Emergence Films Announces the Launch of the Emerging Filmmakers Program

Empowering Female Filmmakers:
The Launch of The Emerging Filmmakers Program

February 3, 2025 – Seattle, WA – The Washington independent film scene is about to have a major boost with the introduction of The Emerging Filmmakers Program from Emergence Films. This groundbreaking initiative is set to support early-career, female-identifying filmmakers by providing essential funding, mentorship, paid apprenticeships, and bespoke marketing and distribution strategies for their original film projects.

The program is open to female-identifying filmmakers of all backgrounds and experiences in Washington State, and is especially open to new artists with no film experience. It will support both short form and "microbudget" feature films.

The Emerging Filmmakers Program funding model is designed to prioritize equity and inclusion, enabling Emergence Films to serve as patrons for filmmakers without imposing a list of requirements or restrictions on genre, cast, story, or format. This liberating approach allows for unparalleled creative freedom of expression.

The journey from film school to directing a first feature has long been a gruelling challenge for women. The lack of access to financiers willing to support a bigger budget for a larger project compounds the difficulty. The Emerging Filmmakers Program aims to back women at this critical juncture, providing the necessary financing to create career-defining films.

In its first cycle, the program will focus on female-identifying filmmakers local to Washington State. Each selected team will consist of a director, writer, and producer, fostering a collaborative and inclusive filmmaking environment.

Each short film team will receive $10k in funding. To further support working filmmakers, the program offers an 'earn while you learn' approach across all their educational offerings, allowing participants to receive a living wage while they learn.

"The traditional film financing and distribution models have let women down for decades," said Sienna Beckman and Rachel Noll James, the program's founders. "Even when the numbers inarguably prove that female-driven content sells, Hollywood remains reluctant to invest in projects that uplift female voices. This exclusive, top-heavy structure is causing massive fissures in the industry."

Sienna and Rachel have experienced firsthand the challenges of fundraising for their film projects. They emphasized the importance of a mission-driven approach and community involvement. On their last two locally-shot films, they shifted from seeking traditional investors to accepting tax-deductible donations through their fiscal sponsor, Northwest Film Forum. This approach allowed them to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for filmmakers on set, particularly for women from marginalized communities.

Their new program not only provides practical skills training, mentorship, and paid opportunities for participants but also encourages fundraising skills and community building. Rachel highlighted the importance of Emergence Films working with filmmakers in the role of patron rather than investor, with half of any film profits being reinvested into future cycles of the program.

"Empowering underserved communities in film is a priority," Sienna added. "Our goal is to reach a wide audience in Washington and beyond, targeting not only film enthusiasts but also artists and individuals looking for a career change."

In addition to Northwest Film Forum, The Emerging Filmmakers Program is partnering with the Vashon Film Institute and Seed & Spark to expand the program's reach and offer more educational resources.

The Emerging Filmmakers Program is poised to create a sustainable model that supports both individual filmmakers and allows for future program growth, fostering the long-term health of the film industry. By championing diversity, this initiative is set to empower a new generation of female filmmakers and reshape the future of cinema, starting right here in Washington State.

Ryan DavisFebruary 3, 2025