August 2025 Partnerships

Alliance of Women Directors collaborates with Sponsors and Partners that believe in and work toward gender parity in the entertainment industry. These partnerships elevate our collective ability to advocate for and support women directors. 

AWD members can check their AWD Member Center or inboxes for the discount and waiver codes, as well as information on how to contact partners.

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In recognition of the AWD community, Canon Burbank is offering camera and lens gear loans for AWD member projects on an as-needed basis. Gear loans are typically available for a few days up to two weeks, depending on availability. Please note: recording media, third-party accessories, and extra batteries are not included, and additional batteries are also subject to availability.

This arrangement is offered directly through Canon and is independent of AWD. Members are responsible for all insurance, shipping, and any associated logistics.

AWD members now have access to Blackmagic Design cameras for use on their projects, including PYXIS 6K, Cinema Camera 6K, and Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro units. Availability is first come, first served and subject to booking.

This program is offered directly through Blackmagic and is external to AWD. Members are responsible for all insurance, shipping, and any associated logistics.

Courtesy of AWD Advisory Board member Eric Feig, active AWD members have complimentary use of meeting spaces and office/s at Assemblage Space (which space/s are open is subject to availability). They allot up to 25 hours a month to us and AWD members can book space in two-hour increments on a first come, first serve basis. Use it for script reads, shoot preps, or just a quiet place to plan your shot lists.

Assemblage Space is a creative, stylish, and cool workspace, with a diverse collection of street art on the walls, that promotes community and collaboration. A place where creativity and commerce come together, Assemblage stimulates and energizes creative vision and business. Located in Beverly Hills near Wilshire and Robertson, the meeting spaces and office/s are private rooms, each separate from others in the space so that safety and social distancing can be maintained. There are various amenities available including snacks, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, disinfectant wipes and a stocked coffee bar! There is ample street parking nearby.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES:
Kitchen Access
Use of Conference Room (Seats 14+)
Beautiful Lounge with TV and an 80s Arcade Machine with 50+ hit games
Complimentary WiFi

AWD is happy to partner with The Writers Lab Canada to offer our members 25% off submission fees. The Lab is open to Canadian residents and citizens who identify as women or nonbinary, are 40+ years of age, and have a feature or pilot screenplay. 

Supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman, this Intensive is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Features and Pilots (both 1-hour and ½-hour) in English will be considered. Eight promising writers will be selected for an in-person retreat in Toronto in January 2026.

During the four-day Intensive, Mentors and Writers engage in rigorous script development through one-on-one mentor meetings, small group and panel discussions, peer workshops, story rooms, and more. TWL mentors will guide writers through the revision process with actionable feedback and offer strategic advice.

Previous TWL lab winners have gone on to make The Black List, secure management, and have their screenplays produced.

• August 20, 2025
  Late Deadline
• October 15, 2025
  Notification Date
• January 6 – 9, 2026
  Event Date

We are happy to partner with the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) to offer AWD Directing Members a discount on passes. You can purchase an Industry Pass for only $550 CAD + tax (regularly $780 + tax), or their Conference Pass for $300 CAD + tax (regularly $515 + tax).

To secure your discounted pass, email registration@tiff.net and quote the code in your Member Center to register by August 22, 2025. Please note that this code is not transferable. AWD Directing Member status will be confirmed. 

Attend TIFF’s 50th edition and get a sneak peek at the programming, initiatives, and opportunities that they’re developing in advance of their official TIFF: The Market launch in 2026. The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival will run September 4–14, offering 11 days of exceptional international and Canadian cinema, informative talks with exciting guest speakers, and events that will allow you to develop projects, buy and sell content, and connect with the international film community.

TIFF Accreditation highlights:
Access to Press & Industry and Public screenings*
Access to TIFF services and resources
Invitations to Industry Special Events
Access to Industry Conference
Cinando trial membership

*Access to screenings varies by pass type.

We are excited to partner with the Calabasas Film Festival for a Block of Films directed by AWD members, with 50% off submission fees. 

From the festival:
The Calabasas Film Festival, is a non-profit founded by women and run by women! CFF welcomes avid film goers, studio executives, Academy Members and key players in the entertainment industry to the ultimate festival experience.

CFF showcases major film premieres, student films, documentaries, shorts and top quality film selections from all genres that are guaranteed to entertain. CFF provides the community an opportunity to connect over mutual passions for film and television while enjoying local culinary arts and entertainment.

The Calabasas Film Festival will always be where the heart of film lives.

SUBMIT VIA FILM FREEWAY.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Regular Deadline- July 4, 2025
Late Deadline- August 8, 2025
Festival- September 17-22, 2025