A 2017 USC Annenberg report stated that out of 900 recent films studied, only 4.1 % were directed by women. This gender disparity is a big problem that limits employment opportunities for women and robs viewers of stories told from the female perspective. We are directly funding the change needed!

 

Here's how the film production process will work:

- With your help, raise $2,500 through July 18th via this Seed&Spark Campaign.

- Issue a request for proposal from local female filmmakers about their film on July 19th.

- Begin film project evaluations on August 20th.

- Award the full $5,000 short film production fund on September 3rd.*

- Film completion deadline by August 1, 2019.

- World Premiere of film October 10-13, 2019.

 

BendFilm believes film has a unique power to unite communities and inspire action. And the film industry itself is in desperate need of change-especially in regard to celebrating the work of emerging female artists. Through a matching $2,500 grant from Oregon's Roundhouse Foundation, we are inviting you to join us in creating the change that is needed. Together, we can give one deserving, local woman filmmaker an incredible opportunity to produce a short film that will also screen at the 16th Annual BendFilm Festival in October 2019. By eliminating the financial burden of making a short film, this talented and promising emerging filmmaker will be able to focus on the production and artistic content. The film will be shot in Central Oregon as a way to celebrate the natural beauty of our region while supporting talented local crew and businesses. We need your help in fostering the career of the next disrupter in this artform!

 

*This $2,500 Seed&Spark Campaign needs to be successful to fully fund the project!

 

About BendFilm

BendFilm hosts an annual independent film festival as well as year-round film exhibitions and programs. The organization is designed to support and nourish filmmakers and enrich the cultural life of Central Oregon while also providing an economic benefit to the region. Celebrating its 15th year, BendFilm is proud to bring diverse voices and visions to the Bend community. The BendFilm Festival runs every October in downtown Bend, Oregon, at The Oxford, McMenamins - Old St. Francis, Regal Cinemas, Tin Pan Theater, The Volcanic Theater, Cascades Theatrical Company, and the historic Tower Theatre. Make plans now to attend (October 11-14, 2018) for four days of inspiring independent cinema, panels and parties, in beautiful Bend, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer lovers and stunning natural scenery. BendFilm is made possible by a dedicated crew of volunteers and generous sponsors. For more information, call (541) 388-3378 or visit www.bendfilm.org.