Celluloid Grant Empowers Independent Female Filmmakers

Women Behind the Camera, the nonprofit founded by filmmaker-actress Armida López, has launched a grant aimed at enabling independent female creators to shoot on traditional celluloid. The program is run in partnership with production company 33 & Change Films, lens manufacturer MasterBuilt Lenses, and the nonprofit ASCF—founded by Thom Kuo and managed by Jessi Spickard—which focuses on teaching and preserving celluloid techniques.

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Celluloid filmmaking has declined in recent years due to the dominance of digital formats, prompting concerns about the loss of tactile aesthetics and archival longevity. Simultaneously, industry data shows women remain under-represented behind the camera. The grant seeks to address both trends by providing resources that make film-stock production financially viable for women directors.

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From a pool of 500 applicants, four teams were selected:

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• Anna Remus – visual storyteller known for work with Planet Fitness and Pfizer; her film “Eternal” will be shot on film.

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• LaTajh Simmons-Weaver – journalist-filmmaker with credits at *The Guardian* and the Museum of African Diaspora; her project “Rubble” continues her documentary focus.

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• Mack Breeden and Riley Scott – partners who run the production company Ginger Tits; they will produce “Gorge.” Breeden co-wrote *Horsegirls* and debuted *Praying Mantis* at Fright Fest U.K., while Scott produced *Sisters*, an Audience Award winner at the InsideOut Festival.

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Each recipient choosing to shoot on film receives:

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• A full lens package from MasterBuilt Lenses.

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• An additional camera package supplied by ASCF.

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• 1,200 feet of complimentary scanning services.

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• A one-year free membership with the Alliance of Women Directors.

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These provisions collectively lower the cost barrier associated with celluloid production and provide technical support throughout post-production.

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Organizers anticipate that the grant will not only increase the visibility of women’s voices in narrative and documentary film but also encourage a modest resurgence of celluloid use among indie creators. By coupling financial aid with mentorship through the Alliance of Women Directors, the program aims to foster a sustainable pipeline of female talent capable of preserving and innovating the art of film-stock storytelling.

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