Breaking Through The Lens
Booking will open once the date is confirmed.
Talent is not the barrier. Access to finance is.
The films that shape our culture are determined long before a camera starts rolling: by who gets backed, who gets access, and whose vision is given the chance to move forward.
This intimate London fundraiser brings together patrons and leaders from across film, art and culture to support Breaking Through The Lens and the visionary women shaping the future of cinema.
Funds raised will help expand access to financing, mentorship and strategic industry opportunities that enable our filmmakers to move ambitious work into production.
We intervene where careers and films are most often stalled: at the financing stage, connecting exceptional women directors with the funding, knowledge and industry access required to bring their projects from script to screen.
Breaking Through The Lens exists to change the pipeline behind these numbers.
Industry voices who stand behind our mission
Action speaks louder than words
Our results-driven approach at BTTL ensures every contribution helps create real opportunities
for women filmmakers, enabling them to bring their stories to the screen.
Direct Grants
Putting development funding directly into filmmakers' hands, giving them the resources needed to take action and advance their projects.
Industry Access
Connecting filmmakers with financiers, producers and industry leaders who can help bring their projects to life.
Career Support
Providing mentorship, practical expertise and strategic guidance to help filmmakers build sustainable careers.
Real impact.
“My experience with BTTL was absolutely invaluable. Not only did I connect with two incredible women who would go on to close the last gap on my film, Mama Bears, thereby becoming Executive Producers, they've continued to support my career. One even introduced me to my new manager!”
2020 BTTL Cohort
Voices of our community
“Grant funds allow us to identify, support, and film the final story of 'I Brought You Into This World,' centered on a Black queer pregnancy in the South. We are deeply grateful to BTTL for affirming that our stories are not something to be given up on.”
“This industry needs bold, fresh voices to stay relevant and ultimately inspire audiences around the world. We as a Jury believe these [BTTL] projects have the opportunity to shape culture. Your participation in making sure that they come alive is essential.”
at Universal Pictures Content Group
Speaking at BTTL Cannes Event 2025
of BTTL alumni move into production following the programme.
countries represented in BTTL's international community.
at Universal Pictures Content Group Speaking at BTTL Cannes Event 2025
Join us in November
We look forward to gathering in November 2026 to support the visionary women filmmakers at the heart of BTTL. Explore the ways to support our work below. Booking will open as soon as the event date is confirmed.
Guest
Your place at the London fundraiser, including cocktails, a three-course dinner and the evening's special programme. Acknowledgment in our BTTL Annual Brochure and Website, with the option to remain anonymous if you wish.
Priority Seating
Priority seating at dinner, plus priority invitations to all future BTTL events, including our signature Cannes event.
Patron
Join our exclusive Patron circle, in addition to securing priority seating at this evening's dinner. Our Patrons will benefit from curated investor roundtables hosted throughout the year, an invitation to our private showcase of vetted female-led projects, and reserved Patron seating at all future BTTL events.
Patron for Two
Two seats at the London fundraiser, with full Patron benefits for both guests.
Patron Table
A private table for five guests, with Patron benefits for the table host.
Booking will open once the November date is confirmed.
Support from afar
You don't need to attend the dinner to make a difference. Your support helps exceptional filmmakers move their stories forward. Donations of £1,000 or more also welcome you into the BTTL Patron Circle. Contributions here do not include admission to the London fundraiser.
Make a contributionBTTL commits to directing 100% of contributions received towards our filmmaker grants, festival programming and educational masterclasses. Please note that to date, our operational team has worked entirely on a volunteer basis.
by the generous support of our Partner:
