Los Angeles, CA – June 13, 2013 Women filmmakers have a long road ahead of them. Recently, the Writers Guild of America, East, released their list of the 101 Best Written TV Series. Out of 9,274 episodes listed, only 603 were directed by women. Theatrical films fare no better. When the Writers Guild West released their “101 Greatest Screenplays,” not one produced feature had a female director. Hollywood’s glass ceiling seemed impenetrable – until now.
“I started the CINELadies a little over a year ago as place for actors in the industry to encourage and uplift on another. I never thought it would grow this quickly,” recalls CINELadies founder, Marisilda Garcia. In a short time, the CINELadies has grown to include, actors, screenwriters, directors, producers editors, crew and two additional founding members: Anne Lower and Barbara Hernandez Carrillo.
Their mission is simple: CINELadies is designed with encouragement in mind; we offer networking, leads, nurturing and support, with the goal of celebrating the female spirit in film, television and theatre.
This summer, the women of CINELadies are producing a Summer Film Collective. Members are placed into 10 different teams, each consisting of a writer, director, producer and two leads, all female. Their only link: all shorts must explore the theme of duality, and use an apple in their short. First time directors, writers and producers are given seasoned professionals to lean on as they explore new territory. This series of shorts is a collaborative effort where each person assists in other areas and teams as needed, thereby promoting community and growth among the women involved. Everyone involved volunteers their time, resources and talent for the opportunity to be creative and exploratory.
While the Summer Film Collective is quite a giant step for the CINELadies, it’s clear that they are collectively making a dent in a male dominated industry. For them, this is only the beginning… but the future looks bright.
In an effort to spotlight all women in film, CINELadies seeks to include women ADs, gaffers, editors, sound designers, script supervisors, camera operators and other production/post personnel, as well as in-kind sponsorship from equipment and location vendors. All interested volunteers should contact, Anne Lower at annelower@me.com. Those interested in sponsoring the Summer Film Collective may contact Barbara Hernandez Carrillo at barbonfire@gmail.com. Media and publications may contact Marisilda Garcia at mari@kooldexproductions.com.
