The air is crisp, and the winds of change are blowing strong with pumpkin spice everything as we move into fall. Attending Gotham Week and the 62 New York Film Festival, we couldn’t shake the feeling that we’re witnessing a renaissance—this generation of filmmakers carries the energy of the greats before them. Just like past movements, we’re seeing the perfect storm of a cultural shift, innovation, and community building. These artists are the change agents of our time—pushing boundaries, exploring new platforms, and reshaping how we consume stories.

This issue is packed with resources and events that reflect this exciting moment in independent cinema.

Here’s a look at how they’re doing it and what’s happening in the indie film world this month.

MiFILM Team

Last month, we launched Make News, a showcase dedicated to amplifying the voices of 11 groundbreaking filmmakers in both LA and NYC. But the journey doesn’t stop at the screenings. We’re committed to delving deeper into the stories behind the films and bringing their creative journeys to the forefront. Introducing our first-ever Make NewsPaper, a seasonal publication where we’ll feature the filmmakers and artists who are making waves. This fall, take the opportunity to explore their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs as they navigate the ever-changing film landscape. Make sure to stay tuned as we continue to showcase these bold voices.

Partnership Opportunities: NYFF62 Ticket Offers

We’re excited to announce our exclusive partnership with NYFF62! We’ve teamed up with them to offer our community discounted access to some of the best screenings this season. Use the code NYFF62FRIEND to grab $10 tickets or access free screenings for select films. Whether you’re looking to explore indie films that align with your vision or simply enjoy a good movie, this offer is for you.

Grants & Resources

Fuel your passion projects with these key grants and residency opportunities:

Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies: DocX Residency (Deadline: Oct 14)
A month-long residency in Durham, NC, offering $20,000 each to 3-5 fellows for documentary projects in a pivotal stage of development. Fellows will also get access to Duke University resources and the 2025 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

NYC Winter Film Awards International Film Festival
Deadline: October 18, 2024

This festival showcases emerging filmmakers in all genres from around the world. All selected films are screened at New York City’s Cinema Village.

California Documentary Project Grants
Deadline: November 4, 2024

The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports documentary film, audio, and digital media productions that explore California. Funding is available in three categories: Research and Development Grants up to $15,000, Production Grants up to $50,000, and DP NextGen Grants up to $15,000.

Artistic Production Grant
Deadline: November 4, 2024

VIA Art Fund is accepting letters of inquiry (LOIs) for their Artist Production grant program. The grant awards individual artists, nonprofit organizations, and institutions $25,000-100,000 in support of new artistic commissions that take place outside museum or gallery walls, within the public realm, or in nontraditional exhibition environments. Project must have a confirmed exhibition venue.

Women’s Studio Workshop Residencies
Rosendale, New York
Deadline: November 15, 2024

Women’s Studio Workshop offers Studio, Residency, Art-in-Education Artist’s Book, Artist’s Book, Artist’s Book for Indigenous Artists, and Research Publication Residencies for women and trans, intersex, nonbinary and gender-fluid visual artists. Their studios are located in the foothills of the Hudson Valley’s Shawangunk Mountains.

Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATE! We’re thrilled to host a FREE Virtual Office Hours session with indie film distribution legend Jon Reiss on October 18th at 12 PM (EST). For over 15 years, Jon has been guiding filmmakers through the complexities of distribution, helping them craft individualized strategies for success. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned industry vet, this session will provide you with actionable insights on creating customized distribution plans and connecting your film with its ideal audience.

📅 When: October 18th, 12 PM - 1:30 PM (EST)
📍 RSVP Here
📅 Cost: Free!

Don't miss out!