Halfway through the Year Already? Catch Up on What's Happening at MIFILM!

From wildfires, poor air quality, WGA Strike, and the U.S Supreme Court reversing affirmative action we continue to navigate through the challenges to improve the overall quality of life for historically marginalized communities.

At Minorities in Film, we’re tired, but we remain committed to promoting diverse voices and perspectives in the film industry, especially during these difficult times. Our team is always on the lookout for new ways to support filmmakers and make a positive difference in their everyday lives.

So, we’re mobilizing on the ground, taking over your radiowaves, and attending more festivals (some of us are creating our own!). That's why we're currently seeking volunteers to join our team and help us expand our reach even further. If you're interested in getting involved, don't hesitate to drop us a line at [email protected]

And get ready, because our waitlist is opening up this Summer. This is your chance to join a community of filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, and creative disruptors who share a passion for art and the people that create it.

But wait, there's more! Our latest podcast, Microbudget Indie Filmmakers Podcast, is making waves and reaching audiences worldwide. Our upcoming episode, The Art of AI, features a special guest and a filmmaker's guide for all things AI.

We are grateful for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Keep reading for more resources and news.

Have a great weekend,
The MiFILM Team

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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ronald Thomas Hinton and Queer Voices: NYC

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Ronald Thomas Hinton, a filmmaker and advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in the film industry. Ronald has recently launched Queer Voices: NYC (QVNYC), a three-day film festival that celebrates and centers LGBTQIA+ filmmakers of color.

This Fall, QVNYC will be hosted at the historic Gay Center in Manhattan's West Village. The festival's programming will include Short Films, Documentaries, Feature Films, and Episodics that honor the diverse and inclusive experiences of the Queer-BIPOC community. At its core, QVNYC is rooted in social justice and equity. The festival aims to empower both artists and audiences through its exceptional catalog of films, live panels, and talkbacks.

We are excited to see Ronald's vision come to life and look forward to experiencing the powerful stories and perspectives that QVNYC will showcase. Join us in celebrating Ronald Thomas Hinton and the Queer Voices: NYC film festival! Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights from Minorities in Film.

SUBMISSIONS OPEN NOW UNTIL AUGUST 20th, 2023

Submit Here https://filmfreeway.com/QueerVoicesNewYorkCity

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OPPORTUNITIES

SFFILM Documentary Film Fund

Late Deadline: June 30th

The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has distributed more than $900,000 to advance new work by filmmakers nationwide.

DFF grants are awarded once each year to documentary feature projects and are open to filmmakers internationally. Individual grant amounts and the number of grants made will be determined on an annual basis. As with all SFFILM grants, in addition to the cash awards, recipients will gain access to numerous benefits through the comprehensive and dynamic SFFILM Makers artist development program.

IKEA Artist In Residence:  Mentorship With Annie Leibovitz 

Deadline: June 30th

In partnership with renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz as the first IKEA Artist in Residence, IKEA presents IKEA Artist in Residence: Mentorship with Annie Leibovitz. This is a unique opportunity for a small group of aspiring photographers from around the world to be mentored by Leibovitz and IKEA. The selected mentees will be set the same creative task that IKEA has given Leibovitz: to interpret insights from the annual IKEA Life at Home Report through the lens of a camera.

Roy W Dean Film Grant - Summer

Deadline: July 1st

Now entering its fourth decade, the Roy W. Dean Film Grants fund independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films with budgets of $500,000 or less that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made. For additional information on awards for specific grants, please visit their website.

Queer Art Illuminations Grant

Deadline: July 12, 2023

This annual $10,000 grant will support Black trans women visual artists, drawing attention to an existing body of work. Four finalists will also receive a $1,250 award. Winning artists will receive additional professional development resources and further guidance to bolster their creative development in the field.

The Winter Film Awards International Film Festival (WFA) 

Deadline: September 5th, 2023 (Early Bird Submissions Deadline)

The WFA International Film Festival announces a Call for Entries for its 12th Annual celebration of independent film, to be held February 21-25 2024 in New York City. Filmmakers from around the world will travel to NYC to attend the Festival’s ten days of film screenings, educational panels, professional development workshops and industry networking after-parties, which will conclude with a glittering awards ceremony to be held on February 25, 2024.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their latest work via FilmFreeway.

Submit Here: https://filmfreeway.com/WFA 

Minorities in Film members - Use code WFA24GRPD20 to take 20% off fees!

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ICYMI

Are you looking for inspiration and practical advice for your next microbudget indie film? Look no further than the Microbudget Indie Film Podcast, where we feature experts and filmmakers who share their tips, tricks, and insights for making the most out of limited resources.

Stream and listen now on your favorite podcast platform and take your filmmaking skills to the next level!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

📍 NYC - July 21st at 6 PM - Show Me The Money

Join us for an interactive community hang where you'll learn budgeting tips & tricks for short films and digital content. Share practical insights, collaborate with other creatives, and bring your projects to life.

This is our third event, of a series of ongoing events with Somewhere Good, a platform to find and create hangouts at cool spots nearby.