Embedded Files
All Hallows' Eve is Upon Us Soon
All Hallows' Eve is Upon Us Soon
Image by FreePik
Greetings, WIFSFBA community and welcome to October! It’s still 93 degrees today here in the north bay, so it doesn’t feel like fall and spooky season to me yet but I’m sure it’ll be here soon. I did see Weapons in the theatre recently to get in the mood and was impressed with how all the characters’ stories were woven together…no spoilers but I was a little disappointed in the antagonist of the film, was hoping for a little more depth there…but still worth watching for sure. This year, my costume will be Manon Blackbeak. If you know who that is, let’s talk! I love raving about romantasy with fellow fangirls. I hope the rest of you have some good costumes picked out as well…though nothing will compare with Manon.
Wishing you all a creatively productive October and a happy Halloween filled with tons of candy and chocolate. And sending out wishes for peace, empathy, and understanding around the world during these challenging and often frustrating times.
Nil Unerdem, WIFSFBA Secretary
Letter from the President
Letter from the President
Dear Members and Friends,
As we step into the season of fall, there is a sense of anticipation in the air, even if, here in the Bay Area, the crispness of autumn feels fashionably late. The warmth of a lingering summer still hangs on, reminding us that seasons, much like stories, do not always unfold on a predictable schedule. Soon, though, the days will shorten, the air will cool, and we will find ourselves wrapped in the richness of autumn, a season that calls us to reflect, renew, and embrace imagination. And of course, Halloween brings its own celebration of creativity, transformation, and storytelling, reminding us of the magic and mystery that cinema captures so beautifully.
At the heart of this work is one of our most vital rights: the freedom of speech. Without it, our industry could not thrive. It is this freedom that allows writers, directors, producers, and all filmmakers to take on stories that amplify underrepresented voices, challenge norms, and inspire change across generations. Protecting free expression is not only essential for our democracy, it is the lifeblood of the film industry and the key to ensuring that diverse perspectives continue to flourish.
No matter where we stand politically, or whether we choose to participate in politics at all, we share a common belief: our voices must never be silenced. When one voice is suppressed, all voices are diminished. Efforts by leaders or institutions to pressure artists, journalists, or companies with the threat of retaliation for their speech strike at the very heart of what it means to live in a free country. It is our responsibility, as creators and citizens, to safeguard this freedom for ourselves and for the generations who will follow.
I am honored to work alongside such brilliant, talented creative minded humans as you, and this fall, we celebrate several important observances that deepen our commitment to inclusion and recognition:
LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates the groundbreaking contributions and resilience of LGBTQ+ filmmakers and artists, whose voices have transformed representation on screen. National Women’s Small Business Month reminds us of the women entrepreneurs leading the way in film, running production companies, agencies, and creative enterprises with innovation and determination. Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) highlights the profound impact of Hispanic and Latinx storytellers whose artistry and cultural heritage continue to enrich cinema and inspire audiences worldwide.
As we embrace this season of transition, whether it arrives with summer’s warmth or autumn’s cool edge, let us recommit to supporting one another, uplifting all voices, and ensuring that the stories we tell continue to reflect the power, diversity, and imagination of our community.
With gratitude and determination,
Julie Rubio
President, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area
WIFSFBA EVENTS
WIFSFBA Presents
Filmmakers Panel: How to Slay in Indie Horror Filmmaking
WIFSFBA Presents
Filmmakers Panel: How to Slay in Indie Horror Filmmaking
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30pm PT / 9-10:30pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: Non-Members: $15, Members: $10, Students: $5
Wanna make something really scary? Learn how to get started and build a career in the thrilling world of independent horror from three filmmakers who have done just that: producer Ashleigh Snead (SHELBY OAKS, SCARE PACKAGE), actor/writer/director Emily Bennett (BLOOD SHINE, ALONE WITH YOU) and writer/director/producer Jenn Wexler (THE SACRIFICE GAME, THE RANGER). They’ll share personal stories, hard-won insights and practical advice — from how to get started and what pitfalls to avoid when putting your own scary project together, to understanding the worlds of genre festivals, markets, sales agents and distributors.
MORE INFO: WIFSFBA Events
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
Script Incubator Monthly Table Reads
When: Monday, October 20th, 7:00-9:30pm PDT
Where: Zoom
Our next Script Incubator meeting will be Monday, October 20th. We will be continuing to feature a full feature screenplay, read by talented actors from the Bay Area and beyond. No homework! Just show up! And all participants are encouraged to give feedback.
If you have any questions about the table-read or would like to reserve a spot for your script at the next meeting, feel free to contact Carol Hall at bod-admin@wifsfba.org with “Script Incubator” in the subject line.
October Community Networking
When: Monday, October 13th, 6:00-7:00pm PDT
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
The WIFSFBA Virtual Networking Night is now monthly!
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!
MORE INFO: RSVP here
The Vine: The Video Industry Networking Event
When: October 2nd, 6-8 PM PDT
Where: Port Labs, 2044 Franklin St., Oakland, CA
“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. And as usual, your $5 admission gets you pizza, wine and other refreshments.
Also, you'll have the opportunity to promote yourself and what you are working on, during the last portion of the evening in a segment we call ‘Voices of the Vine.’”
Register here: Vine Mixer Event
SF Wednesday Winedown
Join member Kristin Tieche for the Wednesday Winedown in San Francisco!
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 -- an Oakland WIFSFBA hub. Ideally, we'll meet monthly on the third Tuesday of the month. Keep an eye out on WIFchat and the WIFSFBA website local meetups page!
We'll connect, get to know each other, and drink iced tea!
** Yes, bring your non-WIF members friends.
WIFSFBA UPDATES
American Film Market Event Wrap-Up
Thanks for joining us on September 29th for our virtual event about the American Film Market with Sara Elizabeth Timmons! We learned about her experiences, tips and tricks to be prepared, setting up meetings, navigating the market and getting past the gatekeepers.
Cheers and thank you to Sara Elizabeth for joining us, and to our Board members Kelli A. White and Carol Hall for producing this event!
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
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 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
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Nada Djordjevich's short film Eat Surf Love!
Nada Djordjevich is a writer, filmmaker, and consultant originally from the Bay Area. Although she now primarily resides in Southern California, she maintains a strong connection to Northern California, including as a WIFSFBA member.
She wrote, produced, and directed the animated film "California Pie" which premiered locally at the Sonoma International Film Festival in 2023. Her first live-action short Eat Surf Love was filmed in San Francisco, and has played in festivals from Alaska to Wisconsin. Chosen as an official selection for 4 Bay Area festivals, the film has earned "Best Local Drama" at the San Francisco Short Film Festival, and was chosen as among the top 3 of over 40 local films by audiences at the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema (BHOC) festival. "Eat Surf Love" will screen again at the BHOC awards night Season Finale on October 7th at 6:30 PM at the Bernal Heights Public Library. The event is free, but advanced tickets are recommended.
Congratulations Nada!!
"Far From Home" short film by Ankita Mukhopadhyay Kumar qualifies for the Oscars!
Where: KALW space, 220 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104
When: 7:00 - 8:30pm Pacific, Monday, October 7th, 2025
WIFSFBA member Ankita Mukhopadhyay Kumar’s documentary short was in the news recently. Here’s a message from Ankita:
“I would like to share some good news. My short doc, Far from Home, recently qualified for the Oscars! I would love for everyone in the SF Bay Area to see this film and I am thrilled to announce that KALW, an NPR member station, is hosting a special screening of the film on Monday, October 7! Join us at the KALW space at 7 pm for the screening, followed by a panel discussion on refugee rights. The event will also be attended by a subject of the film - who is based in the Bay Area. This event is free and open to all.
Far from Home is a documentary on Samira Faizi and her family, who came to India as refugees after Afghanistan's fall to the Taliban in 2021. She is now grappling with the possibility of being "stuck" forever, as India has no law to protect Muslim refugees. Here's the trailer of the film. “Far from Home” is produced by Emmy-winning producer Brent E. Huffman and funded by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
If you can make it for the screening — it would mean a lot to me and millions of Afghans, whose voices are slowly getting silenced by the Taliban.
We are also raising funds for our Oscar campaign and your support will help this film on its journey to the Oscars. Support Far from Home on GoFundMe. You can also follow me on Instagram @diariesofajourno for more updates about the film.
I look forward to meeting you at the screening next week!”
Congratulations Ankita!!
MORE INFO: Far From Home screening
The Dreamers and I at the United Nations Association Film Festival!
Where: Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA
When: Saturday, Oct. 18th, 5:05pm
“WIFSFBA member Nancy Kelly co-wrote and produced THE DREAMERS AND I, which will screen at the United Nations Association Film Festival. The setting is a present-day Silicon Valley hacker house, where free-spirited entrepreneurs from around the world live while pursuing their startup passions independent of big tech. THE DREAMERS AND I captures how innovative and disruptive ideas are incubated, nurtured, and – all too often – explode.
It’s also an intimate story. Inspired by his three characters, Kenji, the filmmaker, makes himself the film’s fourth character, joining them in Sisyphean struggles of self-doubt, financial ruin and endangered marriages
Please come! Nancy and Kenji will be there, and maybe a Dreamer or two!”
Congratulations Nancy!!
MORE INFO: The Dreamers and I at the UNAFF
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
Community Partners - Events & Invitations
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival at the United Nations Association Film Festival!
Women in Film San Fransisco Bay Area is honored to announce that we are community partnering with the film The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival that has been officially accepted into the 28th United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF)! Congratulations to Julie Rubio, the director, and our WIFSFBA President!
The 28th UNAFF will take place October 16-26, 2025 in Palo Alto, Stanford University, East Palo Alto, and San Francisco. The film will screen on October 22 at 8:20PM at the Delancey Screening room in San Francisco CA.
We are thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of bold, meaningful storytelling. This year’s theme “Messages for the Future” continues UNAFF’s powerful devotion to human rights, with a profound emphasis on our concerns for what lies ahead and the imprint we will leave behind.
MORE INFO: Tickets for UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival) - FilmFreeway
More The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival news:
Musee Magazine Review of The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art Of Survival: Film Review | THE TRUE STORY OF TAMARA DE LEMPICKA & THE ART OF SURVIVAL (2024) DIR. JULIE RUBIO — Musée Magazine
Give a listen!! "Talk Radio" with Castle Searcy interviewing Director, Producer, Writer Julie Rubio: Film Talk Weekly – September 6, 2025 - SantaFe.com
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival was accepted into the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival and will be playing October 28th, 6:00PM virtually! Tickets here: Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival tickets
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival was accepted into the Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival and will be playing October 14th at 1:00pm and 7:00pm in Sebastopol at the Rialto Theatre! Q&A with the filmmakers to follow. Tickets here: Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival - Short Film Submission Discount for WIFSFBA members!
“CASCADIA turns 10 in 2026 — and they’re celebrating big! From special pre-festival screenings to an expanded film lineup, late-night movies, and the return of the student filmmakers showcase, this milestone season will be unforgettable. The 10-year celebration will be April 30- May 3, 2026 in person in Bellingham, WA. with an online version of the festival to follow May 7-17, 2026. More details can be found here on CASCADIA's website.”
As a Community Partner of CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area members receive 50% off short film submission fees. Films must be directed by a woman, be 20 minutes or less, completed or released no earlier than October, 2024 and must be submitted to CASCADIA on Film Freeway using a discount code.
FOR MORE INFO: https://filmfreeway.com/CASCADIAInternationalWomensFilmFestival -- if you’d like the WIFSFBA DISCOUNT CODE, please contact us at bod-admin@wifsfba.org, and use Subject Line: Cascadia Discount
San Francisco Premiere of “The Invisible Mammal”
WHEN: Sunday, October 26th @ 1:00pm
WHERE: Roxie Theater - 3117 16th Street, SF 94103
Email bod-admin@wifsfba.org for a promo code for $3 off! Put Invisible Mammal promo in the subject line!
WIFSFBA is a proud Community Partner of our member Kristin Tieche’s film, The Invisible Mammal, that “follows a team of women bat biologists into underground habitats as they work to save a rapidly disappearing species: the little brown bat.
Initially, director Kristin Tieche and the filmmaking team behind The Invisible Mammal set out to document efforts to prevent the extinction of bat species in North America, but when the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world in 2020, a shift in strategy was required. The scope of the film’s story was expanded to include the connection between bats and COVID, and how research on bats’ super-immunity could help prevent another global pandemic.
The film team also teamed up with Bat Conservation International to develop an impact campaign encouraging viewers to take several actions to help bats: from supporting the work of bat conservation scientists, organizing local bat viewings and planting bat friendly gardens.”
We hope you’ll join us at the October 26th screening during International BAT WEEK (October 24-31) to support their efforts.
Click here to watch the trailer.
TICKET INFO: Sunday, October 26th screening at the Roxie
Mill Valley Film Festival
When: October 2 - 12, 2025
Where: Mill Valley, San Rafael theatres
We’re excited to be a community partner for Mill Valley Film Festival, an extraordinary celebration of cinema that brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences. This year's lineup of films, discussions, and musical performances will inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impact on all who attend.
Get tickets + explore the program → mvff.com
#MVFF48
Off-Page Film Festival
When: October 19, 2025 -- Tickets will be available October 1st
Where: Venice Island Performing Arts Center -- 7 Locke Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
“The mission of the festival is designed as a platform for talented artists to be recognized for their projects and more importantly, get them the industry exposure to help sustain their crafts.” As a community partner of the festival, we hope many of you took advantage of the 50% script submission discount (for short films, pilots and feature films) the festival offered our community. For our east coast sisters and anyone traveling to Philadelphia for the festival: in addition to scripts, films and workshops, the festival will feature food, music, a silent auction and more.”
For more information: Off-Page Film Festival
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
San Francisco International Festival
San Francisco International Festival
Festival Dates: April 23 - May 3, 2026
Deadlines: September 26th, November 12th, December 10th, 2025
Submission Fee: Varies by category
The SF International Film Festival, presented by SFFILM, is the longest running film festival in the Americas, bringing films from around the world to Bay Area audiences since 1957. SFFILM is rooted in the culture of film appreciation by exploring film as an evolutionary art form, and as a transformative force for social change.
Narrative Feature (60+ min)
Documentary Feature (60+ min)
Animated Feature (60+ min)
Animated Short (Under 30 min)
Documentary Short (Under 30 min)
Narrative Short (Under 30 min)
Mid-length Animation (btw 30-59)
Mid-length Narrative (btw 30-59)
Mid-length Documentary (btw 30-59)
All Films must have premiered after June 1, 2025.
Submit Here: San Francisco International Film Festival - FilmFreeway
2026 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship
2026 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship
Deadlines: November 28th, 2025
Submission Fee: through the Blacklist
“The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way.”
MORE INFO: 2026 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship | The Black List
Women's Voices Now Film Festival
Women's Voices Now Film Festival
Submissions are officially open -- early bird deadline is October 1.
“The Women’s Voices Now Film Festival promotes emerging women filmmakers using social-change films to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights around the world. The festival is offering a 50% discount for the first month of submissions using code 2026FF. Join emerging women’s filmmakers around the world and submit your film.”
Submit Here: Women's Voices Now FF
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
19th Annual Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
Special Entry Deadline: September 25, 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
24th Annual Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Pre-register: December 30, 2025
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.
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 Screenwriting Contest
11th LA Black Film Festival
11th LA Black Film Festival
Festival Dates: December 4 - 7, 2025
Application Fee: $65
Discount Deadline: July 25, 2025 for $20 off / September 5, 2025 for $10 off
Final Deadline: October 17, 2025
“We are currently accepting submissions from Black directors, writers, majority Black crew (at least 50%) and/or Black centred stories of any genre in the following categories:
Feature
Short (10-30 min)
Short Short (under 10 min)
Animated Short (under 30 min)
TV Pilot (Industry Standard 22 mins)
Web Series (up to 3 episodes with combined TRT of no more than 30 mins)
Sketch Comedy (under 10 mins)
Music Video (under 10 min)
All films must have been completed no earlier than July 1, 2024.”
MORE INFO: LA Black Film Fest
GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS & FUNDING CORNER
Breaking Through the Lens Action Grant
Regular Deadline: October 1st
Application Fee: $60
“This grant is open to feature film directors - narrative or documentary - who experience marginalization due to their gender or sexuality. The winner will also receive market guidance and production support for their project. Filmmakers applying with documentary projects must have begun production and must be seeking finishing funds.”
MORE INFO: Breaking Through The Lens Action 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
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
The Mycoskie - UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship
Regular Deadline: October 30th, 2025
“The Mycoskie-UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship aims to empower a new generation of filmmakers exploring the burgeoning field of psychedelics. We're looking for groundbreaking narratives fit for cinematic storytelling – untold stories that captivate audiences and shed light on the science, policy, business and culture of this new era of psychedelics. We're committed to fostering a diverse pool of filmmakers to document this rapidly changing field.”
MORE INFO: Mycoskie – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship.
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
Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant (From the Heart Productions)
Applications Open: October 31st, November 30th, 2025
Winner receives $3,000 in Cash and Donated Services
“Many filmmakers use short films to hone their craft and as a proof of concept for later full length features. From the Heart Productions wants to support their work and encourage them to make films with stories told with passion that enlighten us about our lives and the world we live in. This grant is specifically for narrative fiction shorts, live action or animated, that are 40 minutes or less in length. Among the donations the winner could receive are:
$3,000.00 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen
$6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield. This is 1/3 off normal price for 6 weeks of animation
$500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools
Tom Malloy of Glass House Distribution donates an hour of consultation on distribution of your film
$1,400 value (4 hours of sound mix session) from Silver Sound
$600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by NetCaptioning”
MORE INFO: Roy Dean Short Film 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
Thanks to newsletter contributors: Diane Walsh, Julie Rubio, Nil Unerdem
Newsletter designed by Lina Indeeva and edited by Nil Unerdem
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