October News
Let's get spooky, it's October!
*Image by Freepik
Greetings, WIFSFBA community and welcome to October. Summer has flown by and the ghosts, witches, and ghouls are coming out of the proverbial woodwork. The sun is still out here in the Bay Area, but I’m sure winter is coming…at some point…the Night King, white walkers and all. I’ve been getting into the spirit, watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and glad I can re-use my original Beetlejuice costume from a few years ago this year. If you really want to get into the spirit, go to your local Lowe's and press every button on the Halloween lawn decoration aisle.
Wishing you all a spooky, creatively productive October and a happy Halloween! And sending out wishes for peace, empathy, and understanding around the world during these challenging times.
-Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary
Letter from the President
Dear Members and Friends of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area,
While we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th - October 15th, I am reminded of the legacy my family brought from Mexico—one of resilience, love, and community. My grandparents, who worked as crop laborers in the San Fernando Valley, raised four boys while instilling in all of us a deep appreciation for family and culture. Though I lost them when I was only six, I can still feel the warmth of their kitchen, the smell of my grandmother's incredible food, the sound of music, and the love and hugs they showered on me. Their legacy lives on in my heart, shaping my understanding of family and the importance of always taking care of one another.
As I reflect on this, I see how their influence has shaped my work as a filmmaker and my passion for storytelling. This Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time to reflect on the ongoing underrepresentation of Latinas in the film and television industry. Despite being one of the largest ethnic groups in the U.S., Latinas make up a small percentage of directors, producers, and writers in Hollywood. According to a 2022 USC Annenberg study, Latinas represented only 2% of directors in the top-grossing films. This gap highlights the need for more inclusive storytelling and the empowerment of Latina voices and all minorities and people of color both in front of and behind the camera.
However, the few Latinas who have broken through are making waves with their talent, creativity, and innovation. People like Eva Longoria, through the work of her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment production company and Flamin’ Hot feature film directing debut, and Tanya Saracho, as creator- showrunner of the Starz series Vida, are fine examples of Latina creatives changing the narrative by bringing more authentic, complex stories to the forefront. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, an exciting hub for diverse voices, a group of Latina filmmakers (including some WIFSFBA members) are also making significant contributions by pushing boundaries and amplifying stories that need to be told.
In the spirit of storytelling and resilience, I am thrilled to share with you the journey of my latest film, The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival. This film will be screened at the Mill Valley Film Festival on October 11 at 7 PM at the Sequoia Theatre and on October 13 at 2 PM at the Larkspur Theater (tickets for both: MFVV). Additionally, it will be shown at the Roxie Theater on October 26 at 1:00 PM (contact WIFSFBA for a discount code!) and as part of a special exhibition at the de Young Museum on January 11. The film is a testament to Tamara de Lempicka’s survival and the human spirit—values that resonate deeply with my own family’s history.
In celebration of this achievement, I want to personally invite all of you to join us for the screenings and our special after-party events. On October 11, we will gather at the Seager Gray Gallery in Mill Valley for a post-screening soirée and WIFSFBA mixer. On October 13, we will celebrate at the Left Bank in Larkspur. These events are an opportunity for us to come together as a community to celebrate not only the film but also the love, support, and contributions of each and every one of you.
I am so deeply grateful for our board members and all of our Women in Film members who have played a part in this journey. This film would not have been made without your unwavering support, contributions, and love. Together, we continue to create spaces for independent stories to shine, and for that, I am forever thankful.
For more details, please visit my website at Tamara De Lempicka documentary.
With love and appreciation,
Julie Rubio
President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area
New articles in the San Francisco Chronicle Datebook and 7x7 magazine featuring Julie Rubio
“Thank you, San Francisco Chronicle, for the wonderful feature in Datebook! A heartfelt thanks to Allen Johnson for supporting independent films and the beautifully written article that captures the essence of our film, “The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival”. I’m beyond grateful for the incredible support from our cast, crew, friends, and family —this film could never have been made without you. This is such a powerful moment for independent film, and especially for women in film , who continue to push boundaries and tell important stories. Additionally, thank you to the Mill Valley Film Festival and Zoë Elton championing women and Independent film! Thank you for helping us bring Tamara de Lempicka’s remarkable story to the world! A big shout out to the Weinstein Gallery and Roland Weinstein! You’re an amazing friend. Thank you so much for all your support and your amazing interview in our documentary .”
San Francisco Chronicle, Datebook: Why Tamara de Lempicka is suddenly all the rage a century after her ascendance | Datebook
“Thank you ‘7x7’ and the brilliant writer Shoshi Parks, for this incredible article on Lempicka and our film. Shoshi’s insight offers such a unique and thoughtful perspective on Tamara’s legacy. We’re so grateful for your support in highlighting the power of independent film and giving us a platform to share this important film. Thank you!
I’m excited to be speaking on a panel at the 7x7 Social Club on October 8, where I’ll be discussing some fascinating new discoveries about the life of Tamara de Lempicka.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the event and diving deeper into this extraordinary artist's story.”
7x7 magazine:
Art Deco icon Tamara de Lempicka's long awaited moment has finally arrived | 7x7 Bay Area
WIFSFBA UPDATES
WIFSFBA President Julie Rubio’s Tamara de Lempicka documentary to premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival!
When: October 11, 2024 (7:00pm) and October 13, 2024 (2:00pm)
Where: Venue: Sequoia 2 Theater & Lark Theater
Tickets: Tickets will be available for purchase by CAFilm members on September 14 and for the general public on September 18!
Exciting News from Women In Film San Francisco Bay Area! We’re thrilled to announce that the documentary The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival will be premiering at the Mill Valley Film Festival 2024!
We are honored to be a community partner sponsor for this incredible documentary and to support our President and Director, Julie Rubio, on this groundbreaking film.
The film features: Marisa de Lempicka, Victoria de Lempicka, Paula Birnbaum, Rowland Weinstein, Anne Paddy, Nancy Couch, and Scott Niichel. Joining them will be Writer, Director, Producer Julie Rubio, Co-Producers Svetlana Cvetko, Neva Tassan, Blake Wellen, Editor David Scott Smith, Associate Producer Elijah Stavena, and a few special guests with Q&A to follow.
Join us on this unforgettable journey into the life and legacy of the iconic artist Tamara de Lempicka and support an inspiring film led by an extraordinary female director.
MORE INFO & Tickets: MVFF tickets
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival was also mentioned in this KQED article:
“What we do know is that local documentary filmmaker Julie Rubio’s The True Story of Tamara De Lempicka & the Art of Survival, about the great Art Deco painter, will have its world premiere.”
Check it out: KQED Fall Movie Guide
Community Partners for this Event:
Script Incubator News
Our next monthly Table Read will be on Monday October 21st from 7-9pm. Come join us and hear 1-10 page excerpts from writers’ work, 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 hosted by WIFSFBA member Kristin Tieche!
When: October 16th, 6:30pm PDT
Where: Aquitaine Wine Bistro, 216 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Join us for the next Wednesday Winedown on October 16th at Aquitaine Wine Bistro in SF, hosted by WIFSFBA member Kristin Tieche! Enjoy the company of other women filmmakers while you sip on a glass of wine and/or partake in delicious French appetizers.
September Event Wrap Up - Conversations & Connections - Funding Your Film a Success!
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Sept 18th for our Funding Your Film panel with our esteemed panelists Lane Michael Stanley, Tracy Held, and Sara Elizabeth Timmins! We kicked off with a discussion about how to approach raising money - and how important the filmmaker's overall relationship with money is when seeking funding. We talked about understanding the “why” of making your film, which then resonates through every fundraising effort - like understanding the “why” your potential investor may invest. We dove into conversations about conventional funding methods (grants, investors, crowdfunding) as well as unconventional funding methods.
Thank you to our panel of experts for all their advice on one of the most challenging elements of filmmaking - finding the money for production!
Many thanks to everyone who joined us, as well, to make this a great success. We look forward to future opportunities to come together in conversation again.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
WIFSFBA member Jessica Sison's short in the Albany Film Fest!
When: Albany Film Festival, October 10, 12, 13 and 19
Where: Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, 10070 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
WIFSFBA member Jessica Sison’s short experimental dance film “The Elevator Dance (For Elisa) Remix” will screen in the Living on Earth shorts part of the program at the 14th annual Albany Film Festival! There will be three screenings of original, independent short films followed by filmmaker Q&As. A Best of Fest program will close the festival.
MORE INFO: Albany Film Fest & Living on Earth program
Congratulations Jessica!!
From WIFSFBA member Mabel Valdiviezo at the Cine+
Mas SF/San Francisco Latino film festival!
When: Friday, October 11th 6:30pm
Where: Roxie Theater, San Francisco
Tickets: Prodigal Daughter tickets
(Ticket holders can also join the festival's reception after the screening)
“I’m thrilled to invite you to the San Francisco premiere of my personal documentary, PRODIGAL DAUGHTER, which will kick off the Cine+Mas SF / San Francisco Latino Film Festival!
This artful film chronicles my unusual immigrant experience in San Francisco and my 16-year journey to reunite with my Peruvian family. It features my artwork, my mom’s vibrant art, and showcases the underground cultures of both Peru and San Francisco, complete with captivating stop-motion animation.
I want to express my gratitude to the WIFSFBA community for supporting my work, and I especially thank several members who contributed their craft and passion to the making of this film.
I hope to see you there for this special night!! Thank you!”
Thank YOU Mabel and congratulations!!
MORE INFO: Prodigal Daughter film
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
New WIFSFBA Community Partner -
Cinematic Arts and Production Club at Berkeley!
“The Cinematic Arts and Production Club is the premiere film production studio at UC Berkeley. We push the boundaries of creativity through storytelling.” WIFSFBA is excited to announce our new community partnership with the Cinematic Arts and Production Club at Berkeley. Please check them out below! We look forward to collaborating with and participating in film events with these talented student filmmakers!”
Mill Valley Film Festival 47
Dates: October 3-13, 2024
Where: Various theaters including the Rafael, Sequoia, and Lark Theater
Cost: $9-$18.50; prices vary for Spotlights and Special Events
“We’re excited to be part of this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival as a community partner, an extraordinary celebration of cinema that brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences. This year's lineup of films, filmmaker guests, and special events will inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impact on all who attend.”
Get tickets + explore the program: MillValleyFF47
Camp Finish: Year-Long Creative Workshop
Date: Starting October 2024
Where: Online (monthly group meetings, quarterly 1:1s, bi-weekly accountability)
Cost: $3,500 (payment plans available)
"Camp Finish is a year-long workshop designed to help creators complete their ambitious projects, whether it's a micro budget feature, a short film, podcast, a career transition into the arts or an album. The program offers 1:1 coaching, group workshops, peer mentorship, and a structured path to success. Led by filmmaker and No Film School podcast host GG Hawkins, Camp Finish offers a clear roadmap, guiding you step-by-step through the creation process so you can confidently bring your vision to life. The workshop provides a structured yet flexible framework over the course of one year, allowing you to balance responsibilities while making steady progress on your passion project.
Who is it for?
Aspiring creators ready to dive into their passion projects
Creators seeking structure and community support
Those ready to finish a major project
How it Works:
1:1 sessions
Monthly group workshops
Peer mentorship and accountability partners
A roadmap for future projects"
MORE INFO: Camp Finish
Bravemaker presents ‘No Right Way’ Screening
When: November 4, 2024 @ 6:30pm PST
Where: 801 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94063
Cost: $20
“BraveMaker is back with a film screening event in Redwood City and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. We are extremely excited and honored to host No Right Way, a film that has been taking the country by storm at all the film festivals. It’s about Georgie (played by Ava Acres), a brazen tween, who is thrust into the guardianship of her half-sister Harper (played by Chelsea Bo) whose attempts to parent only lead to exposing their paralleled childhood.
This film is great for audiences who love indie film, like to laugh and be challenged with films they watch, as well as get the chance to meet the filmmakers and ask them questions. For filmmakers and actors– No Right Way is great for you to watch because the film was made on an indie budget with lots of improv. Once you watch it and hear the backstory–you will be inspired to go out and make your movie, too!”
Ticket Info: No Right Way
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival
Festival Dates: April 24-27, 2025
Deadlines: Nov 4th regular, Nov 25th late deadline for short films. Dec 24th early, Jan 15th regular deadline for scripts.
Where: Bellingham, WA
Cost: $20-$40 to enter
WIFSFBA is proud to be a Community Partner of the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham, WA!
“WIFSFBA members receive 50% off short film submission fees. Films must be directed by a woman, 20 minutes or less, completed or released no earlier than October 2023 and must be submitted to CASCADIA on Film Freeway using a code.
CASCADIA will be April 24-27, 2025 in person in Bellingham, WA. with an online version of the festival to take place May 1-11, 2025. More details can be found here on Film Freeway or on CASCADIA's website.”
Please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org for the discount code!
MORE INFO: Cascadia Women's Film Festival
WIFT-US Member National Networking
When: October 10th, 2024, 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
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Festival Dates: March 19-23, 2025
Late Submission Deadline: October 26, 2024
“The San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) was born thirty one years ago to serve as a platform that champions underrepresented voices in film by challenging the reigning and ever-present stereotypes about the Latinx experience in cinema. We are proud to advocate for inclusive, diverse, and progressive cinematic storytelling about the Latinx identity.
Entries must be submitted into one of the following categories:
Feature Film (all genres and forms) - 60 min or more
Short Film (all genres and forms) - 30 min or less
Local Film - Feature Film (all genres and forms) - 60n min or more
Local Film - Short Film (all genres and forms) - 30 min or less
Youth Short - 30 min or less
Episodic Content -30 min or less”
Submit here: San Diego Latino Film Festival
LA Women in FilmFest
Fashionably Late Submission Deadline: November 1, 2024
Fee: $45
“We are currently accepting submissions from female-identifying directors, writers, majority female crew (at least 50%), and/or female driven stories of any genre in the following categories:
Feature (up to 120 min)
Short (10-30 min)
Short Short (under 10 min)
Animated Short (under 30 mins)
TV Pilot (industry standard 22 mins)
Web Series (up to three episodes with combined TRT of no more than 30 mins)
Sketch Comedy (under 10 mins)
Music Video (under 10 mins)”
Submit here: LA Women in FilmFest
Dayton Black Women's Film Festival
Early bird Deadline: October 22, 2024
“The DBWFF is a platform for films that honor, discover and share the Black, African American, and African Diaspora experience. The festival also aims to strengthen the community and create opportunities for collaboration among black women filmmakers in Dayton, nearby regions, and globally. The ultimate goal is to ensure that there is always a place for black women filmmakers to be celebrated, acknowledged, and welcomed in the film industry.
To be eligible for consideration: The films must be directed by a woman (trans, non-binary) filmmaker of African descent and have a running time between 4 to 12 minutes. Additionally, the films must have been completed within the last 2 years.”
Submit here: Dayton Black Women's FF
Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition
Pre-Register: December 27, 2024
Fee: $45
“The 17th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition is searching for extraordinary television writers with traditional pilots or indie series scripts for exposure to production companies and managers. Script Pipeline selects 5 finalists and, from that group, one winner to receive:
$20,000 to winner; $1,000 to each finalist
Introductions to managers, producers, agents, directors, and other execs searching for TV material
Development assistance and mentoring from Script Pipeline’s Team”
Submit here: Script Pipeline TV Writing
Brooklyn Film Festival
Early-bird Deadline - Feature Narrative and Documentary: October 31, 2024
Early-bird Deadline- Narrative Short, Short Doc, Experimental and Animation: November 30, 2024
“The 28th BFF is a festival for and by independent filmmakers. Although we are a fully inclusive organization and any filmmaker can potentially participate in our competitive festival, discovering and promoting independent filmmakers at their first or second film is at the very center of our year-round efforts. Our mission is to provide a forum to advance public interest in indie film; to support every year a new generation of filmmakers with a unique vision; and to promote artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure. BFF accepts submissions in six categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, Experimental, and Animation.”
Submit here: Brooklyn Film Festival
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS CORNER
The Miller Packan Film Fund
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
“The Miller / Packan Film Fund supports documentaries that Educate, Inspire and Enrich. The Fund is financed through the Rogovy Foundation. We believe in the transformational power that comes from enlightening narratives and inspiring characters. Each year, grants totalling $200,000 are awarded to between eight and twelve filmmakers. Each grant is one-time only and offered in amounts up to $25,000.”
MORE INFO: Miller Packan FF
Frameline Completion Fund
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
“The Frameline Completion Fund provides grants to emerging and established filmmakers. This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to artists who often struggle to secure funding to complete their works. Grants up to $5,000 are available for the completion of films that represent and reflect LGBTQ+ life in all its complexity and richness.
Submissions are accepted for documentary, narrative, experimental, animated, or episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and their communities. The Fund also seeks to bring new work to under-served audiences; with this in mind, we especially encourage applications by women, people of color, transgender people, intersex people, asexual people, non-binary people, disabled people, and other underrepresented people and communities.”
MORE INFO: Frameline Completion Fund
Roy W. Dean - Fall Grant
Application Deadline: October 31, 2024
“Now accepting submissions, our Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall seeks unique films that make a contribution to society. Winner receives $3,500 and thousands more in donated film production services and goods to help them complete their film. This includes: $15,000.00 in original music written by well-known composer David Raiklen. (Exclusive of recording costs), $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, and more from heartfelt donors. Grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series. Every applicant is offered a consultation on their project.”
MORE INFO: Roy W. Dean Fall Grant
California Documentary Project Grants
Application Deadline: November 4, 2024
“We invite applications for the 2024 round of California Documentary Project (CDP) grants in support of film, audio, or digital media projects that document California subjects and issues, have the potential to bring essential California stories to audiences throughout the state and beyond, and that use the humanities to provide context, depth, and perspective.
Funding is currently available in two categories:
CDP Research and Development Grants: R & D grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions in their earliest stages. Eligible applicants may apply for funding up to $15,000.
CDP Production Grants: These grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions and help propel projects toward completion. Eligible applicants may apply for funding up to $50,000.”
MORE INFO: California Documentary Project Grants
Shore Scripts Short Film Fund
Late Deadline: October 31, 2024
“Turn your calling card script into an attention-grabbing short film with our $25,000 cash production grant! As much as we love to read scripts, too many excellent shorts never progress beyond the written word, which is why we established the Short Film Fund to help take those compelling stories off the page and onto the screen. We will help finance and produce two short films in 2024. Previous winners have gone on to gain representation, sold screenplays, and been staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows as a direct result of winning and producing their short with us.
New this season! We are excited to offer a 2nd place cash grant of $2,500 specifically for finishing funds submissions. As filmmakers, we know it can be challenging to get a short over the finish line, and a little extra support toward post-production and/or distribution can go a long way.”
MORE INFO: Short Film Fund
Center For Asian American Media (CAAM) Documentary Fund
Next Open Call: Now through Sunday, October 20, 2024
“With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, CAAM provides project funding to independent documentary films by and about the Asian American experience for public television. Offered once a year, this round of funding is for applicants with documentary projects at the production and/or post-production stage intended for public television broadcast. Awards typically range between $10,000 and $50,000.”
MORE INFO: CAAM Documentary Fund
Thanks to Newsletter Contributors: Diane Walsh, Julie Rubio, Nil Unerdem
Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem