board: Jack Lerner! Jack is an accomplished clinical professor of law and serves as the director of the Intellectual Property, Arts, & Tech Clinic at the UC Irvine School of Law. With a wealth of experience in intellectual property law, Jack has become a trusted resource for creatives across various industries.

In 2016, Professor Lerner’s exceptional contributions to the legal community were recognized when he received the prestigious California Lawyer Attorney of the Year award for his outstanding work assisting filmmakers and authors in navigating complex legal challenges. His expertise, passion for the arts, and commitment to empowering creative professionals make him a valuable addition to our advisory board.

We are excited to welcome Jack to WIFSFBA, and we look forward to the impact his knowledge and leadership will bring to our community of filmmakers, creators, and supporters.

WIFSFBA Town Hall Wrap Up

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for WIFSFBA’s first-ever Town Hall!

Nearly 40 incredible women came together, bringing energy, ideas, and a spirit of collaboration that exceeded our hopes. Your engagement—sharing contacts, resources, and creative visions—made it clear that our community is eager for deeper connection and support.

We heard you: members are craving opportunities to collaborate, build relationships, and fuel their creative work. Some exciting ideas surfaced, including monthly local meet-ups, feedback-driven events like table reads and screenings, partnerships with other Bay Area film organizations, and regular Zoom check-ins for accountability and idea-sharing.

Over the next month, we’ll be diving into your suggestions and weaving them into our planning for 2025-2026. This is just the beginning—we’re building something special, together. Stay tuned!

Become a Dual Member of WIFSFBA & New York Women in Film and Television

New York Women In Film and Television (NYWIFT) is offering dual membership to WIFSFBA members. If you are a WIFSFBA member in good standing, you may purchase a NYWIFT Industry Level membership for $100 (plus a $50 initiation fee), a saving of 50% off the normal $200 membership. Membership in NYWIFT includes:

Online and in-person networking and learning events
Marketing Creative Talent in weekly e-blast, Twitter, and Members in the News Webpage
Advanced Screenings
Online Member Center
Benefits Program
Fiscal Sponsorship
Affinity Groups and Committees
Electronic Copies of NYWIFT Publications
One Member-Price Ticket to the NYWIFT Muse Awards

Email bod-admin@wifsfba.org to get the dual membership form emailed to you. Please use subject line “NYWIFT dual membership.” Download and fill out form. Applications may be emailed or snail mailed to the addresses inside the application. If you have any questions, please email membership@nywift.org or call 212 679-0870 x 31.

WIFSFBA Public Member Crew List

One perk of individual WIFSFBA membership is the Public Member Crew List that you can opt into, accessed through the WIFSFBA website under "Join Us" then "Hire Us." Take a look here to find your next crew, or list yourself and your skills!

Check it out here: Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area - Public Member Crew List

WIFSFBA Private Member Crew List

A similar perk of individual WIFSFBA membership is the private version of the public list (those who prefer to only be viewed by other WIFSFBA members). This Private Member Crew List can be seen by logging into our website. This is another great resource to find collaborators, crew, and connections!

Check it out here: Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area - Member Directory

IMDB Pro Member Discount

The new 2025 IMDbPro discount code for 30% off an annual or monthly membership is available if you are a WIFSFBA member. Please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “IMDBPro discount” in the subject line for the code.

To redeem the code, users must go to IMDbpro.com/redeem, enter the promo code and log in. Please note offers may not be combined and entering a new promo code will override any lesser discount that has been applied to your account. Promotional discounts will be applied at the start of your next billing cycle. This offer is limited to members only and is non-transferable.

WIFSFBA Merch Store!

Check out our exclusive new WIFSFBA Film Role Apparel (Producer, Director, Screenwriter, etc.)! Wear your film role with pride AND support Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area at the same time! Whether you're treating yourself or finding the ideal gift for a friend, we've got something special for everyone. Check out the online store here: WIFSFBA merch!

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Julie Rubio Interviewed on the Art of Film Funding Podcast

“I was thrilled to be interviewed by the talented Heather Lenz, the brilliant filmmaker behind Kusama: Infinity. Heather is known for her deep knowledge of art and documentary filmmaking, making this conversation both insightful and inspiring.

The Art of Film Funding podcast, co-hosted by Heather, explores the journey of independent filmmaking, funding challenges, and the passion behind telling powerful stories. The executive producer of the podcast is the legendary Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions, who has been a champion for filmmakers and their funding needs.

It was an absolute honor to be part of this conversation, and I’m grateful to Heather and Carole for creating such a valuable resource for indie filmmakers.”

🎧 Listen now: The Art of Film Funding Podcast

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

WIFSFBA is proud to support BlackStar this month:

William + Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar

When: March 7-9th

“The William + Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar is BlackStar’s annual gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms. This year’s Seminar will take place from March 7-9 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Over the course of three days, participants will explore technical and creative aspects of media-making, attending hands-on workshops and being a part of bold and thought-provoking conversations about the practice. As a WIFSFBA member, please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org for a discount code for 20% off registration.”

MORE INFO: Greaves Filmmaker Seminar

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

BlackStar Film Festival

Late Deadline: April 1st

"Film submissions for the 2025 BlackStar Film Festival are now open. Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers are invited to submit their films for consideration. BlackStar accepts short and feature-length films of all genres. BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global Indigenous communities, showcasing films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists from around the world. Films are accepted on a rolling basis."

MORE INFO: https://www.blackstarfest.org/festival/submissions/

Imagine This Women's International Film Festival 2025

Accepting feature screenplays, short scripts and TV pilots
Regular Deadline: March 24, 2025
Fees: $55.00 - $80.00

"Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF) is dedicated to amplifying and empowering independent and aspiring women filmmakers globally. Our festival is a vibrant celebration of diversity, actively promoting equal opportunities for BIPOC women and the LGBTQIA+ community. We provide a significant platform for women to showcase their writing talents, fostering an environment that encourages creative expression. Committed to creating a robust platform, ITWIFF aims to build a community that not only recognizes but also champions the diverse voices of women in the film industry.

Now in its 6th year, seize the opportunity to have your screenplay reviewed by industry professionals and be a part of this global movement."

MORE INFO: Imagine This Women's FF

HollyShorts Film Festival

Accepting: Television, Short Live Action, Animated Shorts, Short Documentary, Web Series, Digital Microbudget

Regular Deadline: April 4, 2025

Fees: Range from $45-$60

“The HollyShorts Film Festival is an Oscar-qualifying short film film festival based in Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 2005, it has grown into a premier platform for independent filmmakers worldwide. As an Academy Awards-qualifying festival in four categories, it presents a diverse selection of innovative short films across various genres. The HollyShorts Film Festival, which runs August 7-17,2025, remains dedicated to championing emerging talents and pushing the boundaries of cinematic innovation.”

SUBMIT HERE: HollyShorts

Austin Film Festival Screenplay & Teleplay Competition

Competition Deadlines:

Feature Screenplay
Early Bird Deadline: 3/25/25 – $60
Regular Deadline: 4/22/25 – $70
Late Deadline: 5/27/25 – $90

Short Screenplay & Teleplay
Early Bird Deadline: 3/25/25 – $50
Regular Deadline: 4/22/25 – $60
Late Deadline: 5/27/25 – $75

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

Submit Here: AFF Screenplay & Teleplay Competition

The Black List 2025 Annual Labs & The Bay List

Deadlines: April 8, 2025 & June 1, 2025

“The Annual Labs offer training to six promising, non-professional writers in each of two cohorts: (1) the Writers Lab cohort, focused on feature scripts to be sold within the studio system, and (2) the Projects Lab cohort, focused on feature scripts that the writer intends to direct. The Labs will remain exclusively writing-focused programs in which each participating writer workshops the script that gets them into the Lab.”

“The Bay List is a new initiative to identify and highlight ten exceptional screenplays and pilots by writers from or with close ties to the Bay Area. The Bay List was created in collaboration with Rafael Casal, bringing together an array of incredible partners from the Bay Area who look forward to celebrating screenplays and pilots from a new generation of emerging storytellers.”

MORE INFO: 2025 Annual Labs | The Black List & 2025 Bay List | The Black List

GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS CORNER

Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship

Extended Deadline: September 30, 2025

Fellows Receive: $5,000 to produce a short film or first episode of a web series

Application Fee: $25 (Reading fee for processing your application)

“Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & lecture Series, the first Academy qualifying festival devoted to women filmmakers, offers you an opportunity to produce a short film or pilot for your web series! Apply and learn the art of creating a high-quality micro-budget short film.

Eligibility: Script must be written or co-written by a woman of color and non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters will accept submissions by women of African, Caribbean, Latina, Asian, Indian and Native American descent. Please include your ethnicity in the application to confirm eligibility. We encourage writing teams to apply.”

MORE INFO: Reel Sisters Fellowship

The Female Filmmakers in Tech & Art Fund

Submission deadline: Now through March 18th, 2025

“The Female Filmmakers in Tech & Art Fund is a unique funding initiative aimed at empowering women filmmakers who are currently in production or post-production of a feature documentary focused on the intersection of technology and art. This fund is designed to support and amplify the voices of female creators who are exploring innovative narratives in these rapidly evolving fields. Funding Amount: Up to £8,000 will be awarded to selected filmmakers

Gender: Open to women filmmakers or non-binary individuals who identify with the female experience.
Stage of Production: Applicants must be in the production or post-production phase of a feature-length documentary.
Subject Matter: The documentary must explore technology and art—whether it’s showcasing the impact of technology on artistic practices, or telling stories that highlight the convergence of these two fields in a meaningful and innovative way. We are particularly interested in AI and digital arts.”

MORE INFO: Female Filmmakers in Tech & Art

Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant (From the Heart Productions)

Applications Open: March 31st, April 29th, June 30th, October 31st, November 30th, 2025

Winner receives $3,000 in Cash and Donated Services

“Many filmmakers use short films to hone their craft and as a proof of concept for later full length features. From the Heart Productions wants to support their work and encourage them to make films with stories told with passion that enlighten us about our lives and the world we live in. This grant is specifically for narrative fiction shorts, live action or animated, that are 40 minutes or less in length. Among the donations the winner could receive are:

$3,000.00 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen
$6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield. This is 1/3 off normal price for 6 weeks of animation
$500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools
Tom Malloy of Glass House Distribution donates an hour of consultation on distribution of your film
$1,400 value (4 hours of sound mix session) from Silver Sound
$600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by NetCaptioning”

Apply Here: Roy Dean Short Film Grant

Impact Partners Development Fund

Application Deadline: rolling deadline

“For early-stage documentary features, series, or projects that could be either. Impact Partners will invest in the development of 4-8 projects a year, with a range of $10K -$100K per project. We are now accepting applications. Filmmakers can apply to the fund for a variety of reasons as they get their projects off the ground, including development shoots, cutting a trailer or reel, conducting archival research, casting characters, etc.”

Apply here:: Impact Partners

Thanks to newsletter contributors: Diane Walsh, Julie Rubio, Nil Unerdem

Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem

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