Empowering Women Through Film in 2023.
In 2023, Women’s Voices Now (WVN) continued its mission to use film as a powerful tool for social change, advancing women’s and girls’ rights globally. We reached new heights, amplifying diverse voices and inspiring change across the world.
Our Impact at a Glance: Championing Women in Film.
Our commitment to supporting women filmmakers and sharing their stories yielded impressive results:
- 109 film submissions from 29 countries for our annual film festival
- $13,000 awarded in cash prizes to emerging filmmakers
- 2.4 million YouTube viewers (a 308% increase from 2022)
- 94 girls empowered through our Girls’ Voices Now program
- 260 films available in our free Voices for Change Film Collection, reaching viewers in 195 countries
2023 Film Festival: Celebrating Female Storytellers.
The 2023 Women’s Voices Now Film Festival showcased the incredible talent of women filmmakers addressing crucial social issues. Our grand prize winner, “With This Breath I Fly,” directed by Sam French, captivated audiences with its powerful portrayal of Afghan women fighting for freedom.
Lilan Bowden, recipient of our Women Making Waves Award, inspired attendees with her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. As she noted, “It’s my hope and aim to be a part of inspiring the next round of women storytellers to make waves of their own.”
Filmmakers from around the globe shared their experiences:
“Being able to connect with a network of people who vibrate for the same purpose was profoundly transformative and inspiring,” said Jade Rainho, winner of the 2023 Best First-Time Filmmaker, Documentary Short Award.”
“It’s my hope and aim to be a part of inspiring the next round of women storytellers to make waves of their own.”
Lilan Bowden.
2023 Awardee
Girls' Voices Now: Nurturing the Next Generation of Filmmakers.
Our Girls’ Voices Now program continued to empower young women from under-resourced communities in Los Angeles, providing them with the skills and confidence to share their stories through film.
A standout success was “Hija Callada” (The Silent Daughter), a film produced in our 2022 program. It made history by winning both the Juror’s Choice and Grand Prize Awards at the Reel Exposure Teen Film and Photography Festival.
The impact of the program is evident in the words of our GVN alumnae:
“Over GVN, I have learned to become more confident in speaking up for what I want to do in a project and not be afraid of what the outcome may be.” shared Rebekah.
Our 2023 cohort showed remarkable growth:
- 92% reported feeling very comfortable with public speaking (up from 7% before the program)
- 85% felt very comfortable leading a team (up from 31%)
- 71% reported increased confidence in themselves
Voices for Change: A Global Platform for Women's Stories.
Our free Voices for Change Film Collection continued to grow, now featuring 260 films from 67 countries in 44 different languages. In 2023, we reached a milestone of 2.4 million online viewers, showcasing the global appetite for authentic stories about women’s experiences.
Our partners recognize the power of these films in driving change. Lou Granier, an International Consultant and Gender Specialist at the World Bank, noted:
“Films speak a universal language that resonates with everyone’s humanity… They are also a good way to bring about new debates, discussions, and cooperation for our common goal to achieve gender equality.”
Our Mission.
Women’s Voices Now uses film to drive social change that advances women’s and girls’ rights globally.
Financial Overview: Sustaining Our Mission.
In 2023, our total revenue reached $596,171, with expenses totaling $573,140. Our diverse funding streams, including foundation grants, individual donors, and government support, allowed us to allocate 76.5% of our budget directly to program costs, ensuring maximum impact for the communities we serve.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach in 2024.
As we move into 2024, Women’s Voices Now remains committed to amplifying women’s voices through film. We aim to:
- Increase our global reach and impact through strategic partnerships
- Expand the Girls’ Voices Now program to serve more young women
- Enhance our online platform to make our film collection more accessible worldwide
Join Us in Empowering Women Through Film.
Your support is crucial in continuing our mission to advance women’s rights through the power of film. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate to support our programs and filmmakers
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Volunteer your skills to help with various projects
- Follow us on social media and share our films to spread awareness
- Organize a screening event in your community
Together, we can create a world where every woman’s voice is heard and valued.
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