Throughout its thirty-year history, Frameline has consistently supported LGBT filmmakers through grants, awards and programs. In a world dominated by formulaic and oversimplified images in commercial media, independent LGBT film is a vital and necessary alternative.
Maverick queer filmmakers reflect the diversity of our communities and ask the questions central to our lives. Filmmaking is a very expensive art form, yet the resources available to LGBT filmmakers are highly limited. Unlike studio filmmakers, independent artists struggle to secure the funding needed to complete works and support future projects. Frameline’s Filmmaker Support Program seeks to provide grants, awards and training to ensure that new LGBT films make it to the screen—and to eagerly awaiting audiences. Our programs include:
The Frameline Film & Video Completion Fund
Since 1990, nearly 100 films and videos have been completed with assistance from the Frameline Film & Video Completion Fund. Awards are made annually and provide much needed support to filmmakers. Over $220,000 in grants have been awarded to LGBT filmmakers.
The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival Awards
Each year, Frameline awards the largest cash prizes of any LGBT film festival in the world including the $10,000 First Feature Award, the $10,000 Best Documentary Award and $7,500 in Audience Awards.
Generations Film Workshop:
Youth and Elders Making Movies Together
Launched in 2005 as the Youth Filmmaker Workshop, Frameline expanded this culturally significant project in 2006 to include and integrate LGBT elders. Generations is a two-part workshop that teaches media literacy and technical skills while fostering creativity and self-expression among elders and young adults.