Women in Film Los Angeles presented their Film Finishing Fund recipients at the AMC Century City on September 20th, with the unwavering support of Stella Artois.
Together WIF and Stella take a stand to inspire and advance the presence of women in the film industry. For over 45 years Women in Film has been committed to supporting women in film, television, and digital media through mentoring, speakers, training programs, and hosting high end industry events. Stella Artois has partnered with the Finishing Film Fund by providing grants to creators in order to get their works to completion.
At the event, guests were welcomed to watch a private screening of SANTUARIO and UNITED SKATES, these films were directed and produced by awards recipients Christine Delp and Pilar Timpane Dyana, as well as, Winkler and Tina Brown. After the screening, WIF hosted a panel with Pilar Timpane, Dyana Winkler, Lesvi Molina, Phelicia Wright, Jongnic “JB” Bontemps, and Rev. Deborah Lee. Each of these members were either creators, composers, or cast members of the respected films. A theme surrounding these films was “Community and Impact”.
For Santuario, the film highlighted the significance of sanctuary locations when facing deportation, and told the story of a Guatemalan grandmother and her current situation. United Skates, called attention to the subculture that is roller skating and the struggle of its survival in the midst of gentrification. In both cases, the creative minds behind the projects made it their goal to showcase and remain true to the authenticity of the stories being told.
Phelicia Wright shared insight upon being a part of the process and what it was like for her to share a huge part of her life, “They came in, eyes wide open and they were very genuine. People picked up how genuine you are and we felt that, and we felt safe to tell our story because its a story; it’s a whole movement. It’s people literally from around the world coming to skate at one particular city, at one particular time. So a few times a month we’re near a city near you by the hundreds and thousands to just roller skate and be in fellowship with each other. And these two women came into our lives, and I can speak on behalf of my family, and say they rocked our world”.
Following the panel was a reception at the AMC theatre where guests and panelists were able to socialize and network. There was a variety of food to choose from, and perfectly paired off with drinks provided by Stella Artois. The Women in Film Film Finishing Fund showcase was the epitome of uplifting women and their creative vision.