Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM)

This #GivingTuesday, you can make a big impact on our small nonprofit! ?? Your gift to BGDM has 2x the impact with all donations all matched up to $10,000, plus being tax deductible. Give today however works best for you! Site: bit.ly/BGDM-EOY2024 Paypal: bit.ly/BGDMPaypal Venmo: browngirlsdocmafia Thank you for considering a BIPOC-led org with 5,000+ BIPOC women and nonbinary folks in the #documentary field globally ??

How do we move forward when some days, one step is more energy than we have to give? Chandler Phillips, BGDM's Community Programs Manager (and licensed social worker!) talks about our Pause & Play series, the importance of rest and highlights those in the field championing rest as resistance ???? READ NOW: https://lnkd.in/gj4y2Hap

After some post-Sundance rest, here's what BGDM was up to on the ground in Park City! Thank you to our executive directors and members for sharing these sweet, sweet memories with us. And special thanks to United Airlines for partnering with us on our panel. Until next time, Utah! ? Thank you to all the lovely members who sent their photos for us to share!

"While some emphasize a purely functional approach to impact filmmaking, true change often happens...through the combination of powerful storytelling and beautiful craft." - Marga Varea, Impact Producer on "Until He's Back" and founder of Twin Seas Media Check out this incredible conversation between Oscar-shortlisted BGDM members Mars Verrone and Marga Varea on grassroots campaigns, intentional impact, self-distribution, and challenging the status quo with films "Union" and "Until He's Back" https://lnkd.in/gCNzSTnS

BGDM members took home some big awards at Sundance, including two grand jury prizes for BGDM member-directed films! If you missed them at the fest, don't worry — this is just the beginning for these documentaries. Features to shorts, observational to archival, Iran to the Southern US, there's so much to love about these masterpieces.

How do orgs build supportive arts organizations that center care while navigating funding fatigue, systemic inequities and burnout? Let's discuss...???? ? Join us virtually February 19 at 12pm ET for Pause & Play's fourth interactive session with Gina Duncan (Brooklyn Academy of Music), Ruun Nuur (No Evil Eye Cinema), Elijah McKinnon (OTV | Open Television) and wellness facilitator J.K. Nelson as we dream forward, demystify practices and inspire future containers for wellness across organizations. This session is open to both members and allies! ?? RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ghR8kEFR

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Festival Worker Employment & Compensation Study—a 15-minute survey designed to gather crucial data on wages, benefits, and working conditions across the film festival industry. By participating, you’ll help us: - Advocate for fair compensation - Build transparency and understanding around festival employment - Empower workers to negotiate better terms Read our latest blog post to learn why this study matters and how your voice can shape a fairer, more sustainable industry for everyone: https://lnkd.in/gQmTA-Ba #filmfestivals #cinema #filmfest

Earlier this month, we lost Bianca Beyrouti, another beloved BGDM member. She leaves behind a fierce, unapologetic legacy as a founding member of BAMMS (Bay Area Media Maker Summit), on the board of Arab Film and Media Institute, an active member of Film Workers for Palestine, a talented filmmaker and so much more. A champion for the underrepresented, Bianca led with intentionality, care and passion. Please leave your memories down below to help honor here legacy. Be sure to read the tribute by Bianca's close friend and fellow BGDM member, Dawn Valadez: https://lnkd.in/gFMk9Sbk

The long-awaited Oscar nominations are out, and six films that BGDM worked hard on have made the list! Give it up for all these members, and add them to your watchlist before the ceremony. NOMINATIONS FOR BEST DOC SHORTS: ?? INSTRUMENTS OF A BEATING HEART | Director: Ema Ryan Yamazaki ?? I AM READY, WARDEN | Director/Producer: Smriti Mundhra; Editor: Jennifer Tiexiera ?? THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA | Cinematography: Martina Radwan ?? DEATH BY NUMBERS | Cinematography: María Gabriela Torres; Location Scout: Alcione Gonzalez NOMINATIONS FOR BEST DOC FEATURES: ?? BLACK BOX DIARIES | Editor/Co-Producer: Ema Ryan Yamazaki ?? SUGARCANE | Impact Producers: Amber Morning Star Byars and Jade Begay

Today, one day after her memorial, we remember Ann Bennett — Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker, advocate, and BGDM member — who passed away on November 15, 2024. Uplifting the stories of Black communities and legends, she is worked on countless projects including the NAACP Image Award-winning documentary "Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People," "Citizen King," "Razing Liberty Square" and more. We take this time to honor the legacy she leaves with us as a trailblazing Black woman in media. Please leave your memories of Ann below, as a living memorial, if you wish to share. ??