If you are a woman or non-binary director in late-stage development on a feature, this is for you. Breaking Through The Lens (BTTL) has opened its 2021 application cycle. The program will give 10 filmmakers the opportunity to “pitch their film projects in front of a select group of investors, financiers, and sales agents at the Toronto Film Festival this Autumn 2021 [and attend its] next event at Cannes Spring 2022,” per its website.
The 10 finalists will be announced at Cannes 2021.
“Change is sweeping the industry, as evident with the historic nomination of three women for Best Director at the Golden Globes, but there is much work to be done especially when it comes to accessing finance at the top levels,” said BTTL co-founder Daphne Schmon. “We are an action-driven initiative, committed to helping bold female and non-binary voices bring their extraordinary stories to the world.”
Eligible projects can be of any genre, but must include a finished script (or detailed beat sheet, for docs), an experienced producer attached, and a strong visual treatment. Preference will be given to films with some crew and/or cast already hired and some capital already raised.
Please note that a small fee will be charged for BTTL applications.
Submissions are due March 31 and final notifications will be sent out by June 11. Apply or find out more at Breaking Through The Lens’ website.
