We are proud to announce the formation of our Advisory Council — a dynamic group of visionary leaders, creatives, and changemakers shaping the future of storytelling, media, and social impact. Each member brings a unique perspective and proven track record across film, television, branding, advocacy, and the arts.
Together, they will guide and support our mission to empower bold voices, champion underrepresented stories, and drive meaningful cultural conversations through creative work.
We are honored to collaborate with these extraordinary individuals as we continue to build a more inclusive, imaginative, and impactful creative landscape. Their insight and leadership will be instrumental as we grow.
Stay tuned — big things are ahead.
Sav Rodgers – Filmmaker, screenwriter, and founder of the Transgender Film Center. His acclaimed documentary Chasing Chasing Amy premiered at Tribeca, and he was recently honored with the 2025 SXSW Community Service Award. Sav is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient.
Elizabeth Woodward – Founder & CEO of WILLA, the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated production company behind Fairyland, The Fence, Another Body, The Great Hack, and The Vow. A Sundance Catalyst Fellow and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Elizabeth is dedicated to amplifying bold, global stories.
Maggie Mackay – Executive Director of the Vidiots Foundation and former Senior Programmer at the LA Film Festival and Independent Spirit Awards. A passionate advocate for indie film and filmmakers, Maggie brings decades of programming and nonprofit leadership experience.
Lauren Melinda – Award-winning filmmaker, visual artist, and founder of SIMBELLE PRODUCTIONS, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through film. Her latest work includes executive producing Satisfaction (SXSW 2025) and developing her feature debut ECHOES.
Emily Positano – Strategic branding expert with 15+ years of experience helping purpose-driven organizations define and express their identity. Emily has worked with clients including Teach For America, UN Peacekeepers, Intel, and St. Jude, and serves on the board of Working 4 Women.
Marissa Chibás – Award-winning Cuban American writer, filmmaker, and Sundance Screenwriting Fellow. Author of Mythic Imagination and the Actor, Marissa is developing her debut feature 1972 (coming 2026), focusing on immigrant narratives and untold histories.
Kat O’Brien – Writer, producer, director, and professor with over 20 years of experience in film and television development at studios including Universal, Warner Bros., Sony, and Focus Features. Founder of KOB Magic, Kat is currently developing screen and stage projects while writing her debut novel.
Kate Markham – Managing Director of Art House Convergence, with over a decade in arts management spanning theater, film, and live events. Kate holds degrees from the University of Iowa, Northwestern, and UI, and is a passionate supporter of community-based cinema.
Support Women and Gender-Expansive Filmmakers Cinema Femme is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the careers of women and gender-expansive filmmakers. Through mentorship, resources, and a strong peer community, we empower underrepresented voices to thrive in the film industry. Your donation directly supports the next generation of storytellers—fueling their creativity, amplifying their voices, and helping them succeed. Join us in building a more inclusive and inspiring future for film.
Revisiting our interview with Carolina Cavalli ahead of the film’s Chicago release. Find details on upcoming screenings here. It also landed a spot on our Top 10 Films of 2025
Joelle Velez is an award-winning actress, writer, and filmmaker based in Chicago whose work blends comedy, suspense, and emotional honesty. A graduate of The Second City Film School, her first
