EVENTS

AI in Filmmaking with Philip Shane

Join Philip Shane, an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over three decades in the industry, for an enlightening Q&A discussion on leveraging ChatGPT in documentary filmmaking. This session, drawn from Shane's interactive workshop, will delve into the myriad ways AI can transform the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of documentary making. Participants will gain insights into using ChatGPT for everything from ideation and research to storyboarding, data analysis, and even marketing. 


Shane, known for his work on films like 'BEING ELMO' and 'DANCING IN JAFFA', will share his expertise on incorporating AI tools for enhanced creativity and efficiency, while also addressing their limitations and strategic use. Ideal for filmmakers at any skill level, this Q&A is a unique opportunity to explore the integration of AI in your filmmaking journey, inspired by Shane's rich experience in both film production and as the host of the science podcast WHAT THE IF? Embrace this chance to understand how ChatGPT can innovate and streamline your documentary projects.

Writing Workshop with Screenwriter Lorien McKenna - Pixar alum and co-host of the Screenwriting Life Podcast

Where: Zoom

When: June 5th, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. PDT

Cost: $20/$10 Non-member/member


Please join us for an interactive writing workshop with Lorien McKenna, screenwriter extraordinaire and popular co-host of the Screenwriting Life podcast! First, Lorien will talk to us about her journey as a screenwriter from working at Pixar (Up, Brave, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur) to showrunner for Emmy-winning Tab Time. This will be followed by an interactive writing workshop focused on “character want.” Afterwards, we’ll have an engaging Q&A with Lorien. Sign up and get into the LAVA of your story!


Lorien McKenna's Bio:

Lorien McKenna is an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning writer. 

As a Story Manager at Pixar Animation Studios, Lorien worked on Up, Brave, Inside Out, and The Good Dinosaur. She was the Development Producer on several animated features at Paramount Animation and was the Co-Executive Producer for Curious George for the TV series and animated feature films. 

Most recently, Lorien was the Showrunner for the Emmy-winning YouTube/Kids at Play preschool show Tab Time. She’s written and developed for NBC, Hulu, Comedy Central, and Netflix. She adapted and will make her feature directorial debut with How to Set a Fire and Why, based on the novel by Jesse Ball. She has written two Red Raion projects and is in development on a third. She is currently in development on an animated project with Rideback and Titan1A producing based on the Zomben Comic books. 

Lorien is a Script Editor for Screen Australia (How to Please a Woman), Screen Queensland, and Screen Ireland. She is a mentor for the Cinestory Foundation and the Nostos Screenwriting Retreats. She received a BA in English Literature & Performing Arts and an MFA in Playwriting from St. Mary’s College of California where she taught as an Adjunct Professor in the English and Theater Departments. 

She is the co-host of the popular podcast The Screenwriting Life, along with screenwriter Meg LeFauve. 

Her favorite writing snacks are dill pickle chips and black licorice.

Monthly Table Reads

The Script Incubator meets on Zoom every third Monday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the group’s work, which includes TV pilots, features, shorts, and web series. For 2024, we are reviewing each other's work "table read" style, in which we will read aloud up to 3 script portions of 1-10 pages each. No homework! We are also seeking actors to bring the parts alive so the scriptwriters can hear their words aloud. Each Zoom session will be recorded so the screenwriter can go back and see what worked and what didn't. And all participants will be encouraged to give feedback and support each other during the meetings. 

PAST EVENTS

Pitch-A-Pro Night

Deadline to register is 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 23rd.

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, 7-9pm (Virtual on Zoom)

$15 WIFSFBA Members

$30 Non-members

Are you a screenwriter with a completed script or a director with a project looking for a producer? Are you a producer looking for a partner? Then come to our Pitch-A-Pro Night when you can present your 2–3-minute pitch to the producer or other industry professional of your choice in a Zoom breakout room (verbal pitches only with no digital visuals, please). If there is space and time, you may be able to pitch more than one executive. At the end of the evening, at least 3 lucky people will get a chance to pitch all of the professionals at once before the entire audience. Register quickly as there are only 10 slots per industry pro. If the limit is reached, you will be notified to choose a different pro or to get your money back. Deadline to register is 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 23rd.

David Greenberg

Producer/ Director/ Screenwriter at Gillder Frontier

8 SPOTS LEFT

Gary Rubin

Sales Agent and Consultant at GRC

9 SPOTS LEFT

Marc Manus

Producer and Talent Manager

3 SPOTS LEFT

Brett Takeshita

Creative Executive
and Filmmaker at Tubi

7 SPOTS LEFT

Mariah Hall

Creative Executive at Tubi

4 SPOTS LEFT

Antonia Roman

CEO at That's so Funny Entertainment

9 SPOTS LEFT

Brendan Kenney

Writer and Producer at Everyday Films

10 SPOTS LEFT

Jean Liu Christen Founder of 8C Entertainment

6 SPOTS LEFT

Rich Peluso

Executive Vice President and Head of Affirm Films

6 SPOTS LEFT

Nadya Panfilov

Literary Manager at Writ Large

1 SPOT LEFT

Industry Professionals to Pitch To:

DAVID GREENBERG'S (Producer/Director/Screenwriter at Gillder Frontier) feature producing, writing, and directing debut, Stomping Ground, premiered at The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival in 2016 and is being distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures. In spring 2021, David co-produced the feature Seclusion, which came out in 2023. He and the other producers at Gillder Frontier are currently reviewing screenplays for their next production. With over 60 screenwriting credits to his name, he specializes in producing, writing, directing, and watching ultra-low-budget indie films. 

LOOKING FOR: Ultra-low-budget screenplays and genre material -- horror, crime, drama, and offbeat comedy. 

GARY RUBIN, domestic film sales agent & indie film consultant, has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of film distribution and acquisitions, and he has worked for such companies as:

He recently started GRC, a sales agency and consulting company, where among many titles, he and his clients are responsible for the success of the self-distributed 2022 theatrical release of the acclaimed documentary, The Automat, now found on HBOMAX.

He also provides consulting and coaching services for projects in early stages. In addition, he consults with candidates for self-distribution. Note: he does not provide notes on scripts.

LOOKING FOR: GRC offers content sales, distribution sales and strategy, and consulting on all phases of production and distribution. Looking for films that are high-end festival candidates, or have been through the festival circuit and are still looking for a buyer; in addition, projects looking for distribution and producers looking for finance and distribution strategy for their projects. More info here: 

https://www.grconsultingcareercoaching.com 

Genres include: thriller, action, comedy, black comedy, prestige drama, documentaries, select foreign films. Some animation. No horror.

MARC MANUS is a former award-winning photojournalist who attended USC film school before entering the field of artist representation. His first job was with manager Cathryn Jaymes, who represented Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino, among others. Over the last twenty years, Marc has held positions at various management companies including Zero Gravity (Netflix’s OZARK) and, most recently, World Builder Entertainment (DreamWorks Animation’s TROLLS franchise) as a founding partner. Now at Persistent, Marc continues to guide a select roster of creators from around the globe who have book, film and television projects at the major networks, streamers and studios. His credits as a producer include JOSIE, starring Sophie Turner, and the forthcoming horror-thriller DON’T MOVE, alongside Sam Raimi (EVIL DEAD) and Hammerstone Studios (BARBARIAN). 

LOOKING FOR: Features and TV pilots in the action, horror, thriller, or sci-fi genres.

BRETT TAKESHITA is a Los Angeles-based creative executive and filmmaker who received a B.A. in Film & Television Production, and a minor in Film, Television & Media Studies from Loyola Marymount University. After graduation, he freelanced for 3 years by producing, directing, and writing wild comedies before switching gears and serving as a Junior Executive in Original Programming at Hallmark Media. Across their 3 channels, he helped oversee nearly 40 films through development, production, and postproduction. 

He currently serves as Original Content Manager at Tubi, where he has shepherded over 60 projects to fruition, including the #1 Originals’ franchise THE STEPMOTHER and the cult adult animated series THE FREAK BROTHERS (Pete Davidson, Tiffany Haddish, Woody Harrelson). He is excited about his multiple upcoming releases this year including gritty western THE THICKET (Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis) and the fresh NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD reboot called FESTIVAL OF THE LIVING DEAD (Camren Bicondova, Andre Anthony).

LOOKING FOR: Younger skewing features (Gen Z space/18-24). Genre projects like comedy, thriller, horror, action, sci-fi, etc. No slow burn dramas. Female-led and diverse stories are highly welcomed! Also open to published book-to-screen projects.

MARIAH HALL is a creative executive at Tubi focused on sourcing new projects and the development of titles in the current slate. She has touched thousands of projects across her time at Tubi, and has had the pleasure of building the Originals slate from the ground up from pitch through delivery as one of the two founding members on the team. She has worked previously in production (Tubi, Marvel, QC Entertainment), international and domestic acquisitions (Tubi, Myriad Pictures), domestic sales (Cineverse), film festival programming (Tallgrass Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival), and has dabbled in producing her own projects after graduating from Chapman University with a degree in Creative Producing and Business.

She’s passionate about helping underrepresented filmmakers as best she can behind the scenes with her business-minded background and driving them to audiences who would appreciate their creative vision. While she loves projects of all genres and scopes, the way to her heart is through great comedic timing and character-driven stories.

LOOKING FOR: Younger skewing features (Gen Z space/18-24). Genre projects like comedy, thriller, horror, action, sci-fi, etc. No slow burn dramas. Female-led and diverse stories are highly welcomed! Also open to published book-to-screen projects.

ANTONIA ROMAN is the CEO at That's So Funny Entertainment, a production company that brings creative ideas to life through Film, TV, Audio and Theater. Her credits include the Show Talent-Talent Show, Boricua in the House, Colorblind and Lose to Win to name a few. She is also an author, producer, director and has a background in the music industry.

LOOKING FOR: We are currently looking for FAITH BASED Feature scripts along with Comedic/Dramatic TV Series PILOTS. Also open to published book-to-screen projects.

BRENDAN KENNEY is a Los Angeles based writer and producer who previously worked as a development executive for Bruna Papandrea's and Reese Witherspoon's production company Pacific Standard. He’s most recently started his own production company Everyday Films. As a producer he has projects set up with Fifth Season, Made Up Stories, Clubhouse Pictures, Flower Films and John Wells Productions. Most recently Brendan served as a producer on Justin Chon’s feature film JAMOJAYA that made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The short film INVINCIBLE directed by Vincent René-Lortie has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2024 Oscars. He is currently in pre-production on a feature film starring Mary-Louise Parker and Phillip Ettinger called GALILEE that will be directed by Jesse Harris.

LOOKING FOR: I’m looking for rom-coms or feature thrillers in the vein of FAIR PLAY or FATAL ATTRACTION.

JEAN LIU CHRISTEN, a former publishing executive, is a L.A.-based producer and writer, regarded for championing artists and respected for keeping an eye on the bottom line. Her company, 8C Entertainment, has a slate of projects representing valuable IPs by New York Times bestselling authors and screenplays by Emmy winners. Jean refined her eye for fresh content and original voices in story development with companies like Mandeville, The Gotham Group, and Entertainment Lab. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and balancing the importance of the creative process with the practicality of commercial success, makes Jean a sought-after producer.

LOOKING FOR: Jean is looking for feel-good, family-friendly film and TV projects in the vein of Hallmark or Lifetime.

RICH PELUSO is Executive Vice President and Head of AFFIRM Films, AFFIRM Television and AFFIRM Originals for Sony Pictures Entertainment. In this role, he oversees development, production, acquisition and distribution of faith-based and inspirational film and TV content. His recent credits as studio executive include the 2023 films JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, BIG GEORGE FOREMAN, BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW and 5000 BLANKETS, and the new Kendrick Brothers’ film, THE FORGE, releasing August 2024.

LOOKING FOR: He is looking for faith-based/inspirational/family content - both broad theatrical and scripted series.

NADYA PANFILOV is a literary manager at Writ Large, an LA-based entertainment management and production company that specializes in writers, directors, and actors in film and television. Nadya started at Writ-Large as an assistant where she quickly rose through the ranks.

Before working at Writ Large, Nadya worked in the TV department at  Parkes+MacDonald where she started out as an intern and climbed her way to a Coordinator under their first look deal with Universal Studios. While at Parkes+MacDonald she helped sell two shows to NBC, one to STARZ and the last project she had the honor of working on is pending release from Amazon.

Nadya was born in Uzbekistan and has spent the last twenty years trying to figure out how to fit into the microcosm of the United States. Her saving grace was film & television and went on to graduate from Chapman University with a degree in Screenwriting.

LOOKING FOR: I am open to action, thrillers, high concept comedies, female led action, writers from ex-Soviet countries, film & TV. Grounded genre, procedurals/prestigurals, ongoing horror. No limited, no period.

WIFSFBA Wednesday Winedown

🍷 Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinematic camaraderie at the inaugural WIFSFBA Wednesday Winedown! 🎬

📅  Date: Wednesday, April 17 🕡 Time: Starting at 6:30 p.m.

📍 Location: The Scarlet Fox, 1690 Hayes Street, San Francisco

Hosted by WIFSFBA's own Kristin Tièche, Executive Producer & Creative Director, this monthly event promises an enchanting escape into the world of film and friendship.

🍇 Indulge in the cozy ambiance of The Scarlet Fox, a women/LGBTQ owned wine bar nestled in the vibrant NoPa neighborhood.

🥂 Let the evening unfold organically as there's no agenda – just good company, great wine, and the opportunity to forge new cinematic connections.

🎥 Don't miss out on the chance to mingle with fellow film enthusiasts and let filmic friendships blossom!

No registration required – simply drop in and join us for an evening of cinematic bliss. See you there!

PBS Independent Lens with Lois Vossen

Join Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA) for an exclusive conversation with Lois Vossen, founding executive producer of Independent Lens on PBS!

When: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 am-12:30 pm PST
Where:  Zoom
Cost: $5 WIFSFBA Members; $20 Non-Member
Register @ wifsfba.org/events

*Consider becoming a WIFSFBA Member for $60 to receive dozens of invitations annually to free events, deep discounts for all WIFSFBA paid events, and many more benefits!

This is a rare opportunity to meet a true industry leader and gain insight into the world of documentary filmmaking. With an impressive track record that includes numerous Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Academy Award nominations, the esteemed Lois Vossen has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of non-fiction storytelling. Don't miss the chance to engage with a pioneer in the field and learn from her wealth of experience. This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about the art of documentary filmmaking and the power of storytelling. 

 

Attendees will learn to:

●      successfully submit to Public Television

●      identify favored documentary formats

●      understand current programming trends

The Trouble with Jessica

Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area is excited to partner with Cinequest film festival for a mixer + British star studded comedy The Trouble with Jessica!

 

When: Saturday, March 16

●      Mixer: 5:30pm 

●      Film Screening: 7:15 pm

Where:  California Theater, 345 S. First St., San Jose, California

Cost:

● Free tickets available for WIFSFBA members (limited # of tickets available, claim your tickets before they’re gone!). Please email bod-admin@wifsfba.org with the subject line “Trouble with Jessica” and the following info to request free tickets:


● Non-Member tickets / Additional tickets $14. Price of 2 non-member tickets = half of a $60 one year WIFSFBA membership.

*Consider becoming a WIFSFBA Member for $60 to receive dozens of invitations annually to exclusive free events, deep discounts for all WIFSFBA paid events, and many more benefits!

About The Trouble with Jessica: 

A brilliant comedy about a successful London couple who face the moral dilemma of their lives when an uninvited dinner guest does the unthinkable.

 

Sarah (Henderson) and Tom (Tudyk) are a married couple in terrible financial trouble. On the brink of losing everything, they’ve managed to find a buyer for their stylish London home. When their best friends Richard (Sewell) and Beth (Williams) come round for a final dinner, an uninvited old friend, Jessica (Varma), tags along.

 

After a seemingly trivial argument, Jessica hangs herself in the garden. Tom goes to call the police when Sarah realizes if the buyer finds out, the sale will collapse, meaning definite financial ruin for their family. The only solution - to convince Richard and Beth to take Jessica’s body to her flat and make it look like she killed herself there. If they’re clever enough about it, what could possibly go wrong?

 

Starring Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter, The Mandalorian, Meek’s Cutoff), Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Resident Alien, Rogue One, I Robot), Rufus Sewell (The Illusionist, The Diplomat, The Man in the High Castle, Dark City), Olivia Williams (The Crown, The Sixth Sense, An Education, Rushmore), and Indira Varma (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Game of Thrones).

It's time for a Networking Mixer!

If you're already coming to The Trouble with Jessica screening at the California Theatre on March 16th, come a little early and meetup with fellow filmmakers and friends of WIFSFBA at a great spot half a block from the theatre. 

Note: it is not required to attend the film screening to attend the meetup.  

Where:  SoFA Market  387 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA       

When:  5:30-7:00 p.m.

FREE PARKING! San Jose now offers 90 minutes FREE parking for all customers entering ParkSJ’s main downtown garages at Third Street, Third & Santa Clara, Fourth Street, Second & San Carlos and Market & San Pedro Square.

We've reserved a group of SoFA tables so you can sit and catch up with old friends, have a bite of dinner, and maybe meet someone to collaborate with on a new project. There is a delightful array of eateries located inside this colorful downtown San Jose establishment -- for more info on food choices, click here. Sounds like a great way to connect with each other. Hope to see you there!

Please register so we know how many people to expect. You may also bring guests. Besides eating and talking, we'll also be holding a drawing for some cool prizes!   

Some General info about Cinequest:

The Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival will take place March 7-17th at the spectacular California Theatre and Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose. Returning to its palatial San Jose venues and flagship time of year, the program is a testament to Cinequest's 2024 theme of "Uplift" through the potent combination of innovation, the arts, and community.

Cinequest will unveil 217 films from 37 countries — chock-full of comedies, inspiring artistry, and diversity of culture and thought. Cinequest’s groundbreaking AI Town Hall (pre-launching the festivities on March 6th) will bring AI luminaries together to address the powers and mitigate the pitfalls of AI for communities and the world of creativity. 

Check for the Line-up, individual tickets, and passes at www.cinequest.org.

Virtual Hangout

We’ve been invited to ‘hangout’ online with our East Coast friends and colleagues from New York Women In Film and Television at a speed networking mixer!         

DATE:        Wednesday, February 7, 2024

TIME:        6:30 – 8 PM ET / 3:30 – 5 PM PT

PLATFORM:  Zoom 

FREE to attend.             

Come ready to share creative ideas, suggestions, and contact info for further engagement. 

The evening will begin with a ten-minute salon conversation to discuss WIFSFBA’s latest opportunities and initiatives, followed by about 90 minutes of speed networking, during which you will be randomly paired off with other attendees to network one-on-one.

NYWIFT hangouts are a safe space to ask entertainment related questions, seek advice, employment and other industry opportunities. Prep your elevator pitch and get ready to make connections, mix and mingle!

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, February 7th at 3 PM ET in order to attend. All registrants will receive a link from NYWIFT to attend the webinar the day of the event.  


About New York Women in Film and Television:

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) connects, educates, and advocates for women to accelerate diversity in media. As the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York, NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers.

NYWIFT is part of a network of more than 60 women in film organizations worldwide, representing more than 15,000 members. NYWIFT produces over 50 innovative programs and special events annually, including the Muse Awards for Vision and Achievement, which honors women in front of and behind the camera.

You Can’t Always Fix It In Post 

Join Jack Lerner from UCI Law Clinic as he reveals the top ten legal pitfalls filmmakers face during production.

Wednesday, January 24th, 5:00-6:30 PM, PST

Virtual Event over Zoom 

WIFSFBA Members: Free!

General Public: $10

For many indie filmmakers, just getting their story told requires total fixation on overcoming all obstacles—which can often turn into shooting first and asking permission later. But in the heat of the creative process, it’s easy to forget that the complexities of film production can become a legal minefield. In this essential talk with attorney Jack Lerner, avoid the traps, pitfalls, and common mistakes many filmmakers make all the way from preproduction to distribution. 

Members may attend this workshop for free! The general public may attend for the low price of $10.

Jack Lerner  is a clinical professor of law and the director of the Intellectual Property, Arts, & Tech Clinic at the UC Irvine School of Law. 

In 2016, Professor Lerner received the California Lawyer Attorney of the Yearaward for his work helping filmmakers and authors.

Holiday Social at Uno Dos Tacos in
San Francisco

Come and join us for our upcoming, in-person Holiday Mixer at the Uno Dos Tacos in San FranciscoThursday, December 14th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Open to our members and non-members alike! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with other Bay Area filmmakers.  We hope to see you there! 


Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023

Time: 5-7 PM PT

Location: Uno Dos Tacos - 595 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

Conversations and Connections: 

Navigating Self-Distribution

We invite you to join us as a distinguished panel of filmmakers experienced in self-distribution share their stories, insights, and practical advice. Let's empower each other and shape the future of independent filmmaking!


Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 12-1:30 PM PT

Location: Zoom

Panelists: Mye Hoang, Lisa Hurwitz & Basil Shadid

Attention all Self-Distributing Filmmakers! Are you a filmmaker passionate about taking control of your work and exploring alternative methods of content creation and distribution? We have an exciting event coming up that you won't want to miss!


Introducing "Conversations and Connections: Navigating Self-Distribution," a gathering designed to bring together like-minded filmmakers who are eager to share their experiences and insights on the complexities of self-distribution. Our aim is to create an empowering space where knowledge is exchanged, connections are made, and inspiration thrives. We invite you to join us as a distinguished panel of filmmakers experienced in self-distribution share their stories, insights, and practical advice. From leveraging digital platforms to building grassroots marketing campaigns, we will explore the innovative approaches that have helped filmmakers reach wider audiences and achieve their creative goals.


Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 12-1:30 PM PT

Location: Zoom

Panelists: Mye Hoang, Lisa Hurwitz & Basil Shadid

REGISTER  HERE!

Let's empower each other and shape the future of independent filmmaking!

Mye Hoang is a Los Angeles-based film producer and director. Her documentary directorial debut Cat Daddies (2021) screened in film festivals around the world such as Seattle, Hawaii, Big Sky, while winning awards at Dallas, Newport Beach, and Tallgrass. The film also received theatrical distribution in the US, Canada, Poland, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Russia and more. As a producer, her filmography includes the award-winning noir thriller Man From Reno (Best Feature, LA Film Festival & Spirit Award nominee 2015) and I Will Make You Mine by Lynn Chen (SXSW 2020). Mye is also the founder and former Executive Director of the Asian Film Festival of Dallas, and the former Artistic Director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival. She has a BA in Cinema from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX where she was born and raised.  She is currently in post-production on her second documentary feature.

Trailer:  https://www.catdaddiesmovie.com/

Director and Producer of The Automat (Telluride 2021, DOC NYC 2021), Lisa Hurwitz self-distributed the film through her production turned distribution company A Slice of Pie Productions. It grossed $250k in U.S. box office, played for 5 consecutive months in NYC, and is arguably the most successful theatrically self-distributed documentary in the U.S. since before the pandemic.

Basil Shadid is a film, commercial, and content producer with 20 years of experience. His film work includes Academy Award nominated, Emmy winning, and Audience award winning films.

When: October 14th, 11-12:30pm PT

FREE Virtual Event

A joint effort by the Intuitive Writing Project (TIWP) and Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA), the Young Women Writers Screenwriting Contest aims to uplift young women and non-binary people in film. By promoting and running this contest, WIFSFBA and TIWP have created a space where young screenwriters can feel empowered in their writing. The contest falls into two parts: a screenwriting contest, and a subsequent panel event run by WIFSFBA. The top three scripts selected from the contest are then passed on to the event panelists, all of whom are WIFSFBA members and professional filmmakers, producers, and writers. During the event, the screenwriters will read their scripts aloud to the panelists and audience and then will be given feedback by the panelists. At the end, audience members will be able to ask the panelists questions. Because of WIFSFBA's involvement, young women screenwriters are connected with established and experienced women in the industry and have a chance to learn and grow in their own right.

When: October 15th, 2pm-3pm PT

FREE Virtual Event


Honoring this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to join us for a virtual chat with Julie Rubio, President of Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA).  Julie is an accomplished award-winning filmmaker with over 15 awards to her name including the acclaimed "East Side Sushi" available on HBO, Peacock, Amazon Prime and more.  Discover Julie's inspiring journey in the film industry and secrets to her success, the challenges she's overcome, and how she's making a difference.  "A Conversation with Julie Rubio" provides a unique opportunity to connect with Indie filmmakers and learn more about Latino culture and its influence in the entertainment industry.

This March 23, 2023 at 7pm PST, Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area (WIFSFBA) is proud to present a live virtual event Conversations and Connections: with Joslyn Rose Lyons, featuring the award-winning director and impact producer and Oakland native, whose films have been featured on Showtime, BET, streaming platforms, and at film festivals nationally and throughout the world! 

Joining Joslyn on the panel will be the stars of her most recent award winning short, Butterfly Boxing: Hill Harper (ABC, The Good Doctor), J. Alphonse Nicholson (P. Valley, STARZ, series, including Mr. Nicholson, nominated for 6 NAACP Image Awards - winners to be revealed on Feb 25, 2023), Donald Lacy (ColorStruck) founder of the LoveLife Foundation (a youth violence prevention/media training program in Oakland, CA), and Kimberly Marie Olivier (SF Ballet). 

Also present will be the esteemed Butterfly Boxing executive producers Salena Rochester, Erika Conner,  Johanna Saldaña, and Producers Dominique Mouton, Alexa Rocero, Shania Banton!

Joslyn will share her journey and insights as a documentary and narrative filmmaker, producing media campaigns for films, and the success of her films being chosen to screen, and win, at international film festivals.  Joslyn is excited to share how she made her short film Butterfly Boxing as one of the most important steps along the way to its becoming a feature!  

Most recently Joslyn was given the Best Director award at the 7th edition of LA Independent Women Film Awards for her Butterfly Boxing!

Our conversation will also explore Joslyn’s work as the producer on the upcoming doc TALE OF THE TAPE with producing partners Malik Buie and Kim Osario, which takes an unabashed look at the role The Mixtape played during the growth of Hip Hop music from the 1970's to now with Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, and Big Sean, DJ Clue, Kid Capri, Mobb Deep, DJ Envy, DJ Drama, J. Cole, slated for release in Summer 2023.


PRESS


AWARDS

ROOT OF EVIL

FACING EVIL WITH YVETTE GENTILE AND RASHA PECORARO

We’re excited to have Yvette Gentile and Rasha Pecoraro join us for a speaker event through WIFSFBA on April 20th! 

Sisters Yvette Gentile and Rasha Pecoraro are primarily recognized as the co-hosts of the wildly popular podcast “Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia,” a 2020 iHeartRadio ‘True Crime Podcast of the Year’ nominee. The dark story of their mother Fauna Hodel’s life garnered the attention of superstar Chris Pine (Star Trek, Wonder Woman, Dungeons & Dragons), actress India Eisley (Underworld: Awakening, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) and award-winning director Patty Jenkins (Monster, Wonder Woman) and became a six-episode TNT limited television series I Am the Night, which premiered in January 2019. Yvette and Rasha were on set just 6 weeks after losing their beautiful mother to breast cancer at the end of 2017. The sisters were a part of the filming process throughout 2017 and 2018, and were asked to host Root of Evil, which was the companion podcast to I Am the Night. The podcast was created, directed, and written by Emmy Award winning documentarian Zak Levitt of Cadence13. 

Gentile and Pecoraro are currently hosting a new weekly podcast from Tenderfoot TV and iHeart Radio called “Facing Evil.” In their latest venture, the siblings bring their unique perspective of growing up in a family with a dark history to true crime with a focus on the victims and individuals at the heart of the stories and moving onward and upward. 

 “If we can make a difference and teach others how we can be better human beings by doing good in the world, we will have achieved everything our mother stood for,” says the pair. “Our goal for this show is to find a light in the darkness and to bring awareness to those stories that are as deserving of the attention that our family has received. By shining light on these other stories of evil, we strive to foster hope and healing.” 

Outside of podcasting, Gentile is also an actor, model, and sandal designer with her husband Gino. She is an avid yogi and marathon runner who trains and practices classes specific to individuals confronting distress and long-term grief and pain. She splits her time between her hometown of Hawaii, San Francisco and Italy.

Pecoraro was a fierce competitor on “The Biggest Loser” in 2006. Since then, she’s advocated for beauty at any size as a plus size model and married her wife Vanna in 2010. She is a proud LGBTQ+ advocate and activist, mother, as well as an actor and voiceover artist. She resides near Portland but remains a forever native of Honolulu.