March News

Welcome to March!

Women's History Month

Image by Freepik

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

Oakland Public Library Women’s History Month

When: throughout March

Where: Oakland Public Library

“It's Women's History Month, and the Oakland History Center is recognizing the achievements of Oakland women.

Women have long collaborated with one another to get things done, well before they had the right to vote or other basic rights. Since the earliest decades of our city's formation, women have been carving out spaces to gather, to educate, and to organize for the future of our communities.”

MORE INFO: Oakland Public Library

Second Annual Women’s History Crawl

Presented By: California State Parks

When: Saturday, March 7th, 11:00AM-2:00PM

Where: Sonoma State Historic Park, 20 E. Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476

Cost: Free

“Celebrate Women's History Month and join us for the Second Annual Women's History Crawl at Sonoma State Historic Park's Barracks! This in-person event will take you on a journey through the rich history of women in Sonoma County, the Bay Area and beyond. Explore the stories of women who helped shaped our community, and our world. Grab your friends and come crawl with us!”

MORE INFO: Sonoma Women's History Crawl

Letter from the President

Dear WIFSFBA community,

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women who defied expectations, rewrote narratives, and opened doors where none existed. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women worldwide and we recommit ourselves to the work still ahead. It is a day that reminds us that progress is never passive; it is built by women who are brave , who persist, and who lift one another as they rise.

In film and media especially, progress has never been accidental. It has been built frame by frame by women who refused to wait for permission. At Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area, we exist to amplify those voices and that mission is carried forward by an engaged, thoughtful, and generous community of members who show up for one another.

I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our talented volunteers, extraordinary Board of Directors and to the members who contribute their stories and insights each month. A special acknowledgment to our Secretary and Editor, Nil Unerdem, whose thoughtful work elevates our voice and community you help create the structure that allows our membership to thrive (and we love your insightful newsletter each month), and to our Vice President, Diane Walsh, who truly serves as the heart of our operations — your clarity, organization, and steady leadership guide us forward with purpose and strength. Your ability to hold both vision and execution is invaluable.

To our Treasurer, Carol Hall, thank you for your constant stewardship and financial oversight. Your diligence ensures that we operate with integrity, sustainability, and strategic responsibility. Your work safeguards our future and strengthens our foundation.

To our Board Chair, Darlene DeRose, whose extraordinary dedication to our social media presence, volunteer coordination, and countless operational details keeps us connected and organized. Your structure, consistency, and care help our community thrive behind the scenes.

To Kelli White, thank you for the organization, thoughtfulness, and member-centered approach you bring to every conversation. You listen carefully to what our members need and want, and you help shape programming that reflects their voices and aspirations.

And to Nichole Carlson, whose professionalism and attention to detail particularly in overseeing our merchandise and brand representation ensure that our outward presence reflects the excellence of our mission. Your time and care do not go unnoticed.

It was truly a pleasure seeing the Board in-person at our recent annual strategic planning meeting. The collaboration, insight, and shared commitment in that room were powerful reminders of what makes this organization strong. Together, you create the structure and leadership that allow our membership to grow, to connect, and to flourish.

It was truly a pleasure to see so many of our members at our recent Town Hall. The energy in the room was thoughtful, bold, and forward-looking, a reflection of the extraordinary women in this community. I left inspired by your ideas and deeply grateful for your presence. As we shape our 2026 calendar, it is your engagement and insight that will guide us forward. Please know that we truly appreciate your ideas, knowledge, and we hear you as we implement your new ideas in 2026 and 2027.

We celebrate the directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, actors, editors, crew, and visionaries who are reshaping our industry with courage and authenticity. Representation is not a trend, it is a responsibility.

Women’s History Month reminds us that while we celebrate progress, we must remain clear-eyed. Rights once secured must still be protected. Equity must still be demanded. Stories must still be told.

This is why this month, this moment, feels especially meaningful for me. On March 8, 2026 at 3 PM, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will host a special International Women’s Day screening of my documentary:

🎨 The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

It is a profound honor to bring this story of artistic courage, reinvention, and resilience to a space dedicated entirely to women’s creative legacy. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area, I warmly invite you to attend. If not, I hope you will share the invitation with friends and colleagues who believe in the power of women’s voices.

And I am equally thrilled to share another milestone with you. Beginning April 10, our film will receive theatrical distribution through AMC Theatres and will be playing in cinemas throughout the country. This partnership represents not only a major achievement for our team, but a powerful affirmation that stories centered on women and told by women belong on the largest screens. It is a testament to the strength of independent filmmaking and to the audiences who have championed this journey from the very beginning.

I do not take for granted the privilege of serving as your President while also creating work that reflects our shared mission. To lead this organization and to stand behind a film that honors a complex, fearless woman in art history as Tamara de Lempicka, is something I carry with deep gratitude.

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for the brilliance, generosity, and integrity you bring to WIFSFBA.

We will continue to rise because we continue to support one another and rise together. Cheers to you! Happy Women’s History Month.

With appreciation

Julie Rubio

President, WIFSFBA

WIFSFBA EVENTS

Finding Funding for Your Film

When: 5:00-6:30pm PDT, Friday, March 13th, 2026

Where: online Zoom

Members: $15, Non-members: $30

Hammad Zaidi of the Lonely Seal Company Group and Ryz Sports Network has invested in numerous feature films, documentaries, television and web series, and video games since 1997. He has also raised funds for numerous projects, so Hammad has deep experience on both sides of the "investment coin." Join Hammad for an online event where we'll dive into the secrets of attracting indie film investors. This event has valuable insights and strategies to help you filmmakers secure funding for your independent film projects.

Hammad will share his experiences, give tips and tricks on how to pitch your ideas effectively, build relationships with investors, and navigate the complex world of film financing. You'll learn about the dos and don'ts, hear success stories, and get answers to your burning questions in our interactive Q&A sessions.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge that can take your indie film career to new heights. Reserve your spot now!

MORE INFO and Register here: WIFSFBA

You're Invited to the U.S. Premier of Phase at the Cinequest Film Festival - followed by a WIFSFBA Mixer!

First -- The Screening of Phase

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM -- Screen 2

Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 2575 California St Suite 99, Mountain View, CA 94040

--Food available to buy at your seat to eat during the film!

TICKETS:

A limited # of DISCOUNTED tickets are available for the WIFSFBA community - follow these steps to buy them directly from Cinequest:

Click on Phase
Select Buy Tickets for the 3/14, 4:45pm showing
Click Special Access Code
Enter code: women26
Select “General Maverick Discount – $8”

When discounted tickets run out - $14 full price ticket

We are thrilled to be partnering with Silicon Valley’s Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival again this year on a very special film called Phase directed by Jessica Vogt. It is a haunting, introspective sci-fi drama set against a future shaped by loss and survival.

The story follows Ursula, a pregnant young woman whose life is shattered when she is abruptly expelled from Alexandria, a pioneering space station built to safeguard humanity after Earth’s mass evacuation. What begins as a search for the father of her unborn child becomes a deeper journey through grief, resilience, and reckoning. On the margins of society, Ursula encounters Noah, another exile navigating his own sense of displacement. Together, they confront the choices that led to their removal and the emotional weight they carry forward.

Ursula is haunted by the memory of her late mother, whose death continues to shape her understanding of love and loss. As Ursula and Noah traverse a stark, unforgiving landscape, their shared isolation gives way to an unexpected bond—one that offers connection in a world stripped of certainty.

Phase is a quiet, emotionally resonant meditation on how grief reshapes identity, and how human connection can still flicker to life—even in the vast emptiness of space. It will be preceded by the short film“It Takes Two”.

Then -- Join us for a WIFSFBA In-Person Mixer! (approximately 6:15pm)

WIFSFBA is also hosting a MIXER following the Phase”screening - in the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Dumbots Lounge. No host bar. Meet new film folks and chat about the movies.

**Please email your RSVP (your name and guest names) if you plan on attending the Mixer to: bod-admin@wifsfba.org, Subject Line: Mixer

SEE YOU THERE!

Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads

When: Monday, March 16th, 7:00-9:00pm PDT

Where: Zoom

The Script Incubator meets on Zoom every third Monday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the group’s work, which includes TV pilots, features, shorts, and web series. For 2026, we are reviewing each other's work "table read" style, in which we will read aloud up to 3 script portions of 1-10 pages each. No homework! We are also seeking actors to bring the parts alive so the scriptwriters can hear their words aloud. Each Zoom session will be recorded so the screenwriter can go back and see what worked and what didn't. And all participants will be encouraged to give feedback and support each other during the meetings.

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

March Community Networking

The Vine: The Video Instudty Networking Event

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

“The March mixer promises to be another fantastic opportunity to catch up with colleagues and forge new connections.

And you'll have the opportunity to promote your self and what you are working on, during the last portion of the evening in a segment we call "Voices of the Vine."

So whether you're a filmmaker, DP, motion designer, producer, editor, or play ANY role in the video industry, The VINE is the place to be for networking, promotion and inspiration."

SF Wednesday Winedown

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

Keep a lookout for the announcement on our social media channels, WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!

East Bay Meetup

WIFSFBA members (Beth Barany and Amy Boyd) have organized a monthly East Bay meet-n-greet in Oakland, a WIFSFBA hub.

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

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

WIFSFBA UPDATES

WIFSFBA Town Hall Wrap Up

Thank you for joining our 2nd Annual Town Hall and helping shape what comes next for WIFSFBA!

In breakout rooms, members talked about the three priorities expressed in 2025: learn from each other, practice our trade, and keep improving events. Ideas included a member-led mentor program; member skill demos (virtual or in person) on cinematography, self-distribution, fiscal sponsorship, and media coaching; hands-on producing groups and a possible co-op collaboration. Members also asked for better Crew List visibility plus a job board and volunteer/upcoming-shoot fields.

We’ll be diving into your suggestions and weaving them into our planning for 2026-2027. 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

For more information, please see the description here, and download and fill out form. Applications may be emailed or snail mailed to the addresses inside the application. If you have any questions, please email membership@nywift.org or call 212 679-0870 x 31.

WIFSFBA Public Member Crew List

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

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

WIFSFBA Private Member Crew List

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

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

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

WIFSFBA Member Kate Schultz's short film "End Run" at the 2026 Poppy Jasper Film Festival!

Kate Schultz’s short “End Run” will be screened in April 2026 at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, date to be announced. As Kate describes, “it’s about a dying patient seeking physician-assisted Death with Dignity, but it's illegal in his state of Texas.”

Congratulations Kate!

MORE INFO: Kate Schultz & trailer END_RUN_FINAL_Trailer on Vimeo

The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival at AMC Theatres!

From our President, Julie Rubio:

“I am beyond thrilled to share that The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival is officially coming to theaters nationwide through our partnership with AMC Theatres: The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival movie showtimes at an AMC Theatre near you

This partnership is more than distribution. It is a testament to the kind of company AMC is — one that champions bold storytelling and celebrates independent film on the biggest screens possible. Their belief in this film means everything to us.

Save The Date: On April 10, audiences across America will experience our film and Tamara’s incredible story in theaters — the way it was meant to be seen.

Tamara de Lempicka is one of the best artists of the 20th century. Her life is a story of reinvention, resilience, artistry, identity, and the will to survive. Her legacy is about power. About beauty. About courage. And now, her truth will reach communities nationwide.

To every audience member, every cast and crew member, every partner, supporter, critic, champion, and believer. You built this moment with us. Thank you! It is nothing short of extraordinary. We are so deeply grateful.

🎟️ Tickets go live soon. Participating AMC theaters and showtimes will be announced soon. Bring your friends & family. Fill the theaters.

This is for Tamara.

This is for independent film.

This is for every artist who refuses to disappear.

With all our gratitude — from the bottom of our hearts.

ADDITIONAL DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL SCREENING UPDATES: Visit our screening page:

Tamara de Lempicka Documentary - Screenings

We hope to see you at the movies!”

MORE INFO: AMC Theatres

International Women's Day Film Screening:

The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

“Tickets are on SALE NOW!!!!

Please join us in Washington DC ✨ ANNOUNCEMENT ✨

Tickets: Film Screening: Tamara de Lempicka | National Museum of Women in the Arts

I’m honored to share this milestone with you.

On International Women’s Day — March 8, 2026 at 3 PM, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. we will host a special screening of my documentary:

🎨 The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

This is more than a screening—it’s a celebration of one of the most iconic and trailblazing artists of the 20th century.

Following the film, join us for a live Q&A with:

🎬 Julie Rubio — Director, Writer & Producer

🎬 Blake Wellen — Producer

Deep gratitude to our partners, 🇵🇱 The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., and Katarzyna Rybka-Iwańska for their inspiring support of independent film and Polish cultural heritage.

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C.

🗓 Tickets on sale: February 3, 2026

📍 Performance Hall, NMWA

1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Tickets: https://nmwa.org/whats-on/calendar/film-screening-tamara-de-lempicka/

To have Tamara de Lempicka honored here—on International Women’s Day—is a moment of immense pride.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this film’s journey from museums to festivals to international audiences. And a special thank you to my cast and crew—your talent and dedication made this film possible.”

🎟 MORE INFO and tickets: International Women’s Day Film Screening: Tamara: The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & the Art of Survival

Congratulations Julie!

Marlene Shigekawa's short film "The Blue Jay" at the Golden Film Festival!

WIFSFBA member Marlene Shigekawa’s short narrative film “The Blue Jay,” will be screening at the Golden State Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre 6 at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA on March 3, 2026 at 4:00pm! (Third floor of Ovation Hollywood in Theatre 3). If you are in LA, check it out!!

Bio: Marlene Shigakawa’s Japanese American heritage informs her work as a filmmaker. She was born in a Japanese American concentration camp located on a Native American reservation in Arizona during the incarceration of 120,000 US citizens of Japanese descent. Her birthplace has Ied to a journey of questioning inequities and confronting injustices based on race.

She specializes in creating projects that give voice to marginalized communities and characters particularly Asian Americans, and creates work that defies stereotypes. With Asian female and male Ieads in her work, it is her goal and mission to bring more diversity to the screen. Prior work involving the exploration of cross cultural differences enables her to bring authentic cultural voices to her projects.

Marlene’s website: Marlene Shigekawa

Congratulations Marlene!

WIFSFBA Treasurer Carol Lee Hall's sizzle reel for The Jeweled Bird - Official Selection at the Chinatown Film Festival in LA!

Speaking of LA, our own Carol Lee Hall’s sizzle reel for her feature film project, The Jeweled Bird, is an Official Selection at the Chinatown Film Festival in Los Angeles! The sizzle was entered in the Best Trailer category and will be shown at the festival on March 11, 2026 with a Q&A to follow.

Congratulations Carol!!

Kristin Tieche's Award Winning Documentary The Invisible Mammal Screenings!

From Kristin:

“My award-winning documentary, "The Invisible Mammal," about bat conservation and women in science, will have a few Bay Area/NorCal/Central CA screenings I'd like to share with you.

🦇 Sat. Apr 11 - 3pm - Morgan Hill, CA - Poppy Jasper Film Festival. Tickets on sale soon here:

PJIFF Programming Schedule - Poppy Jasper International Film Festival

🦇 Fri. Apr 17 - 6:30pm - Los Olivos, CA - Nature Track Film Festival Screening Series (also Bat Appreciation Day). FREE screening. More info here:

Special Screening Series 2026 - NatureTrack Film Festival | Goleta, CA

Hope you can come to one of these screenings. If you've already seen the film, and loved it, share these upcoming California screenings with your friends.

If you'd like to host a screening of the film in your community, you can create an event through our Kinema page, and/or send me an email to tell us more about your event.”

Check out these screenings and thanks for sharing Kristin!

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

2026 Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival

When: March 10 - 22nd

From the majestic California Theatre in downtown San Jose to their second home at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Mountain View, this is your invitation to experience the UNBRIDLED force of this very exciting film festival’s creativity and film lineup.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• 268 New Films & 420 Presenting Artists from 44 countries.

• 123 World & U.S. Premieres you’ll see here first.

• Maverick Spirit Awards: Celebrating the legendary Vivica A. Fox and Steve Zahn.

Get your Passes & Tickets now: Cinequest Film Festival

Rep’d Film Collective Presents: “Village Bayani”

When: March 12th -- 7-10:30pm
Where: Hella Bees - 2340 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets: Start at $20

“In collaboration with the Filipino Film Circle, join us for the pilot event of our community film screening series followed by a mixer, launching with a special exploration of Filipino cinema. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a member of the Filipino community, or simply curious about the diversity of the cinema world, this event offers a true opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate together

Rep’d Film Collective supports filmmakers through a two-layer community model that creates both close connection and collective collaboration.”

For tickets & more info about Rep’d Film Collective: Rep'd Film Collective

Indie Night Film Festival

When: March 8th - 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Grand Lake Theater - 3200 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610

“We’re proud to return to the Bay Area as part of our Bay Area & Los Angeles Women’s Month Tour, launching with a powerful screening of She Dared to Dream: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, proudly sponsored by Social Action Media. This special event will be co-hosted by our Founder, Dave Brown, and thoughtfully designed to celebrate Women in Film, alongside inspiring special guests.

Join us as we gather again—bringing artists together to network, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections across the Bay Area’s vibrant creative ecosystem. This is a space for Producers, Directors, Writers, Casting Directors, Agents, Distributors, and Studio Executives to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the power of community. Let’s reunite, reflect, and move the culture forward—together.”

For Tickets and Info: Indie Night FF

Call for Submissions

DC/DOX

Late Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026

Festival Dates: June 11-14, 2026

“DC/DOX is a major international film festival in the US capital dedicated to promoting documentary film as a leading art form, championing new voices and innovations in non-fiction storytelling, and using film as a catalyst to engage the most compelling issues of our day”

Feature docs: 40+mins
Short docs: 39 mins or less
Film completed by or after January 2025

Submit Here: DC / DOX

ShortsTV

Submissions: Rolling

“We have the world’s largest catalogue of high-quality shot movies and series available on TV, on mobile, online, and in theaters, and also produce original short film content for broadcasters and brands. Are you the world’s next biggest filmmaker? We are always looking for short movies from exciting talents to broadcast on our TV networks and beyond. If you have a short movie that you would like us to con sidere, please complete the form below. Our acquisitions team will watch your film and contact you if they are interested in discussing a license agreement.”

MORE INFO: Shorts TV

LA Film Festivals

Submission Dates: various

Submission Fees: various

“LA Film Festivals is a creative hub for Los Angeles’s top independent film festivals, and a home for independent filmmakers.” Each of the following LA festivals has its own requirements, submission deadlines, and fees:

LA Comedy Film Festival
LA Indie Film Festival
LA Queer Film Festival
LA Women in Film Festival
LA Black Film Festival
LA Asian Film Festival
LA Latinx Film Festival
LA Sci-Fi Film Festival
LA Action Film Festival
LA Horror Film Festival
LA Animated Film Festival
LA Student Film Festival”

For submission info on individual festivals: LA Film Festivals

19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest

Early: March 5, 2026

Regular: May 1, 2026

Late: May 15, 2026

Extended: May 31, 2026

Submission Fee: $40

“Script Pipeline is searching for extraordinary writers with original television pilots or unproduced indie series scripts.

Together with the Screenwriting Contest, we focus foremost on finding writer representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.

We're currently the only competition offering an intensive, personalized process to our Quarterfinalists and higher: 1-on-1 development, long-term mentorship, career guidance, and circulation to only the leading industry execs. This has resulted in over $8 million in spec sales to studios, multiple films produced, and hundreds of emerging writers introduced to reps.”

Submit Here: Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest

24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest

Early: March 5, 2026
Regular: May 1, 2026
Late: May 15, 2026
Extended: May 31, 2026
Submission Fee: $40+

“The 24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest is searching for extraordinary writers with feature screenplays across all genres.

We focus foremost on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.

Submit Here: Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest

Woodstock Film Festival

Early Bird Deadline: March 13, 2026
Final Deadline: June 12, 2026

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

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

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

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

*Eligible to receive cash prices.

Submit Here: Woodstock FF

Grants, Fellowships, and Funding Corner

Jewish Film Institute Grants

Final Deadline: March 8, 2026

“The Jewish Film Institute's Grants provide finishing funds to original, independent films and media projects that explore Jewish history, life, culture, and identity with nuance and complexity. Projects eligible for consideration include narratives, documentaries, shorts, episodic programs, or web series in all genres. JFI Grants are highly competitive, and provide meaningful funding support to projects that have the potential to reframe understanding of Jewish cultures and identities.

The Grants have awarded $500,000 to 38 projects since 2020 and grantee films have premiered at leading domestic and international film festivals worldwide before expanding their reach to theatrical and streaming audiences.”

Apply here: JFI Grants

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

Spring Grant Application (Deadline: March 31st, 2026)

Short Film Grant Application (Deadline: April 29th, 2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✨ New This Year: Stories That Matter Awards

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

🏆 Britt Penrod Award

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

📞 Every applicant receives a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

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

MORE INFO: Documentary & Film Fiscal Sponsorship Program For Filmmakers

Women Make Movies Production Grant

--Production Assistance Program

Rolling Applications

“This program focuses on supporting BIPOC/ALAANA, LGBTQIA women, older women, and women in film with disabilities. It provides fiscal sponsorship and offers personalized consultations, workshops and networking opportunities. Recipients get access to one-on-one consultations and pay reduced rates for industry workshops. Projects need to raise at least $50,000 in funding.”

You must be a woman filmmaker serving as project director or co-director, and should show a clear direction and realistic plan for distribution in your application.

MORE INFO: WMM Production Grant

FEAR FILMS: Film Incubation Fund - In Association with the Independent Horror Society

Rolling Deadline

“Turn your nightmare into a reality with FEAR and FILM3! Apply for funding for your short horror film.”

FOR MORE INFO AND APPLICATION: Horror Short Film Fund | Apply for Funding

Impact Partners Development Fund

Application Deadline: rolling deadline

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

MORE INFO: Impact Partners

Sloan Distribution Grant

Rolling Applications

"Administered through Film Independent, the Sloan Distribution Grant awards $50,000 to a maximum of three narrative features that are entering their distribution phase. Eligible films must depict themes, stories, and characters grounded in real science, technology, or economics.

Films with innovative marketing and distribution plans are encouraged to apply."

MORE INFO: Sloan Distribution Grant