A non-profit advocating for gender equality in film by providing vital support at the financing stage. Our program offers action grants, fiscal sponsorship, curated meetings and industry mentorship.
THE FACTS
We’re on a mission to make equality in film non-negotiable.
These statistics are drawn from a Celluloid Ceiling report conducted by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University.
Applications Now Open: $10k Development Grants
Final Deadline: October 7th.
You now have the opportunity to apply for two $10,000 Action Grants, open to women and LGBTQIA+ directors with bold, original visions ready for production in 2026.
This isn't just funding – it's your fast track to Cannes.
As a finalist you will receive 1:1 mentorship, travel support, industry connections, and the chance to present your project at the 2026 Cannes Investor Showcase.
We are now accepting projects in the following categories:
➤ LIVE ACTION
➤ NON-FICTION
➤ ANIMATION
➤ IMMERSIVE (including VR, AR, Mixed Reality, Hybrid)
Projects must be feature length with a finished script. In the case of non-fiction and immersive categories, we accept projects that have begun production and are seeking finishing funds.
APPLY NOW
Our Mission
Breaking Through The Lens (BTTL) launched at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival with a simple yet powerful vision to help women feature-film directors get their projects made. Our founders – a Director, Writer and Actor working on a film together – received an opportunity from an investor to host a pitching event in his villa, and BTTL was born.
We have since expanded to world renowned festivals such as Venice, Toronto and Berlin, hosting dynamic panels and events. We believe that by providing secure avenues to finance by way of grants, curated investor meetings and industry mentorship, we can systematically change the landscape and improve gender representation at the top levels of cinema.
Now set up as a 501(c)3 registered non-profit in the U.S., our program is open to any filmmaker who experiences marginalization due to their gender, including women, non-binary and trans directors. Our mission is to be a results-driven resource, one that promotes passionate storytelling, smart business and equal representation.
Become a Member
At Breaking Through The Lens, our community is our foundation. Built by filmmakers for filmmakers, we understand the struggle firsthand, and we know that real change only happens when we come together.
Our 2025 Cohort
Meet the 2025 Breaking Through the Lens Action Grant finalists—five bold features now seeking finance to complete production, with support available via investment or tax-deductible donation through BTTL, a 501(c)(3).
MEET THE COHORT
Our Previous Cohorts
From early loglines to festival premieres, our cohorts capture the stories shaping the future of film. Explore each year to discover the filmmakers and where their projects are now.
2025
2021
2023
2020
2022
2019
“
In an industry that has favored
the male voice for so long…
Breaking Through The Lens
is changing that dynamic.
Liza Foreman, Front Page Cannes Market News
Get Involved
We are planning to expand Breaking Through The Lens to other major festivals around the world and to create a supportive network for women through every stage of making their feature films. Find out how you can join us on this journey.
ATTEND our EVENTs
Our events are strictly invite only. However, we will evaluate individual requests on a case by case basis. Please include your company affiliation.
STAY INFORMED
Applications for our next BTTL Action Grant are now closed. The shortlist will be announced November 1st.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Whether you are a sponsor, filmmaker, industry or volunteer, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for new collaborators to grow our initiative.