Check the White Box ✔️

My name is Julie Colleen Rubio, and I am proud of my Mexican heritage. I want to share a bit about my background. My mother was born in Indiana and had a mix of English, German, Irish, Spanish and French ancestry. My father was born in California. His  parents were Mexican (Native American). They were field workers in the San Fernando Valley.  My great grandparents immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico.

From a young age, my father was taught not to value his own culture. It was ingrained in him to disregard his heritage. This mindset carried over to my upbringing as well. Both of my parents instructed me to check the "white" box when filling out forms at school that asked for my ethnic background. They believed it would be easier for me.   They wished for me to have an easier life. However, this desire for ease often clashed with the reality of my identity as a person with a brown complexion, the last name Rubio, and the love of my Mexican grandparents. This resulted in a confusing internal struggle for me. How could I value something I was told to keep as a secret? 

The discrimination my father and his four brothers experienced was disheartening. They were physically punished and beaten at school if they spoke Spanish. However, at home, they were free to embrace their language traditions and enjoy the incredible Mexican cuisine lovingly prepared by their hardworking mother who ran a fruit stand while their father worked his fingers to the bone in the fields.  They  felt the need to suppress their true selves at school.  Consequently, all four brothers ended up marrying Caucasian women and raising their children to check the white box. 

I have fond memories of attending our Mexican fiestas in the park and enjoying the amazing music, food, and laughter. I loved  my grandparents dearly. Unfortunately, when I was five years old, both of my grandparents passed away, just six months apart. The arduous labor of working in the fields under the scorching heat, coupled with the lack of proper nutrition and healthcare, took a toll on their bodies. Sadly, my grandparents passed away at the ages of 64 and 65, much earlier than they should have. Their premature deaths serve as a stark reminder of the challenging conditions they endured and the sacrifices they made to provide for their family. As you can imagine, I was completely heartbroken. My grandmother succumbed to diabetes, and my grandfather to a heart attack (I believe my grandfather died of a broken heart). My father and his brothers never spoke again after their parents' death. With their passing, I felt like I had lost a significant part of my heritage. It took me years to rediscover and reconnect with that heritage, but once I did, I held onto it tightly. It has become one of the most important aspects of who I am. And I no longer check the “white” box.

My personal history highlights the complex dynamics and pressures faced by individuals within a multicultural society. It is a reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating diverse cultures while challenging the biases that seek to marginalize them. I am immensely grateful for the limited time I had with my grandparents. They instilled in me a deep appreciation and value for our Mexican roots. Whenever someone asks about my background, I proudly declare that I am Mexican first. It is a testament to the lasting impact my grandparents had on me and the significance I place on embracing and honoring my cultural identity.

As a Latina Filmmaker, and President of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area, I stand proud and united with you all as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor and recognize the remarkable contributions of Hispanic/Latino filmmakers, actors, and artists who have profoundly influenced the world of cinema.

Our diverse community has been privileged to witness the incredible achievements of Hispanic filmmakers who have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and shared stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. From the groundbreaking works of Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón to the visionary films of Patricia Cardoso, Eva Longoria, and Mariem Pérez Riera, their talent, creativity, and unique perspectives have left an indelible mark.

Within the SF Bay Area, we embrace diversity and inclusivity, striving to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers, including those from the Hispanic/Latino community. We actively support and showcase their work through film festivals, screenings, and panel discussions. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, raise awareness, and foster a more inclusive society.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I urge you to explore the exceptional films created by Hispanic/Latino filmmakers. Discover the captivating narratives and powerful storytelling of movies such as Frida by director Julie Taymor, Real Women Have Curves by director Patricia Cardoso, City of God produced by Andrea Barata Ribeiro, East Side Sushi produced by (me) Julie Rubio, and Roma by Alfonso Cuarón. By engaging with their work, attending film festivals, and supporting independent theaters, we contribute to the growth and recognition of Hispanic/Latino artists in the industry.

Films by Hispanic/Latino filmmakers: 

• Frida

• Real Women Have Curves

• Roma

• Selena

• Like Water for Chocolate

• Volver

• La Clenaga

• Pelo malo

• La Misma Luna

• La Ciénaga

• East Side Sushi

• Like Water for Chocolate

• Maria Full of Grace

• Los Días de la Ballena 

List of Hispanic/Latino actors:

• Salma Hayek

• Rita Moreno

• Benicio Del Toro

• Jennifer Lopez

• Eva Longoria

• Zoe Saldana

• Sofia Vergara

• Gael Garcia Bernal

• Jessica Alba

• Diego Luna

• Michelle Rodriguez

• America Ferrera

• George Lopez

• Antonio Banderas

• Eva Mendes

• Andy Garcia

• Penelope Cruz

• Rosario Dawson 

“Want to know more about these strikes? Season Four of Media & Monuments kicks off with two episodes all about the current entertainment industry strikes. First up is my conversation with TV writer, standup comedian, and podcaster, Robby Slowik, all about the WGA strike. As of today, they’ve been on strike for a whopping 117 days. Give the episode a listen to find out more about the demands, the conditions that led to the strike, solidarity with other unions, and more!" 

Listen here: 

S04E01: “Spotlighting the Writer’s Guild of America Strike”

mediaandmonuments.com

Apple Podcasts

Spotif

To learn more about the WGA strike, visit WGA Contract 2023 

To learn more about the WGA (West): Writers Guild 

To learn more about the WGA (East):  Writers Guild of America, East 

To donate to the Entertainment Community Fund: Entertainment Community Fund

There have been many important women trailblazers in film and cinema history who have made significant contributions to the industry as directors, producers, screenwriters, actors and more. 

In each monthly newsletter, we will highlight a different one:

MARY PICKFORD (GLADYS MARIE SMITH)

Mary Pickford (also known as Gladys Marie Smith) was a Canadian-born American actress, producer, and businesswoman, known for her pioneering work in the early years of Hollywood. She was born on April 8, 1892, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and passed away on May 29, 1979, in Santa Monica, California.

Pickford began her acting career in vaudeville and theatre before transitioning to film in the early 1900s. She quickly became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood, starring in dozens of films throughout her career. Pickford was known for her youthful appearance, and often played younger characters on screen, earning the nickname "America's Sweetheart."

In addition to her acting work, Pickford was also a producer and businesswoman. She co-founded United Artists in 1919 with Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, giving them more creative control over their films and helping to establish a new era of independent filmmaking.

Pickford was also known for her philanthropic work, and was one of the founding members of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to actors in need.

Throughout her career, Pickford won numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the film industry, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film "Coquette" (1929). She retired from acting in 1933, but continued to work as a producer and philanthropist until her death.

Mary Pickford's pioneering work in Hollywood helped to shape the film industry as we know it today. She was a trailblazer for women in the industry, and her legacy continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.

By Tasha Nesbitt

Board of Advisors, WIFSFBA 2023-Present

Former WIFSFBA President 2019-2022

*This article was researched and written with the help of ChatGPT & Jasper.ai, artificial intelligence driven writing tools.

Stay tuned for this series and our next featured filmmaker in the next newsletter!

Thanks for coming out to the Cinequest WIFSFBA 

presentation of 7000 Miles!

We had a great event on 8/20 Sunday at the Cinequest film festival at the premiere of the film 7000 Miles! Thanks to all our members and board for coming out for the meetup, the film, and participating  in the Q&A afterwards.

Do you have news you’d like to share with fellow members? 

We’d love to hear from members on recent accomplishments, awards, or any news you’d like to share with the WIFSFBA community. 

Send your blurbs and any related images to bod-admin@wifsfba.org with Members in the News in the subject line. Submit by June 21st to be included in the next newsletter.

Internship/Volunteer Opportunity with WIFSFBA 

Becoming a WIFSFBA intern or volunteer is a unique and exciting opportunity to be a part of a highly respected organization in the film industry. Come join our wonderfully diverse team!

Position Description:

We offer school credit for those attending a HigherEd institution, AND volunteer opportunities for non-students of all backgrounds and experience levels.  During their internship, applicants will have the opportunity to work and interact with experienced working producers, directors, writers, editors, etc. on projects that expand WIFSBA’s community outreach, and will be invited to attend all of our events.  In return, we ask interns to contribute 5-10 hours a week to WIFSFBA and attend mandatory monthly Zoom team meetings.

We are looking for interns to support our work in one or more of the following areas:

●Events

●Tech Support for Zoom Events

● Graphic design

● Work with Photoshop

● Marketing

● Canva -- assist in photo editing and marketing materials

● Updating website

● Non-profit grant writing

If you are experienced or trained in one or more of the areas listed above, and are interested in expanding your skills professionally, please APPLY by sending the following materials addressed to Julie Rubio, WIFSFBA President, at bod-admin@wifsfba.org

● Resume

● Cover letter -- please include:

-which area(s) above interest you

-your experience/training in that area(s)

-reason(s) for wanting to work with WIFSFBA

-if you are a student OR non-student

-If student: which semester/quarter/summer you are available

-If non-student: when you could begin a 6-month time commitment

We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC, gender diverse individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, bilingual individuals.  Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Questions? Please contact bod-admin@wifsfba.org and put INTERNSHIP in the subject line. 

The Ins and Outs of Film Festivals (Five Mistakes Filmmakers Make) 

Presented by co-authors of "The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals" Rona Edwards & Monika Skerbelis

When: Saturday, Sep 9th, 2023

Time: 11AM-12.30PM PDT

Where: Zoom

Did you know there are more than 5,000+ film festivals around the world? How do you target the right ones? Join RONA EDWARDS  and MONIKA SKERBELIS  for an enlightening look at how you -- writer, director, producer, actor -- can create a festival strategy by learning from mistakes other filmmakers often make.   Here’s what will be discussed in this informative seminar: 

• Branding yourself, your film and future films

• Film Festivals, Markets & Distribution

• Creating a Festival Target Strategy & Financial Budget

• Creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

• Connecting the dots between social media and traditional media

• How to get publicity

• Creating a homebase for your film, slate of films and the filmmaker

• Contacts-Contacts-Contacts – Don’t let your new contacts fall through the cracks!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn NEW and EXCITING ways to make the most of your next film festival SUBMISSION.

When:  September 30th - 6-9 pm                                                                                                                                      

Where: Camino Brewing Co and Beer Garden - 718 S. 1st St., San Jose CA                                                 

Event is FREE

The film program for the Representation Matters Film Festival will feature stories about diversity in the outdoors.

Must Reserve a Spot in ADVANCE --- MORE INFO:  Representation Matters Film Festival

When:  September 6th &  8th -- 5-8 pm                                                                                                                         

Where: Berkeley Community Media  -- 2134 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Berkeley, CA

General Admission: $120                                          

“The industry’s first portable wireless multi-camera broadcasting platform and video switcher. Use up to 10 sources including iPhone, HD and/or 4K cameras. Live switcher control via laptop or iPad.  This is the solution to the problem of filming on location and having to spend hours syncing footage in order to get your content out to the world!”                                                                                                                                           

MORE INFO: Sling Studio Workshop

Entry deadline: September 15, 2023

"The 16th Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition is searching for extraordinary television writers and original pilots for exposure to production companies, managers, and agencies. The company’s unique process—consisting of long-term writer development, promotion, and circulation of material—gives finalists proper one-on-one guidance to advance their careers."

MORE INFO:  Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest

Submissions: Open from June 1 - September 15, 2023. There is NO SUBMISSION FEE for The Athena List.

When:  The 14th Annual Festival will take place February 29 – March 3, 2024.

“The Athena List is an annual feature-length script competition that selects exceptional scripts featuring women leaders at the heart of the story. As the signature program of the Athena Film Festival’s Creative Development program, The Athena List’s goal is to raise the profile of the winning scripts and writers within the industry, with the purpose of getting these movies made and elevating the writers’ careers to the next level.

The Athena List is a part of The Athena Film Festival at Barnard College. The Athena Film Festival has established itself as the premier festival dedicated to celebrating and elevating women’s leadership. Our festival highlights films showcasing women’s leadership from underexplored perspectives; women leading in all places and spaces who are resisting and refuting preconceived notions of all they can be and do. Through our Creative Development Program, we are bolstering the pipeline of creatives who are telling these stories and fostering a network of in film.

FYI - We have been in contact with the legal department at the WGA and have been assured that submitting your materials would not put you in breach of strike protocols." 

MORE INFO: Athena List