In the Academy Awards’ year history, only three women have won “Best Director” with only seven women even receiving a nomination for this highly coveted award.
Yet coming out of the world’s top film schools there is gender parity. Breaking Through The Lens identifies financing as the bottleneck area most in need of change in order to achieve more diverse and equitable film industry.
that by providing secure avenues to finance by way of grants, curated meetings and industry mentorship, we can systemically change our industry’s landscape and improve gender representation at the top levels of cinema. Our program is open to any filmmaker who experiences marginalization due to their gender, including women, non-binary and trans directors with a feature film – or documentary – in late stage development. Our mission is to be a results-driven resource, one that promotes passionate storytelling, smart business and gender equality.
There is a shift in the industry occurring, a moment that must be seized, and it will be deeds not words that bring about this change. Join us as Breaking Through The Lens leads the way.
"In an industry that’s favoured the male voice for so long, Breaking Through The Lens is changing that dynamic."
— Liza Foreman, Cannes Market News
“To be supported by a pack of fierce women is a dream. You have helped get this project over the line.”
-Tina Gharavi, Writer/Director, BTTL 2019 (she/her)
“Every single company came at us with wild enthusiasm and it was exciting and gratifying to know that the project is resounding with so many smart folks.”
- Rachel Feldamn, Writer/Director, BTTL 2020 (she/her)
“Every single company came at us with wild enthusiasm and it was exciting and gratifying to know that the project is resounding with so many smart folks.”
- Rachel Feldamn, Writer/Director, BTTL 2020 (she/her)
“Every single company came at us with wild enthusiasm and it was exciting and gratifying to know that the project is resounding with so many smart folks.”
- Rachel Feldamn, Writer/Director, BTTL 2020 (she/her)
Our events are strictly invite only. However, we will evaluate individual requests on a case by case basis. Please include your company affiliation.
Applications for our next BTTL Action Grant are now closed. The shortlist will be announced November 1st.
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.
