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the Women's Film Institute

9/28/2013

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Hello Film Fans, 

Thank you for being a supporter of the Women's Film Institute.  I write because I know you're a big fan of having more women dircting films and more female presence in cinema globally. WFI has a long history of facilitating media analysis workshops for young women. In 2006, WFI launched Generation HERstory as an active and collaborative approach to fostering the next generation of media makers. WFI offers the Generation HERstory intensive filmmmaking and mentoring workshop free of charge to at-risk women from low-income backgrounds in the San Franciso Bay Area. The next workshop will be held on Saturdays throughout the month of November 2013.  Films created by youth in the workshop will premiere at the 9th Annual San Francisco International Women's Film Festival (March 2013).

To make it happen this year, we need your help! We received a matching grant of $2,000 to go toward funding the workshop. I'm asking you to help us today by donating $50, $100, $250 or $500 to help us reach our goal and make this workshop possible. Your gift of $100, for example, becomes $200. We have very little time to raise the necessary funds to receive the matching grant, and hope you will consider making a donation today. If we don't reach our goal by Oct. 5th the matching grant will expire.

Your contribution places a camera into the hands of a girl who needs her voice heard! We want to be sure we don't have to turn anyone away due to limited means.

Support Generation HERstory today: http://www.womensfilminstitute.com/donate


Here's what some of our alumni have to say about their experience collaborating

with Generation HERstory:

 

"Generation HERstory gave me the drive to follow my goals. The program helped me realize exactly what I wanted to do with my life." - Chiah Connolly

“I was able to not only get my first hands-on experience with filmmaking, but also work

with people who had far more filmmaking experience. Generation HerStory also allowed

me to share my work in a festival, which was an empowering experience. WFI’s

Executive Director, Scarlett Shepard has continued to serve as a mentor even several

years later. Meeting Scarlett created so many opportunities for me. She has been a

constant inspiration and has helped me on my way to New York University to continue

studying filmmaking.” – Fifer Garbesi

 


Please help us secure this important funding for Generation HERstory—every single dollar counts! Your generous support to Generation HERstory makes stories like these possible.


Best, 
Scarlett Shepard
Executive Director   

9th Annual San Francisco International Women's Film Festival - Call For Entries     Women's Film Institute proudly presents its 9th annual San Francisco International Women's Film Festival (SFIWFF)! The festival will showcase a special program of shorts directed by women, to help commemorate Women's History Month. SFIWFF accepts films of all genres 20 minutes or less in length: narrative, documentary, experimental, animation and new media. Films must be directed or co-directed by women. Regular deadline: October, 15. Entry/WAB Fee: $40.

Submit your film: http://www.sfiwff.com   Film Screenings & Festivals 
October turns out to be an unexpectedly exceptional month for film screenings and film festivals.

Mill Valley Film Festival - Oct 3-13 http://www.mvff.com

LUNAFEST - Oct 10
http://www.lunafest.org/sanfrancisco

United Nations Film Festival - Oct 17-27
http://www.unaff.org/2013/

Symphony of the Soil screens at the Smith Rafael Film Center  - 10/2 http://ow.ly/oIaUN

  Highlights from the WFI Blog Catherine Deneuve to receive European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award  http://bit.ly/18lpRXL

Saudi's First Female Director Says Women Aren't Victims  http://bit.ly/14ShjmO

20 Directors to Watch - Dee Rees, Sarah Polley & More http://nyti.ms/19qV8aD

5 Tips for Filmmakers on How to Navigate the Film Festival World  http://bit.ly/1dPra2v
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PEACE ON EARTH FILM FESTIVAL, Chicago, Illinois - USA March 6 to 9, 2014

9/25/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 6th Annual Peace on Earth Film Festival (POEFF), honoring feature-length and short-form films that promote peace as a possibility in a world so often wrought with conflict. For years, POEFF has brought together filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels, sparking bold new ideas and peaceful solutions while helping to launch and nurture meaningful, enriching careers in big-screen storytelling. It all unfolds in Chicago, a city that regularly proves ideal for a celebration of diverse ideas and narratives about conflict resolution.

POEFF proudly stands with a mission of showcasing films that promote non-violence, social justice, and an eco-balanced planet. Topics addressed and discussed at POEFF are some of the most important of our time: human rights, food deserts, neighborhood violence, domestic abuse, bullying, world politics, climate change, and more. Filmmakers who participate in POEFF frequently return, year after year, not only because they have an interest in great films, but also because they have an interest in great people.

Several films at POEFF -- including Living for 32 and Admissions -- have subsequently made their way onto the shortlist at the Academy Awards and have secured expansive platforms on which to spread their respective messages. Last year's celebration included the U.S. debut of The Other Side of the Mountain, the first collaboration between the United States and North Korea -- and the debut film of writer-producer Joon Bai, a native of North Korea.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
October 1, 2013 - Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
POEFF is a not-for-profit film festival that amplifies awareness of peace as a possibility by celebrating and encouraging the work of peace-focused, independent filmmakers from around the world.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The POEFF is held at the Chicago Cultural Center, a prominent cultural showcase venue in Chicago's celebrated downtown theatre district. With a wide array of filmmaker panels, peacemaker panels, cultural and educational outreach programming, and networking opportunities, POEFF is a mission-focused festival truly unlike any other. Submit today and head to Chicago this March for a film festival experience that's sure to be unforgettable!

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festival updates!

9/25/2013

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This week brings you fast-approaching deadlines for Oscar-qualifying festivals, circuit gems, and rising events alike. Don't miss these big opps...explore the possibilities and submit today!
Circuit Gems:
- Miami International Film Festival
- RiverRun International Film Festival
- True/False Film Fest
- Byron Bay International Film Festival
Oscar Boosters:
- Cleveland International Film Festival
- Atlanta Film Festival
- Bermuda International Film Festival
- Foyle Film Festival
The 10th Annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF)
One of the most filmmaker-friendly festivals on the circuit, BIFF offers filmmakers superb hospitality, excellent exposure opportunities, and huge, enthusiastic audiences. Festival venues average 800 seats and over 90% of films screened are made by independent directors or producers. BIFF attracts over 20,000 film-lovers and industry each year, and has hosted some of film's most talented artists, including Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Oliver Stone, James Franco, Maria Bello, and William H. Macy. Exhibiting filmmakers enjoy complimentary luxurious accommodations and receive an exclusive Red Carpet All-Access VIP pass ($2,500 value) to the fest's legendary parties. The Late Deadline is October 1st. Submit today! Sundance 2014 Alert: The deadline for feature-length submissions has been extended
For up-and-coming filmmakers the world over, submitting to the Sundance Film Festival is an essential rite of passage and a critical step toward global recognition as a film artist. The Received-By Deadline for feature-length films has been extended to Friday, September 27th. For the opportunity of a lifetime, submit your film to Sundance Film Festival today!
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The 6th Annual Bay Area International Children's Film Festival, 2014

9/25/2013

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SAVE THE DATE
The 6th Annual Bay Area International Children's Film Festival is set to take place January 25 & 26, 2014 at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland. Block out your calendar for another fabulous weekend of quality family films, creative workshops for kids, and special Chabot activities!

SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Film submissions are open until October 31, 2013. 

Please visit our website to submit your film. We look for films that speak positively to children of diverse backgrounds and cultures, and provide strong role models for both boys and girls. We especially enjoy films that are culturally authentic, timely, and of universal appeal to young audiences. No entry fee required.

DONATE TO BAICFF BAICFF is a volunteer-run organization that relies on the generosity of people like you! Donations go a long way to helping us produce a wonderful event for families and children. Click HERE to donate now! Contributions are tax deductible.  
Chabot To host baicff 2014
We are thrilled to announce a partnership with the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland. The center will host BAICFF 2014 with a full-dome planetarium and Imax style theatre. Expect a fully immersive feel!
After 5 great years in Alameda, BAICFF has found a new home where it can spread its wings and host an exciting variety of educational activities and film screenings. Chabot Space & Science Center has been a community leader for decades, offering engaging STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Math) activities for all ages. Home to classes and exhibits that cater to both youth and adults, Chabot is poised to host BAICFF 2014.
"The Chabot Space and Science Center is a natural partner for BAICFF," said festival co-founder and Pixar story artist, Jim Capobianco. "Both organizations aim to educate and inspire children. We are thrilled to explore uncharted horizons and expand our education and film programming universe with the Chabot team." FILM ANNOUNCED!

In honor of our partnership with Chabot, we are going to the Moon! Thanks to our friends at Aardman Animations in Bristol, England, we will be screening the Academy Award nominated (and very first) Wallace and Gromit film, A Grand Day Out. Wallace and Gromit have run out of cheese, and this provides an excellent excuse for the animated duo to take their holiday on the moon where, as everyone knows, there is an ample supply of cheese.

More out-of-this-world film announcements coming soon!
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ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL, Ann Arbor, Michigan - USA March 25 to 30, 2014

9/25/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 52nd Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF), one of the most durable and longest-running film festivals in North America. Prominently featuring the work of independent artists making extraordinary feature-length and short-form films, AAFF encourages cinematic talents to cross boundaries, shatter expectations, and experiment with new storytelling concepts and techniques. The festival's focus is on filmmaking as an art form and not as a commercial property, and creating an exciting environment of creativity, rejuvenation, and imagination.

AAFF proudly provides at least $18,000 USD in cash awards, and winners of the festival's major awards (Best Narrative Film, Best Animated Film, Best Experimental Film, and Best of Festival) in the short film categories become qualified for Academy Award consideration. All participating filmmakers at AAFF enjoy stellar hospitality, including transport from the airport, host accommodations, and full VIP access to filmmaker dinners, after-parties, and other perks designed to enhance industry networking opportunities.

A pioneer in the art of the traveling film festival, AAFF enthusiastically takes many of its best tales on the road, screening select shorts in more than 35 cities, both within the United States and abroad. But that's not all: more than $20,000 in cash and film stock are up for grabs as career-boosting festival prizes, sponsored by many of the biggest names in the business. Gus Van Sant, Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Moore, Ken Burns, and other notable forces not only provide financial support for this high-profile festival, they also drop by to share their passions and expertise.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
October 7, 2013 - Official Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
AAFF is committed to the support of bold, visionary, independent filmmakers; to the advancement of film and new media; and to the engagement of communities with remarkable cinematic experiences.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
AAFF draws from a rich legacy of successful alumni and has screened the early works of George Lucas, Gus Van Sant, Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol, Chick Strand, Barbara Hammer, and even the new wave band Devo. For her extraordinary film, The Betrayal - Nerakhoon, director Ellen Kuras won the Best of Festival prize at AAFF not long before receiving an Academy Award nomination for the same film.

If you've got a great big-screen story to tell, Ann Arbor Film Festival is the place to see it soar. Submit today!

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ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL Atlanta, Georgia - USA  March 28 to April 6, 2014

9/25/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 38th Annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF), a prestigious, Academy Award-qualifying festival with a long-standing reputation for excellence. Over the 10-day extravaganza of parties, happy hours, hangouts and seminars, ATLFF screens 200 unforgettable films curated from 3,000 submissions. For nearly four decades, ATLFF has launched talented filmmakers toward career-advancing visibility that extends worldwide.

In recent years, ATLFF has expanded its range of exciting opportunities, introducing the New Mavericks, Women Directors program to highlight fantastic short films crafted by gifted female directors and the Pink Peach Award for Best LGBT Feature. The festival also strives to continue its relationships with filmmakers well beyond their celebration in Atlanta, promoting future projects through social media and advancing audience engagement with great films through an Airport Shorts program that reaches 10 million visitors a year.

Throughout it all, visitors to ATLFF enjoy countless opportunities to mix and mingle with industry professionals in an ever-expanding community that has included representatives from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, EUE/Screen Gems, Floyd Country Productions (home of FX's Archer), and more.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
October 4, 2013 - Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
ATLFF leads the community in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image. It works to develop the independent film lovers of the future through various screenings, networking events, and social media.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
ATLFF offers jury prizes in a variety of categories, including narrative, documentary, music video, and LGBT-related short-form projects. Winners of the festival's Narrative and Animated Short competitions automatically qualify for the Academy Awards shortlist. For many gifted storytellers, ATLFF marks only the beginning of a limitless and thrilling journey in cinema. Submit your best work today!

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ILLINOIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Chicago, Illinois - USA March 15 to 16, 2014

9/25/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 8th Annual Illinois International Film Festival (IIFF), welcoming gifted filmmakers to the Windy City for an unforgettable celebration that seeks to swiftly sweep them towards increased industry exposure. Offering a broad range of competitive categories -- including dramatic films, comedies, documentaries, horror, science-fiction, family films, and animation -- IIFF explores every imaginable form of big-screen storytelling and culls only the best submissions for global recognition.

In addition to its exceptional buffet of stellar cinema, IIFF excels at bringing together seasoned professionals and newly discovered voices, all with the aim of advancing careers and deepening perspectives. IIFF doesn't favor films with big budgets, impressive star power, or industry connections. Instead, it helps engineer industry connections for filmmakers who don't already have them. In short, IIFF is a filmmakers' film festival where talent, drive, and story enjoy prominence -- and where robust and exciting filmmaking careers are born and nurtured.

Just as important, the festival provides a formidable platform on which cinematic talents can screen their works before a diverse, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable audience. Throughout it all, the city of Chicago provides an ideal backdrop for total immersion in arts, culture, and limitless possibility.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 30, 2013 - Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
IIFF brings together audiences and filmmakers to better enjoy the art and fun of filmmaking. It offers filmmakers the opportunity to learn, grow, and exhibit their films, and it offers attendees films that will expand their knowledge of cinema while enhancing their appreciation of the filmmaking process.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
In addition to celebrating exceptional films, IIFF welcomes talented screen scribes to participate in its feature-length screenplay competition. The festival also includes a Student Films competition, exclusively for cineastes currently enrolled in an educational program. Submit today!

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Festival updates!

9/18/2013

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Check out this week's big opps, and don't let these rapidly approaching deadlines pass you by! Submit today...
Oscar-Qualifying Festivals:
- Sundance Film Festival
- Leeds International Film Festival
- Santa Barbara International Film Festival
- Nashville Film Festival
Opps for Screenwriters:
- Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition
- Cinequest Screenwriting Competition
- The Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays
New and Noteworthy:
- L.A. COMEDY SHORTS
- Rochester International Film Festival
- Rooftop Films
Sundance Alert: Last Call for 2014 Sundance Film Festival Submissions!
A major cultural force that continues to shape the exciting landscape of independent filmmaking in America and around the world, Sundance Film Festival stands as a mecca for unique voices perched on the cusp of worldwide acclaim. An Academy-qualifying festival with unbeatable pedigree, Sundance has launched the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Kevin Smith, David O. Russell, Ryan Coogler and Steven Soderbergh -- and continues to uncover the "next big thing," year after year after year. The Received-By Deadline for Short Films has been extended to Friday, September 20th and the Received-By Deadline for Feature-Length Films is Monday, September 23rd. Submit today!
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SAN DIEGO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL, California, USA January 30 to February 2, 2014

9/17/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 11th Annual San Diego Black Film Festival (SDBFF), aiming to advance worldwide exposure for big-screen stories that engage with and examine the black experience. All films honored at SDBFF must be directed by, produced by, or star an artist of African descent or focus on subject matter surrounding African or African-American culture. It's a celebration that focuses on stories, people, and passions that are too often unexplored or honored in mainstream filmmaking.

Competitive categories at SDBFF range from dramas and comedies to animations, music videos, religious films, and LGBT stories. Last year's award winners included a documentary chronicling the struggle of Muslim Americans in the face of prejudice (The Test of Freedom), a drama following a gospel quartet as they seek to help the homeless (Gospel Good, Gospel Bad, Gospel Ugly), and a comedy centering on a donut shop that will do anything to stay profitable (The Donut Shop).

Unfolding in one of California's most beloved cities, SDBFF is an ideal place to mix and mingle with other like-minded filmmakers while enjoying red carpet premieres, an exclusive breakfast gala, scintillating panel discussions, and an exciting awards dinner that honors an industry luminary.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 27, 2013 - Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
SDBFF provides a vehicle for worldwide exposure of quality African-American and African Diaspora films.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
SDFF takes place in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of the city, awash with shopping venues and electric nightlife. Submit your film to the San Diego Black Film Festival today, and take part in a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the power and possibility of the black experience!

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BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAl,  Australia February 28 to March 9, 2014

9/17/2013

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In the Spotlight today is the 8th Annual Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), an Australian oasis for some of today's most memorable films. A boutique festival characterized by remarkable hospitality and quality programming, BBFF includes seasoned film buyers among its panel of judges, seamlessly merging the art and business of cinematic storytelling while helping undiscovered talents find their deserved spotlights. Last year, BBFF welcomed both the Director of International Acquisitions at PBS and a representative from the acquisitions department of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Featuring an array of invitation-only networking events, stellar workshops and panels featuring industry professionals, and complimentary hotel accommodations for a select group of international filmmakers, BBFF is an exciting place to relax with new-found friends and to engage with eager film audiences. The festival benefits greatly from the full support of its community and now screens more than 200 films across five venues. The Full Moon Beachside Screening, which attracts more than 2,000 attendees and several special guests, is an annual highlight.

BBFF recognizes the bright future of big-screen storytelling by bestowing its Young Australian Filmmaker Award on an Australian filmmaker (aged 25 or younger) who has created an astonishing short film. Other competitive categories include Surf Films, Environmental Films, Music Videos, Animations, and Documentaries. In essence, BBFF films reflects the values, diversity, and excitement of its host community -- an unforgettable place to visit.

   

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 26, 2013 - Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Byron Bay International Film Festival screens a diverse program of films of all lengths and genres, many of which reflect the interests and values of Byron Bay's unique local community.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Much like Byron Bay itself, BBFF champions a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues, including human rights, diversity and multiculturalism, creativity, indigenous cultures, spirituality, healing, global health, conscious thinking and positive living, music, humor -- and, of course, surfing.

If any or all of these thrilling and community-oriented themes speak to you, submit your work today, and join the festivities in Byron Bay this February!

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