Help Mina raise money for QWOCMAP GiveOUT Day!!

     Five years ago, my journey in film began with QWOCMAP's immersive three-day training program. They provided not only a crash course in filmmaking, but also valuable equipment, unwavering support, and a community of like-minded peers, all culminating in the creation of a short film. This experience exceeded my expectations, as I never imagined having access to such resources, knowledge, and opportunities without the financial burden of traditional schooling, which is often inaccessible to many. The workshop equipped me with skills that ignited my passion for filmmaking, challenging the notion that it was unattainable for someone like me, who craved representation and narratives from my own communities.

In 2019, my film was showcased at the QWOCMAP Film Festival in San Francisco's Brava Theater, where I had the privilege of speaking on a panel, sharing my filmmaking experience, and being inspired by the creativity and talent of fellow filmmakers. QWOCMAP's dedication to creating space, fostering opportunities, and instilling confidence in underserved and underrepresented communities within the film industry holds immense importance to me. It has truly transformed my world, opening doors for consistent involvement in film spaces today.

     Give OUT Day is a vital event dedicated to raising funds for LGBTQ+ centered non-profits, and your donation offers an important way for you to engage in this impactful work. Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP), is an org which utilizes the power of film to break down stereotypes, expose inequality, and foster a sense of community through art and activism. QWOCMAP creates, exhibits, and distributes powerful films that authentically represent the lives of queer women of color, including cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming individuals, and transgender people of color from diverse orientations. Their films address crucial social justice issues that intersect with multiple communities. As an organization, QWOCMAP actively invests in, develops, and nurtures the creativity and leadership of marginalized communities, including creating space and opportunity for underrepresented communities in film. 

Your donations will support:

1. Critical Juncture
   BIPOC filmmakers are too often forced out of the field of filmmaking due to a lack of resources. To address this issue, QWOCMAP developed Critical Juncture to bridge that gap. Last year they provided camera and laptop packages and small grants along with advanced training and mentorship for queer & trans Black filmmakers. This year they are expanding this program to support Native American & Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, and other people of color.
2. Accessibility at the 2023 Queer Women of Color Film Festival
   QWOCMAP has always done and continues to do THE MOST in making their film festival accessible and welcoming for our communities and advancing that work in the larger film festival world. This year, as they re-enter offering the Film Festival in person, QWOCMAP's festival will remain FREE, and is expanding it's access by offering low-cost COVID testing and free N95 masks on-site, audio description for all films, tactile maps of the theater, virtual viewing of the festival, and so much more. Additionally, QWOCMAP staff invest time and energy to advocate and educate on accessibility in the field.

     QWOCMAP does so much, but none of it would be possible without the support of our incredible community. Your donation is a powerful statement of solidarity, affirming the importance of representation and the transformative power of storytelling. Thank you, for considering a donation to QWOCMAP. Together, we can uplift voices, challenge biases, and create a world where every story is valued and heard. Let's make a lasting impact and inspire a future where diversity and inclusion thrive!

With gratitude and warmth,
Mina