Women and Hollywood has selected the New York and Los Angeles winners and runners up of its First-Time Female Filmmaker Contest, an initiative to help build a pipeline of women directors.

The NYC winner is Vanessa Coscia’s “ILE O Curta,” a narrative portrait of a transsexual child. The runner up is Brittany Fennell’s “Q.U.E.E.N.” which follows a young woman who uses rap to express herself. Both films will screen at Women and Hollywood’s New York anniversary event on October 17.

Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos’ “O Florescer Da Voz” is the Los Angeles winner. The short doc is about a female slave brought to Brazil from Africa. The LA runner up is Angela Jude’s “Prudence,” which centers on a former WWII nurse suffering from dementia. “O Florescer Da Voz” and “Prudence” will screen at our LA event on October 25.

The London winner and runner up will be announced at a later date.

Tickets are still available for the Los Angeles celebration. If you would like to attend the London celebration on November 27, email Melissa Silverstein at melissa@womenandhollywood.com.

Congratulations to the selectees! You can check out their films’ official descriptions below.

Winner — NY
“ILE O Curta”
Directed by Vanessa Coscia

A transsexual child, with all the support of their parents, will face their grandmother’s and society’s prejudice to show their desire to be accepted for who they are.

Runner Up — NY
“Q.U.E.E.N.”
Directed by Brittany Fennell

“Q.U.E.E.N.” tells the story of a teenage girl with a troubled past who uses writing as her muse to say all the things she is too afraid to say. Through self-discovery and a little bit of courage, Imani faces her biggest fear at a rap battle.

Winner — LA
“O Florescer Da Voz”
Directed by Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos

“O Florescer Da Voz” is a short documentary uncovering the story of Anastasia. A slave brought to Brazil from Africa. Exploring two modern day women becoming powerful references for the next generation of women. Using the voice as a tool for social transformation, and women’s empowerment.

Runner Up — LA
“Prudence”
Directed by Angela Jude

“Prudence” is about a dishonorably discharged World War II nurse, stricken by grief and crippling dementia. Who seeks out her beloved to dance with one last time.