Full Breakdown
Financing Equity in Film: Breaking Through the Lens at Sundance
1/30/2026, 3:41:30 AM
Addressing Structural Barriers in Filmmaking
At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, the nonprofit organization Breaking Through the Lens (BTTL) hosted a panel discussion focused on the critical issue of financing in the film industry, particularly for women and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers. The event took place at the Canon Creative Studio in Park City, where BTTL also announced the winner of its 2026 Action Grant. The panel featured notable figures including producer Olivia Wilde, MountainA co-founder Sophie Mas, impact-driven producer Saba Zerehi, and Imagine Documentaries president Sara Bernstein.
BTTL CEO and founder Daphne Schmon emphasized the organization’s mission to close the gender gap in film by addressing the industry's persistent challenge of access to capital. “We founded Breaking Through the Lens to move beyond conversation and into action,” Schmon stated, highlighting the importance of funding as a means to effect real change in the industry.
Insights from Panelists
The discussion, moderated by BTTL board member Liz Cardenas, explored personal experiences and the broader challenges faced by independent filmmakers. Mas underscored the necessity of collaborating with financiers who align with a project’s vision, while cautioning against funding that compromises creative integrity. Zerehi described the isolating nature of producing, noting that building the right team often requires navigating complex dynamics to remain true to one’s values.
Wilde shared her reflections on the pressures faced by emerging filmmakers, particularly women, to quickly transition into larger studio systems. “You need people who will believe in your insane idea,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for supportive networks in the industry. Bernstein echoed this sentiment, discussing her own feelings of disorientation when shifting from commissioning to producing after her tenure at HBO.
The 2026 Action Grant
BTTL awarded its 2026 Action Grant, which provides $10,000 to support a specific production step, to Brittany Ferrell for her project “I Brought You Into This World.” This grant is aimed at women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers with projects in late-stage development. Schmon noted that BTTL received a record number of submissions from 60 countries, indicating a growing interest in equitable funding opportunities. The finalists and grant winner will join BTTL’s 2026 cohort, gaining mentorship and the chance to pitch to investors at the Cannes Film Festival.
Conclusion: The Importance of Storytelling
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Wilde remarked, “There’s so much doom and gloom. But we’re here telling stories. It’s inspiring to be here.” The panel highlighted the ongoing efforts to address financing disparities in the film industry, reinforcing the notion that access to capital is essential for fostering diverse voices and narratives in cinema.
