September 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.

Zeiss also has a leans loan program that AWD is invited to apply for with their short term (no longer than a week) film projects.  Once the applicant comes in to the LA showroom for a demo, they are welcome to apply for CP.3’s, NP, CZ.2, and LWZ lenses. Loans are based on availability. Check Member Center for details.

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

This year, two filmmakers will each receive a $10,000 development grant:

The Simbelle Impact Award – an unrestricted grant for one finalist director, supported by Simbelle Productions.Applicants will also gain access to BTTL’s industry workshops throughout the year covering topics such as film finance, legal strategy, indie distribution, and pitch coaching.

The BTTL Action Grant – helping the winning project take a crucial step toward production.

The 2026 Official Jury brings together leading voices across the global film industry, including Jen Blake, Partner at Diversity Hire Ltd. and Founding Director of the Sundance Episodic Lab; Thomas Pierce, Executive Producer of multi-Oscar-winning The Brutalist and The Wizard of the Kremlin (Venice 2025); Steven Adams, Peabody-winning producer and Partner at Alta Global Media; Lauren Melinda, Founder of Simbelle Productions and sponsor of the Simbelle Impact Award; Amy Gardner, Executive Producer of Brides (Sundance 2025) and Dreamers (Berlinale 2025); and Nicolás Celis, Academy Award-winning producer of ROMA and Emilia Pérez.
Final Deadline: October 1, 2025

Apply Now: breakingthroughthelens.org/actiongrant

This is a must-attend event for media makers, sustainability champions, and department keys interested in how sustainable productions can be cost effective.⁠

Purchase tickets HERE. AWD Members can check their inboxes or Member Center for discount code.

AWD Board Member Natalie Simpkins will present at the event, promoting how AWD members aren’t just creating compelling content – we’re building sustainable businesses that prove women directors are essential to the future of the creator economy.

VIP tickets provide premium networking events, speaker meet & greets, and a private  lounge where industry connections are made.

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival and offer a 50% reduction on submission fees for SHORT FILMS directed by AWD members.

CASCADIA marks its 10th season this year, proudly showcasing exclusively women-directed films at the in-person festival April 30–May 3 in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Since its founding, CASCADIA has featured the work of over 280 women directors from around the world, and this year will present 30–40 exceptional films across four inspiring days. Each screening is followed by lively Q&As with filmmakers or industry panels, while networking events—from the spirited Saturday night party to the exclusive Honored Guest reception—bring the community together. Attending directors enjoy complimentary accommodations, and all selected filmmakers receive screening fees and laurels in recognition of their achievements.

Important dates:
August 18, 2025 Opening Date
September 18, 2025 Short Film Early Bird Deadline
November 10, 2025 Short Film Regular Deadline
November 30, 2025 Short Film Late Deadline
December 29, 2025 Script Early Deadline
January 23, 2026 Script Regular Deadline
February 27, 2026 Notification Date

We’re happy to partner with Screamfest NOLA to offer 50% submission fees to their extended deadline (Sept. 4) AND a BLOCK of AWD FILMS! This awesome festival showcases new genre features and short films from around the world.

2025 Screamfest NOLA takes place Thurs Oct. 30-Nov 2nd Halloween weekend in New Orleans at The Broad Theater. It is a perfect destination to celebrate all things horror and Halloween! Past premieres include DEAD ANT starring Sydney Sweeney, Jake Busey and Tom Arnold, Hulu’s CARVED and EAT BRAINS LOVE starring Jake Cannavale, Angelique Rivera and Sarah Yarkin.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Extended deadline: Sept. 4, 2025
Festival: Oct. 30-Nov. 2