A new initiative to support female documentary filmmakers, the Women Filmmakers Technology & Art Gap Fund, will be launched during the BFI London Film Festival on October 11th.
The fund, led by Female Film Club, female-led film production company UNLEYEK and technology boutique 19.Studio, will provide £8,000 ($10,460) in gap funding to a feature-length documentary exploring the impact of technology on the art world. That’s what I’m aiming for.
The initiative comes amid continued concerns about gender disparities in the industry. A recent study by the European Audiovisual Observatory found that between 2019 and 2023, women made up just 24% of professionals in European film production, including British films.
“As a female independent producer, I see first-hand how difficult it is for independent films to succeed. In 2023, the total cost of producing film and premium TV in the UK will be £3.11 billion (£4.06 billion). However, only 10-15% of that goes to independent productions, with major studios controlling 80% of the spending. This leaves smaller projects competing for the scraps. Through this fund, we want to level the playing field by providing support and resources to female filmmakers and ensuring their voices are not drowned out by big-budget productions. ” said UNLEYEK CEO and Producer Martina Russo.
This fund is aimed at documentary filmmakers who are members of the Women’s Film Club (including members of our free networking space). Projects must focus on the intersection of technology and art.
Liza van der Smissen, co-founder of Female Film Club, said: We know this impacts not only the recipient, but also as a message to women around the world: We see you, and your work matters. ”
The fund is built on the four pillars of the Women’s Film Club: Skills, Mindset, Networks and Technology. “By partnering with the Tech & Art Gap Fund, we are empowering women to take advantage of these advances and realize their creative visions,” said Nicole Lieberman, co-founder of Female Film Club. states.
The fund will begin accepting applications on November 11th through Film Freeway.
