Founders
Open Television (OTV)
@weareotv
OTV | Open Television is an Emmy-nominated nonprofit platform for intersectional television, with artists and their creative visions at the center. In 2015, this non-profit distribution platform that supports artists and communities marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, class, religion, disability or nationality began as part of an ongoing research project at Northwestern University. In addition to providing a network of care to foster the entire trajectory of a creative project from inception to release, OTV also offers connectivity, financing and consultation throughout. This is all to bring the stories of our time that are often underrepresented or missing from TV, to the public.
Full Spectrum Features
@fullspectrumfeatures
Full Spectrum Features is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to increasing diversity in the independent film industry by producing, exhibiting, and supporting the work of women, LGBTQ, and minority filmmakers. We also aim to educate the public about important social and cultural issues, utilizing the power of cinema to foster understanding in our communities. FSF's goal is to transform the entire media landscape—from the actors on screen, to the crew behind the camera, to the people in the audience. Our mission is embodied not only in our work, but our staff and board as well. We are an ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American) organization founded and led by people of color, women, and LGBTQ filmmakers.
Sisters in Cinema
@sistersincinema
Sisters in Cinema was founded in 1997 as an online resource for and about African American women media makers. Today we are a Chicago based 501(c)3 non-profit with an inclusive mission to center and celebrate Black girls, women, and gender non- conforming media makers, providing programs designed to educate, raise visibility, and support and serve our communities. We envision a world where all Black girls, women and gender non-conforming media makers and storytellers have equal opportunities to create and thrive.
Mezcla Media Collective
@mezclamediacollective
Mezcla Media Collective supports over 550 women and non-binary filmmakers of color in Chicago. Mezcla’s mission is to provide resources to ensure that their constituents realize their full potential as storytellers and agents of change at a local level. Founded as an informal collective in 2017 by two women filmmakers of color who saw a need for a centralized community, the organization currently has three types of resources offered: hyper-local connection, knowledge transfer, and career advancement.
