November Newsletter

Native American Heritage Month

Image by Freepik

I’m repeating an oldie but a goodie from last year:

November is National Native American Heritage Month! Please join us in celebrating and supporting the creative works and contributions of Native American and Indigenous storytellers, who have been under-represented and portrayed inauthentically (putting it politely) by the mainstream film & TV industry for a long time. The summer of 2022 changed all that and I'm happy to see many more films and shows with Native American and Indigenous characters and stories.

My favorites are, of course, the critically acclaimed comedy series Reservation Dogs, from co-creators Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi and more recently, Dark Winds, created by Graham Roland, with filmmaker Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals) directing many of the episodes, and True Detective: Night Country (Season 4). Another recommendation is the feature Fancy Dance on Apple TV+ by Erica Tremblay, starring Lily Gladstone, which premiered at Sundance in 2023. This past year at Sundance, I was lucky to be able to watch Free Leonard Peltier, a documentary about Leonard Peltier, one of the surviving leaders of the American Indian Movement, who was in prison for 50 years following a contentious conviction and was granted executive clemency by President Biden in January 2025. It was a very emotional screening with all the Native activists who worked on his case there for a Q&A afterwards.

I also just finished reading Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (Oakland-born novelist and writer), a follow up to his bestseller There There. Highly recommend it!

Also, check out this list of films to watch in honor of American Indian Heritage Month, compiled by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: Fifty-three films to watch during American Indian Heritage Month.

-Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary

Red Nation International Film Festival 2026

When: November 8-15th, 2026

Where: in-person in Los Angeles & online

“Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the world’s largest Native Indigenous film and media arts festival and the first in Los Angeles, a program of RNCI. Empowering Native Indigenous Storytellers Since 1995.

Amplifying more than 5000+ Native and Indigenous content creators through its streaming company Red Nation Television Network, supporting 2780+ Native Indigenous filmmakers through its Red Nation International Film Festival, including films directed by women through its Native Women in Film & Television in All Media, since 1995. In the last seven years RNCI has screened 177 films directed by women.

Los Angeles is home to the largest urban American Indian and Alaska Native population in the country, with over 200 tribes, including the original peoples of this land: the Tongva, Tataviam, and Chumash.”

MORE INFO, Tickets and Schedule: Red Nation Film Festival

Films at the SF Public Library - Groundworks, The Unknown Country, Gather, Dance Me Outside, and Gold, Greed, and Genocide with the International Indian Treaty Council

When: November 8th, 2:00-4:00pm Pacific, and November 11th 3:00-4:30pm Pacific

Where: Glen Park Meeting Room, Glen Park, 2825 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94131, and Golden Gate Valley Meeting Room, 1801 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

Groundworks

“Four California Native artists (three of them young adults) share traditional knowledge and creative expression to strengthen connections to their ancestral lands. They created a dance for a 2018 Indigenous People’s Day Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz, nearly 50 years after the Indians of All Tribes occupied the island.

We’ll also show a short film with some of the same artists telling the folktale How Turtle Got the Cracks on His Back, danced among Mission District murals and natural landscapes of San Francisco/Yelamu. Stay for conversation afterwards.

For ages 13 and older.”

The Unknown Country

“After the death of her grandmother, Tana sets out alone on a road trip across the American Midwest, reconnecting with her Oglala Lakota family and encountering strangers whose stories become part of her journey. Blending fiction with documentary elements, The Unknown Country is a quiet, visually striking meditation on grief, memory, Indigenous identity, human connection and the American landscape. Starring Lily Gladstone, Raymond Lee, Richard Ray Whitman and Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux. Directed by Morrisa Maltz. Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%.

“You don't watch the movie. You experience it through your senses.” — Sheila O’Malley, RogerEbert.com

NR, 85 min., 2022. Closed captions (CC) in English.”

Other films and MORE INFO: SF Public Library Events

American Indian Cultural District

“Founded on March 31, 2020, the American Indian Cultural District (AICD) is the only city- and state-recognized American Indian Cultural District in the United States. AICD is dedicated to elevating and celebrating American Indian arts, cultures, peoples, and contributions while advancing policies and opportunities that strengthen American Indian communities, organizations, and businesses throughout Yelamu (San Francisco).

MORE INFO: American Indian Cultural District & Gatherings & Events — American Indian Cultural District

Film Events in the Bay Area

SFFILM Doc Stories

When: November 5-8th, 2026

Where: San Francisco theatres

“Welcome to SFFILM Doc Stories, our annual celebration of the extraordinary possibilities of documentary filmmaking. Over four days, you’ll encounter stories of courage, fortitude, and transformation that serve as a rallying cry for our community.

The program brings notable filmmakers to SFFILM in-person, including Ava DuVernay, Laura Poitras, Luke Lorentzen, and Sam Pollard, alongside emerging artists such as Erik Shirai, and J.M. Harper. We’re thrilled to welcome these creatives to our hometown for screenings and conversations throughout the weekend.

Doc Stories reminds us that history should be assiduously excavated while encouraging us to furiously imagine a better future together. Whatever your adventure is during the festival, I hope it’s a stimulating one.

I’ll see you at the movies. —Jessie Fairbanks, SFFILM Director of Programming”

MORE INFO: SFFILM

Richmond District Resident Jordan Menashe Operates
Behind the Scenes at SFFILM

By Noma Faingold

To paraphrase Liam Neeson’s incomparable monologue in the 2009 action flick, Taken, what Director of Operations at SFFILM Jordan Menashe possesses is a very particular set of skills she has acquired over a long career, in a multi-faceted job, that would be a nightmare for people like you.

There are things she and her staff prepare for in managing an event, such as the annual Doc Stories, November 5-8, at the Vogue Theater. They must contend with a daunting assortment of variables. “There’s always going to be a number of things that we know. A lot of stuff that is repeatable,” Menashe said. “And there’s a shocking number of things we have to solve that are going to come up, some in the moment. That keeps it fun. You need to be willing to get a little grungy to do this work.”

During Doc Stories, her team consists of two permanent staff members (Joey Smith and Zoë Hughes) and several seasonal hires. Aside from all the preparation, the operations crew works from 8 a.m. to midnight, once the event goes live. Each day, they are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave. Roles include venue manager, projectionist, logistics, hauling equipment, anything tech-related, along with decorating, stocking food and beverages for the VIP lounge. They also coordinate the needs of other departments, such as marketing/media relations and Programming.

“We’re taking care of all of the systems,” Menashe said. “I’ve done a version of everyone’s job on my team. I feel blessed to do all this work. I’ve done it so long that I understand what needs to happen.”

On opening night at Doc Stories a couple of years ago, her team had an emergency involving a badly stained director’s chair being stored backstage at the theater. It was to be used to seat a filmmaker for an on-stage Q&A. “We couldn’t delay the film. I assigned someone on the team to drive 40 minutes to our office to get a spare director’s chair,” Menashe said. “We had to sneak

it onstage in the dark while the credits rolled. Things like that happen constantly.”

Menashe, who grew up in Los Angeles and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media from UC Santa Cruz, has lived in the Outer Richmond since 2017. She has worked her way up in the ranks as a full-time staff member at SFFILM since 2018.

She started her career as a seasonal contract worker at the SFFILM International Film Festival and other film festivals, including Sundance and the Mill Valley Film Festival. For six years she led a nomadic existence, working a circuit without having a home base.

“I used to come and go doing film festivals, which were temporary gigs. I’d work for a festival for two to four months, move to that city (subletting an apartment), then do the same thing somewhere else. It was an amazing life,” she said. “San Francisco was part of the circuit. I spent a lot of time in the Bay Area. It was really the place where I was happiest. “

Opening night (November 5) at Doc Stories will screen “14th,” directed by Ava DuVernay. The film examines the vulnerable 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It will stream on Netflix in December. Another highlight is “Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been,” on Nov. 6, as is the closing night selection (November 8), “Tutu.” There are also shorts programs and panel discussions.

To pull off a seamless festival or event, being organized is essential. Menashe and her team follow a day-to-day framework, involving databases and timelines. “We have a lot of systems that we use to create a shared vocabulary for the entire staff. We’re executing a vision.” she Said.

Menashe insists that what she does is not glamorous. “You have to be a certain type of personality. It’s a low-ego job. There’s a lot of physical labor. We’re kind of the little back-end ninjas,” she said. “My team jokes about how many jobs we have. You have to be someone who gets a thrill from creative problem solving. The end goal of my work and the operations team is that no one knows what we’re doing. If we’re doing things very well, no one thinks about us at all.”

The next fall event is SFFILM’s annual fundraiser, Awards Night, on December 7 at Fort Mason’s Gateway Pavillion, an important stop during awards season for A-list actors, screenwriters and filmmakers. The celebration is attended by 400 donors, SFFILM members, media and VIPs. Past award recipients include actors Demi Moore (“The Substance”), Nic Cage (“Dream Scenario,” “Pig”), Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and directors Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”), the Bay Area’s own Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”), Greta Gerwig (“Barbie”) and Denis Villeneuve (“Dune” trilogy).

In early 2027, Menashe will be gearing up for the 70 th year of the San Francisco International Film Festival, April 22-May 2 2027, hosted by SFFILM at several Bay Area venues. She will lead a combined operations team of at least 15 seasonal crew members and staff. “It’s the same systems on a different scale,” she said.

SFFILM’s Doc Stories takes place November 5-8, at the Vogue Theater, 3290 Sacramento St., San Francisco. For more information: SFFILM.

Letter from the President

Gratitude, Reinvention, and the Power of Community

Dear WIFSFBA Members and Friends,

November is a month of reflection, gratitude, and connection. It is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. As an organization committed to uplifting diverse voices and storytelling, we value the importance of honoring the many perspectives and experiences that enrich our world.

As we move through November and approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary people who enrich our lives, the relationships that sustain us, and the communities that bring us together. This season reminds us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and gratitude, not only for what we have, but for the people with whom we share our lives.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family and friends. This includes our Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area members and my fellow board members. Your creativity, passion, resilience, and dedication to storytelling continue to inspire me. I am equally grateful to our incredible Board of Directors, whose generosity, leadership, and commitment help make our organization such a meaningful community for women in film and media.

Speaking of supportive communities, I recently returned from New York City, where we celebrated two sold-out screenings of my documentary, The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival. Our first screening took place at New Plaza Cinema on the Upper West Side, followed by a very special evening with Chief, a private network of accomplished CEO women executives and leaders from across the country.

It was an extraordinary honor to present our film followed by an incredible Q&A, as part of Chief’s annual conference, ChiefX, and to connect with so many inspiring women. The evening was a powerful reminder of the importance of reinvention, a theme that runs throughout Tamara de Lempicka’s remarkable life.

Being that it is Menopause Awareness Month it also reminds me that: we are all constantly evolving, reinventing, and changing. Throughout our lives, we discover new passions, face unexpected challenges, redefine our purpose, and sometimes find ourselves beginning again. Reinvention is not simply about becoming someone new; it is often about rediscovering who we have always been and finding the courage to embrace what comes next.

As filmmakers and storytellers, we understand this journey perhaps better than most. Our creative lives rarely follow a straight path. We encounter setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and unexpected opportunities that challenge us to grow. Yet it is through these changes and experiences that we often discover our most meaningful work.

Change isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sometimes it comes with loss, whether it’s losing someone you love, watching a chapter of your life come to an end, or facing the realities of aging in a society that places far too much value on youth. But change can also be a beautiful thing.

Can you imagine if you never allowed yourself to change? Or worse, if nothing around you ever changed? Just think of all the incredible experiences, opportunities, and possibilities you might miss out on.

I find that change has helped me grow, learn, discover new parts of myself, and see life in ways I never imagined. It has taught me that even when something ends, something beautiful can still begin. And who knows? Sometimes there’s a little magic waiting just around the corner.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I would like to say how grateful I am for our community that encouragement, and support that I received from you does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. None of us accomplish anything entirely on our own, and I am continually reminded how fortunate I am to be surrounded by people who believe in me and our organization, and the work we do.

My hope is that we continue to create that same spirit of encouragement within WIFSFBA: a place where women champion one another, help one another, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and find inspiration to keep creating, growing, and reinventing themselves.

I am wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and meaningful connections.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Julie Rubio

President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area

Filmmaker | Director | Producer

WIFSFBA EVENTS

The New Film Funding Frontier: Brands as Storytelling Partners

When: November 3rd, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm PST

Where: Zoom

Tickets: $15 Members; $25 Non-Members; $10 Students

Join Women in Film SF for a one-hour virtual presentation and Q&A on how filmmakers can position their projects for brand funding without compromising creative vision. Producer/Director Lindsay Kent will be joined by branded content consultant and executive producer Gary Freilich for a practical conversation about building mutually beneficial partnerships between creators and brands.

As traditional advertising becomes less effective—especially with younger audiences—brands are increasingly looking for authentic stories, mission alignment, and deeper emotional connection. This session will explore how to identify the “why” behind your project, articulate its audience and impact, and frame your film, series, or media concept as an opportunity for brands to become true storytelling partners rather than passive sponsors.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to pitch brand-funded projects, what brands are looking for, and how to build partnerships rooted in shared values, audience engagement, and long-term creative potential. The approach draws from the idea that brands can become storytellers and co-creators when their mission aligns with the beliefs and passions of their target audience.

WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night

When: Wednesday, November 18th, 6:00-7:00pm PDT

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Join WIFSFBA for an exciting Virtual Networking Night, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow members, share your projects, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations—all from the comfort of your home!

Whether you're looking for a creative partner, industry advice, or just want to expand your network, this is the perfect chance to engage with a vibrant community of women in film and media.

Expect breakout room discussions, and engaging conversations with like-minded creatives. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and get inspired!

For our November virtual networking, we’ll have a guest member, Suzanne Baird, Executive Director of Film and Content at SHARE Studio, talking about her filmmaking journey, followed by our usual breakout rooms. Don’t miss it!

Suzanne’s bio:

My journey started with technology, working in games and VFX, which led me to my first big break at Tippett Studio. My first film? Starship Troopers—where I had the privilege of being mentored by the legendary Phil Tippett. Over the years, I contributed to projects at New Line (The Lord of the Rings), Digital Domain (Red Planet), and Cinesite (Ocean’s Eleven, Ali) before returning to the Bay Area to join Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in commercials. Fueled by my love of storytelling, I transitioned to live-action commercials and performance marketing while honing my writing craft. At Lieberman Productions, I served as the Director of Creative Operations, balancing creative leadership with impactful storytelling. Eventually, I took the leap into freelancing to focus on writing and directing full-time.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with industry leaders like Google, Salesforce, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and KQED, transforming complex ideas into accessible, engaging narratives. My passion for connecting with audiences led me to write and direct “Gin Rummy,” an award-winning short film that’s been celebrated at festivals in LA, Seattle, New York, and Italy. As the Executive Director for Film and Content with SHARE, I have the distinct pleasure of working with the new breed of filmmakers that put the creator at the center of the process and the economy.

I'm currently in development for my first indie Feature American Refugee, a SHARE Original.

TheShareStudio.com

American Refugee - In Development

IMDB

Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads

When: November 16th 2026, 7-9 PM Pacific

Where: Zoom

The Script Incubator meets on Zoom every third Monday (sometimes second due to holidays) from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the group’s work, which includes TV pilots, features, shorts, and web series. Continuing in 2026, we are reviewing each other's work "table read" style, in which we will read aloud up to 3 script portions of 1-10 pages each. No homework!

We are also seeking actors to bring the parts alive so screenwriters can hear their words aloud. Each Zoom session will be recorded so the screenwriter can go back and see what worked and what didn't. And all participants will be encouraged to give feedback and support each other during the meetings.

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

November Community Networking

SF Wednesday Winedown

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

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

East Bay Meetup

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

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

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

Thank you Beth and Amy!

South Bay meetup

To serve members and friends in the South Bay, Diane Walsh (our Vice President) has organized a monthly meetup for South Bay Area filmmakers. This month we’re going to the MOVIES followed by a coffee chat! The film will be chosen the week of 11/26.

Please RSVP d.maree.walsh@gmail.com (using the subject line: South Bay Meetup)

-- you’ll be notified as to the movie title and screening time.

NEXT MEETUP: Nov. 20th - Time: TBD | Oakridge Cinemark Movies - 925 Blossom Hill Blvd. - SJ

WIFSFBA UPDATES

Thank you to Amazing Volunteer Megan Larsen!

The WIFSFBA Board would like to thank Megan Larsen from the bottom of our hearts for the volunteer work she has put in with our organization over the years - from helping our Treasurer Carol Hall with our registration system Wild Apricot, to working on our community partner outreach campaign with our Vice President, Diane Walsh, Megan has been an invaluable member of our community!

Thank you Megan!

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

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

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

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

WIFSFBA Public Member Crew List

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

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

WIFSFBA Private Member Crew List

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

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

WIFSFBA Merch Store!

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

Members Spotlight - Carol Hall

Behind the Fundraiser: The Money, the Momentum, & Keeping Your Sanity!

A Special Q&A with Carol Hall (by Julie Rubio)

Hi Carol!

First, congratulations on your successful fundraising campaign! We’re so excited for you and would love to share your experience with our Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area community.

We thought it would be fun to dive into a little Q&A with you to hear about your fundraising journey, what worked, what surprised you, and the lessons you learned along the way. We know your insights will be incredibly valuable to our members, especially those preparing to launch their own campaigns.

So, if you’re up for it, let’s jump right in!

10 Questions for Carol

Let’s start at the beginning! What type of crowdfunding campaign did you choose for your project, and why did you feel it was the best fit?

I chose the crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark because they do not charge filmmakers platform fees, only credit card fees. I also thought their requirement of reaching 80% of your goal was more reasonable than requiring reaching 100%. I thought it would also encourage more people to give. Seed & Spark also provides a lot of guidance in creating the best possible campaign.

What was your fundraising goal? How did you determine how much money you needed, and were you able to reach your target?

My goal was $38,500, enough for pre-production, hiring cast and crew, and securing locations. S&S warned against asking for too much if I wanted to reach at least 80% of my goal, so I left out production, post-production, and distribution. I was able to reach 100% of my goal.

What did you offer your supporters? Did you create special perks, rewards, experiences, or incentives? Which ones generated the most excitement?

I created several incentive levels ranging from a shout-out on social media to producer credit at the end of the short film. Although cumulative incentives were available from second to last incentive, the one people chose most was "One Digital Viewing of the Short Film". However, I was surprised that "No incentive selected" was the most chosen answer, meaning people wanted to give without getting an incentive in return. Because I have a fiscal sponsor, all contributions were tax-deductible, so I suppose that was enough for many people.

How did you get the word out? What worked best for promoting your campaign—social media, emails, personal outreach, or industry connections?

Emails worked best to reach people followed by social media. I emailed people in groups such as family and close friends, WIFSFBA, writing friends, church friends, former eBay clients and even people I didn't remember how I knew them. One of my email addresses I've had for 29 years so there were thousands of names on it that I had to go through and delete the addresses I knew were not good anymore.

Did you create a fun or silly reel to promote your campaign? Did you find that humor, personality, or getting a little creative helped attract attention and encourage donations?

I created an incentive reveal video that was fun. My assistant and I also created location videos and we did a costume shoot at one of them. They were posted on social media and I think combined with the emails (because many of my friends, family, and filmmaking friends are also on my social platforms), the social media posts encouraged people to contribute.

What surprised you the most? Was there something that worked incredibly well that you hadn’t expected, or something you thought would work that didn’t?

By the end of the third week of the four-week campaign, we were not even at 50%, so we extended the campaign another week to enable the organizations I was contacting to have time to spread the word to their constituents. It worked, and it also gave my friends and family more time to reach out to their friends and family to contribute, which really helped toward the end of the campaign.

One strategy that didn't work so well was one that S&S suggested. We created an incentive that folks could share on social media, a digital postcard saying "So-and-So pledged to The Jeweled Bird" and encouraged recipients to share it on their platforms, but no one that I know of did so. Perhaps my friends didn't feel comfortable sharing that kind of information to the world.

Let’s talk about asking for money! For many filmmakers, making that financial ask can feel intimidating. How did you approach it, and did it get easier along the way?

No one likes asking for money. But creating the campaign video and story drummed up excitement for the project and made it less intimidating to ask. I'm a writer, and writing is always easier for me than speaking, especially face-to-face.

What were your biggest challenges? Did you ever hit a point when donations slowed down or you worried about reaching your goal? How did you keep the momentum going?

Like most crowdfunding campaigns, the second and third weeks were the lowest grossing weeks. S&S had made me create a publicity plan before I launched, so I just followed the plan by creating videos and blurbs for social media, reaching out to pertinent organizations that would be interested in the film, continued emailing groups of people on different days, revealed the new incentive, and just kept going.

What advice would you give someone just starting out? If a filmmaker were preparing to launch their very first crowdfunding campaign tomorrow, what are the three most important things you’d tell them to do—and what should they avoid?

I would tell them:

Research the platforms you are considering and choose the one best for you.
When compiling your email list, remove all the ones you know are not good, but also test the remaining ones by sending out your campaign emails in small batches. Remove as you go along. Small batches not all at once also keep some email platforms from flagging you as "spamming."
Consider applying for fiscal sponsorship to make potential contributors more at ease about giving--they will at least get a tax deduction.

And finally, how did you keep your sanity through all of this? Between promoting the campaign, asking for money, keeping supporters engaged, and juggling everyday life, what kept you going? Coffee, wine, meditation, long walks, or just a really good sense of humor?

I think my faith in God kept me sane. If I don't meet the 80% threshold, He must have another plan for me. Keeping in mind that now more people know about the project is a plus, and I'm building a community that will watch the film when it does come out. Relaxing at the end of the day and taking my mind off the campaign also helped me stay sane.

Thank you, Carol, for taking the time to share your experience with our community! We love celebrating the accomplishments of our members, and we hope your journey inspires other women filmmakers to take that next big step toward bringing their creative visions to life.

With gratitude, Julie Rubio

President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area

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 Community Partner with the following organizations this month:

Film Fatales presents “The Directors Playbook: Prep for Scripted Features and Series”

November 13, 2026 @ 10am - 11am PT

“Join Film Fatales and Scriptation on Friday November 13 at 10am PT for an in-depth online roundtable talk about the art and process of a director’s prep. Hear from feature directors Kelly Park (The Neighborhood), Kristin Windell (All American), Ria Pavia (Grown-ish), and Shamim Sarif (Finding Her Edge). Learn how to prepare creatively, logistically, and mentally to direct a scripted feature film. We will explore shotlists, script notes, storyboards, overheads, blocking, and other essential tools that help bring your screenplay to life. “

RSVP with promo code FatalesPartner: http://ffla11132026.eventbrite.com

Bay Area Filmmakers

IN OCTOBER, WIFSFBA supported another new Community Partner, Bay Area Filmmakers, with their October 22nd “Happy Hour Mixer” at the Roxie in San Francisco. It was a popular event that attracted almost 140 people from all over the Bay Area.

Cascadia International Women's Film Festival

Submission Deadline: November 30th, 2026
Festival dates: April 22-25th, 2027 in Bellingham, WA

“CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival celebrates its 11th season April 22-25, 2027 to showcase exceptional films by women directors from around the world. To date, CASCADIA has proudly presented the work of more than 330 women directors. Approximately 30-40 films will be screened over the course of the four-day in person festival. An online version of the festival takes place after the in person festival to provide accessibility for those unable to attend an in-person screening and promote our filmmakers with greater audience exposure.

The festival is located in Bellingham, WA, a city of 100,000 in the Pacific Northwest and situated halfway between Seattle, WA. and Vancouver, BC, Canada.

CASCADIA presents programs of short subject films, feature narrative and documentary films. Festival films are followed by Q&As with filmmakers. CASCADIA also hosts networking events, including the Saturday night Directors’ Party, industry panel discussions, a Script Studio and a special reception and program with its Honored Guest. Selected filmmakers are offered complimentary accommodations through our home host program and receive a screening fee and festival laurels.

Films must be directed by a woman, 20 minutes or less, completed or released no earlier than October 2025.”

For our community partner support of the festival, CASCADIA is offering 50% off short film submission fees for WIFSFBA members only -- the discount CODE will be emailed to them separately. MORE INFO: Cascadia International Women's Film Festival

Call for Submissions

Cinequest Film Festival

Two deadlines. Two ways to bring your story to Cinequest:

Screenwriting Competition

Deadlines: Final: November 13, 2026

Fees: Varies from $55-$10

Submit here: Cinequest Screenwriting Competition

The 21st Cinequest Screenwriting Competition welcomes screenplays and teleplays of all genres and lengths. Cinequest is dedicated to launching new screenwriters’ careers and providing a platform from which their work can take flight.”

Film Submission

Deadline: Late -- October 23, 2026

Fees: Varies from $50 - $80.

Submit here: Cinequest Film Submissions

TV Pilot / Web Series Competition

Early Submission Deadline: November 30,2026

Regular Submission Deadline: December 31, 2026

“The Fade In Awards TV Pilot/Web Series Competition is open to aspiring TV writers of scripted one-hour, half-hour teleplays, limited series, mini series and movies-of-the-week, and filmmakers of completed (filmed) web series. Submit the pilot or web series that makes people ask for episode 2. All genres are welcome.”

Submit here: Fade In Awards

Chicago Women Film Fest

Submission Deadline: November 22, 2026

Submission Categories: Narrative and Documentary films and scripts, etc.

Fees: Categories vary from $45-$70

“The IMDb qualifying Chicago Women Film Fest, in partnership with the Chicago Women Film Institute, is an international festival celebrating female talent worldwide. The festival hosts both seasonal and annual competitions and screenings, celebrating the diverse perspectives and creative visions of women directors, producers, and writers across all film genres. It emphasizes the power of storytelling and the vital role women play in shaping the cinematic landscape. Our mission is to provide ongoing support and screening opportunities for female directors and women in film through our seasonal and annual events. By nurturing and showcasing women's work in film, we strive to inspire the next generation of storytellers and continue to push boundaries in the world of cinema. In each edition, we promote our winners through the Chicago Women Film Institute, various platforms, and social media. We are committed to independent cinema and supporting women in film.”

To Submit: Chicago Women Film Fest

70th San Francisco International Film Festival Submissions

Festival: April 22-May 2, 2027

Submission Deadlines & Fees:

Regular Deadline November 11th, 2026: $85 — Feature Film, $75 Bay Area Resident
Final Deadline December 2nd, 2026: $100 — Feature Film, $90 Bay Area Resident

Note: there are many other categories with different pricing including documentary, animated, shorts, youth works, and mid-length. Please see the Film Freeway site for more information.

“Join us for a milestone year as SFFILM celebrates the 70th edition of the San Francisco International Film Festival—the longest-running film festival in the Americas. For seven decades, our festival has brought filmmakers and audiences together to celebrate the magic of cinema in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Works in all genres, forms, and lengths are considered. Thank you for sharing your work with us! We look forward to watching your films.”

More Info: SFFILM on FilmFreeway

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

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

Grants, Fellowships, and Funding Corner

2027 Graton Fellowship - Sundance Institute

Submission Deadline: November 16, 2026

“The Sundance Institute | Graton Fellowship for Artists from California-Based Tribes serves to cultivate a stage for artists from federally and nonfederally recognized California Native tribes to tell their stories through film. Two selected fellows will be awarded a $25,000 cash grant (each) and a yearlong continuum of support with activities, including a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic and creative services offered by Sundance Institute artist programs, and mentorship opportunities.”

Apply Here: Graton Fellowship

Stowe Story Labs: SAGindie Fellowship

Regular Deadline: November 16. 2026

Late Deadline: December 2, 2026

“SAGindie has partnered once again with Stowe Story Labs to offer the SAGindie Fellowship for emerging filmmakers of color to attend Stowe’s 2027 Fall Narrative Lab and 2027 Online Producers’ Labs. One SAGindie Fellow will attend the 2027 Fall Stowe Narrative Lab (scheduled for September 3-6, 2027, in Stowe, Vermont), along with receiving a $500 travel/lodging stipend and a custom one-on-one mentor meeting appropriate to the project’s needs. This fellowship is an over $3,000 value.”

Apply Here: SAGindie Fellowship

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