Women in Film Cincinnati To Host Forum on Funding Film Projects

“Roads to Resources,” October 9, 7 p.m. at Woodward Theatre

The most difficult aspect of a creative project is often how to fund it.  If you want to see more local films produced in Cincinnati, join us October 9 for a great event.

Women in Film Cincinnati is bringing together funders and filmmakers for a one-of-a-kind event on how to access funding from local foundations, arts organizations, companies and individuals.

People who simply love film are encouraged to attend and invited to become members of Women in Film Cincinnati to help with its mission to elevate film as an art form.

“It took me a year to raise private funds for my PBS documentary “Cincinnati LEEDs the Nation,” says Laure Quinlivan of Mt. Lookout, WIF Cincinnati board member. “Private donors as well as Frisch’s, Skyline, LaRosa’s and The Wilder Foundation supported my documentary film about environmental and artistic achievement by our City and Cincinnati Police.  I believe more local companies and citizens are willing to support local filmmakers, so this event is designed to help us connect.”

Beth Sullebarger, Executive Director of The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation, says her organization believes in film’s power to communicate. “I believe that film and video can reach and motivate people more effectively than print media can, and there’s a need for more local foundations to underwrite local filmmakers,” says Sullebarger.

Andrea Torrice is a documentary producer with a 20-year career with films covering issues including race relations, immigration and global warming that have received national attention and funding.

“Local funding for these important issues was meager at best,” says Torrice, “and some funders have a policy of not funding documentaries.  Why? How will you keep our talented producers here if you don’t support our work?”

To explore the issue, WIF’s October 9 panel discussion will feature funders sharing criteria used to select projects, deadlines and best practices. Panelists include:

JIM SZEKACS, Ohio Arts Council

DAVID MERKOWITZ, Ohio Humanities

BETH SULLEBARGER, The Wilder Foundation

KARA SHIBIYA, ArtsWave

COLLEEN O’CONNER, ArtWorks

KRISTEN ERWIN, Film Cincinnati

The following filmmakers of various experience levels working in multiple genres will share short personal videos on a funding experience: 

AYMIE MAJERSKI

LAURE QUINLIVAN

PAM THOMAS

ANDREA TORRICE

ALLYSON WEST

Following presentations, there will be a spirited Q&A session with the audience. This event is open to the public, and all film fans and students are encouraged to attend.  

WLWT-TV Channel 5 Anchor Sheree Paolello will be emcee and moderator.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for mingling, food and cash bar, with live music by Wonky Tonk. Program starts at 7 p.m.  Post-event party with music by DJ Think$avy.

Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance, at www.WoodwardTheatre.com/shows. Student tickets are $10, and purchase includes one-year membership to Women in Film.

Sponsors of the event include the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.