Give as a gift
Join us for the Live virtual pitch on Saturday, October 9th at 2:00pm!
Barriers need to be broken down until equal representation is achieved on-screen and behind the camera. Better understanding and exposure between neighboring cultures will help create dialog, cooperation, and partnerships that strengthen the interconnectivity of Central Oregon.
BendFilm’s Underrepresented Voices Grant will support a BIPOC women artist with $10,000 toward making their short or feature film. The grant supports storytellers who are working to tell creative and complex stories told from a point of view that is unique and authentic.
Underrepresented filmmakers are less likely to have the funding support to produce their first films to jumpstart their careers. This grant breaks down the economic barrier to democratize the art form which in turn will:
1. Support the career of an underrepresented artist.
2. Increase the production of films that accurately portray underrepresented communities.
3. Lead audiences to a better understanding of themselves (if underrepresented) or to the life experience of someone unlike themselves.
Join the 2021 finalists for an online project pitch at 12 PM on October 9th to see who will win this year’s $10,000 production grant! Congratulations to Miranda Mlilo, first-time director and recipient of the 2020 BIPOC filmmaker grant from BendFilm.
Ayo Kepher-Maat
Ayo Kepher-Maat is SVP of Acquisitions at Decal, where she recently acquired films including South African eco-horror Gaia and Ride the Eagle. Previously she was Director of Acquisitions at Neon, where she acquired Jamila Wignot's Ailey and Theo Anthony's All Light Everywhere at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Other acquisitions include Oscar-shortlisted Dear Comrades and Independent Spirit’s John Cassevates Award-nominated Killing of Two Lovers. Ayo previously worked at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, The Film Arcade, and Creative Artists Agency.
Rebecca Wyzan
Rebecca Wyzan is a New York-based talent manager and producer whose focus is on supporting the emerging careers of a diverse group of filmmakers, actors, musicians and activists using her experience in branding, publicity, and creative development. Previously, Rebecca worked at Untitled Entertainment as a talent manager, at Tribeca Film Festival in a publicity role and at the Video Art and Experimental Film Festival in programming and coordination. She has also freelanced as a music video and commercial producer.
Christine Dávila
Christine Dávila is the Head of Development and Production for Ojalá, founded by Tanya Saracho, creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Vida on Starz. Prior to Ojalá, she was Director of Development at Warner Bros’ Stage 13, a content studio/pod. Among the series she was lead executive of and oversaw production on was the Emmy-nominated comedy series It’s Bruno, and the series Two Sentence Horror Stories. Previously, Davila worked on programming teams for festivals including the Sundance Film Festival.
The BIPOC Women Film Production Grant is sponsored by The Starview Foundation.
The BIPOC Women Film Production Panel is sponsored by NewSun Energy.
Join us for the Live virtual pitch on Saturday, October 9th at 2:00pm!
Barriers need to be broken down until equal representation is achieved on-screen and behind the camera. Better understanding and exposure between neighboring cultures will help create dialog, cooperation, and partnerships that strengthen the interconnectivity of Central Oregon.
BendFilm’s Underrepresented Voices Grant will support a BIPOC women artist with $10,000 toward making their short or feature film. The grant supports storytellers who are working to tell creative and complex stories told from a point of view that is unique and authentic.
Underrepresented filmmakers are less likely to have the funding support to produce their first films to jumpstart their careers. This grant breaks down the economic barrier to democratize the art form which in turn will:
1. Support the career of an underrepresented artist.
2. Increase the production of films that accurately portray underrepresented communities.
3. Lead audiences to a better understanding of themselves (if underrepresented) or to the life experience of someone unlike themselves.
Join the 2021 finalists for an online project pitch at 12 PM on October 9th to see who will win this year’s $10,000 production grant! Congratulations to Miranda Mlilo, first-time director and recipient of the 2020 BIPOC filmmaker grant from BendFilm.
Ayo Kepher-Maat
Ayo Kepher-Maat is SVP of Acquisitions at Decal, where she recently acquired films including South African eco-horror Gaia and Ride the Eagle. Previously she was Director of Acquisitions at Neon, where she acquired Jamila Wignot's Ailey and Theo Anthony's All Light Everywhere at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Other acquisitions include Oscar-shortlisted Dear Comrades and Independent Spirit’s John Cassevates Award-nominated Killing of Two Lovers. Ayo previously worked at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, The Film Arcade, and Creative Artists Agency.
Rebecca Wyzan
Rebecca Wyzan is a New York-based talent manager and producer whose focus is on supporting the emerging careers of a diverse group of filmmakers, actors, musicians and activists using her experience in branding, publicity, and creative development. Previously, Rebecca worked at Untitled Entertainment as a talent manager, at Tribeca Film Festival in a publicity role and at the Video Art and Experimental Film Festival in programming and coordination. She has also freelanced as a music video and commercial producer.
Christine Dávila
Christine Dávila is the Head of Development and Production for Ojalá, founded by Tanya Saracho, creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Vida on Starz. Prior to Ojalá, she was Director of Development at Warner Bros’ Stage 13, a content studio/pod. Among the series she was lead executive of and oversaw production on was the Emmy-nominated comedy series It’s Bruno, and the series Two Sentence Horror Stories. Previously, Davila worked on programming teams for festivals including the Sundance Film Festival.
The BIPOC Women Film Production Grant is sponsored by The Starview Foundation.
The BIPOC Women Film Production Panel is sponsored by NewSun Energy.
