KC supports women in film
Kansas City has an active presence in the film industry, good news for professionals and hobbyists. The cinematic life and robust pursuit of all kinds of filmmakers and capital is anchored by the Kansas City, Mo. Film Office partnering with area organizations, like Kansas City Women in Film and Television (KCWIFT).
“The Kansas City Film Office put the heartbeat back in the metro film world,” says Lauren Groom, KCWIFT vice president.
The 15-year-old organization is a chapter of Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), which began as Women in Film Los Angeles in 1973. WIFTI’s global network of 40-plus chapters has some 14,000 members in the U.S. and 16 other countries, including Mexico. Their mission is to advance professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film.
KCWIFT founders “saw a need to support and recognize other female media professionals and hobbyists in our community,” Groom says. “They wanted to bring a group together to really empower women in filmmaking.”
They do that by participating in regional and local festivals and activities, holding events, networking, outreach to schools and educating. They hold monthly open education/networking/performance sessions showcasing different aspects of film and television.
“Professionals, hobbyists or just enthusiasts can learn about a topic or more about it. We’re planning awesome and bigger events,” Groom says. “There are so many things we’re trying to accomplish. We’re developing a mentor program for people who want to learn more or further a career.”
An internship program offers the opportunity for college students pursuing degrees in film, TV or related fields to earn college credits working with KCWIFT. Carlos Mercado is one of four spring semester interns. The University of Missouri-Kansas City junior majoring in journalism has his sights set on a screenwriting career.
KCWIFT has 100 female and male members who share a common interest in women in Kansas City in film and television.
“They come from a range of professions – writers, producers, directors, stay-at-home moms who just want to interact with people interested in making films,” Groom says.
The nonprofit is financially supported by sponsorships, membership fees and proceeds from the annual short screenplay contest, which closed Feb. 1. KCWIFT will announce the winner of its eighth annual contest next month at Film Fest International.
“It’s open to anyone in the world, but screenplays have to be in English” Groom says. “We’ve received translated scripts from other places.”
The submission call went out last September on social media and sites such as filmfreeway.com and withoutabox.com. Seventy submissions were received by the deadline. KCWIFT encouraged late entrants to submit for 2020.
The contest has three categories: best short screenplay with a $1,000 prize; Best Female Protagonist, prize $500; and, Best Heartland Short Screenplay, prize $250.
The five finalists for the best short screenplay earned a staged reading at Film Fest International taking place at Cinemark on the Plaza on April 14, 12-2 p.m. The public is invited. Admission is $5.
“When you’re planning, keep in mind that the event sold out last year,” Grooms says.
Another upcoming event is the fourth annual Spirit Awards presentation on June 12 at The Chesterfield. It’s a ticketed event open to the public. The KCWIFT Spirit award, Ally award and Legacy award celebrate women in films and their supporters.
Like WIFTI chapters elsewhere, KCWIFT has steadily grown new members and partnerships, and Groom says, “We anticipate a growth in numbers in 2019 and 2020 as we roll out some new programs and opportunities.”
