The most difficult aspect of a creative project is often how to fund it. 
Women in Film Cincinnati is bringing together funders and filmmakers for a one-of-a-kind discussion 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, whose mission includes elevating film as an art form.
WIF board member and NKU Professor Sara Drabik strongly encourages her students to attend.
“Many young filmmakers are brimming with talent and ideas, but have no idea how to navigate the financial needs of a production,” says Drabik. “When access to free gear and facilities disappears after graduation, how do they connect with resources?”

“It took me a year to raise private funds for my PBS documentary “Cincinnati LEEDs the Nation,” says Laure Quinlivan, WIF Cincinnati board member and owner of LQ Consulting with 20+ years producing award-winning film and video. “Private donors like Frisch’s and The Wilder Foundation supported my film about our City’s sustainability and community engagement successes building District 3 Police HQ. I trust many more local companies and individual donors may want to fund local filmmakers to support the arts and bring important local stories to light.”

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, a Cincinnati-based documentary producer with a 20-year career of films covering issues including race relations, immigration and global warming, has received national attention and funding, but says local support has always been a struggle. “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 this important issue, WIF’s October 9 panel discussion will feature funders sharing criteria used to select projects, deadlines and best practices. 
Filmmakers of various experience levels working in different genres will share short personal videos on a film funding experience.

After filmmaker videos and panelist discussion, a spirited Q&A session will include the audience. 

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

This event is open to the public, so film fans and students are encouraged to attend.