The Lady Filmmakers Brings Much Needed Attention to Female Filmmakers
The 7th annual Lady Filmmakers Festival is under the umbrella of the newly formed Lady Filmmakers Foundation, a 501c3 tax exempt charity. This wonderful festival celebrates women in leadership roles in the entertainment industry. Their film festival celebrates women filmmakers, artists, and musicians and the men who collaborate with them.
Lady Filmmakers was founded by Patricia DiSalvo Viayra and her husband, Mike Viayra, who is also the festival programmer. I met Patricia and Mike years ago at their festival and they were so kind, friendly and encouraging of all the filmmakers and artists in attendance and I don’t usually see that in the wild and wooly festival circuit. I have a film screening at this festival, so I’m really excited and honored for it to be screened here.
This festival is an entire weekend of films, music, art, mentoring workshops/panels and of course parties! They promote and support opportunities for artistic and career growth through their many different workshops, panels and networking events.
They look for extraordinary visual storytellers for our programming. The festival encourages collaboration between men and women currently in the industry and to instill this idea within future filmmakers. Their speaker series and events are designed to help our filmmakers expand their network and further career goals. Lady Filmmakers is a safe environment to exhibit works and to find future collaborators and mentors. The festival promotes diversity and strong female lead driven content and they wish to INSPIRE & ENTERTAIN!
One Woman has to fill the role of Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer or Editor to qualify to screen at the festival!
They also have Music and Art Programs this year too featuring men and women artists and musicians!
Long after the festival is complete they actively continue to promote their “Alumni” filmmakers, cast, and crew throughout the year!
Our main programming themes are:
- Ladies Illuminate – films that bring social awareness
- Ladies Kick Butt – films that appeal to a broad audience
- Ladies First – films that are World, US, West Coast, or Los Angeles Premieres
- Young Ladies and Gentlemen – films made by students/youth
- Family Friendly- films appropriate for families with children
- Halloween Teasers- films that are horror, psychological thrillers, scary, creepy, and freaky! More info at http://www.ladyfilmmakers.com/
