Athena Film Festival

February 28 - March 3, 2019

New York City at Barnard College

For Filmmakers

At Athena, we are committed to transforming the way the film industry values and views women both on-screen and behind the camera. We are committed to challenging traditional Hollywood cultural conventions, by educating and empowering women storytellers and filmmakers. Elevating the voices of women, and providing women filmmakers with the resources and networks they need to realize the full potential of their projects, is crucial to changing the narrative.

The Athena Film Festival offers a variety of different educational and skill-building programs and events for filmmakers and women in the industry:

For all Filmmakers 

Open Submissions for short films (submissions are open from May – August) 

We look for short films that are under 40 minutes in length that: Reveal the diverse narratives of women leaders from all walks of life—narratives of ambition, courage, resilience and moxie. Showcase women leaders who currently are making or have made a difference in the world — captivating stories of truth, determination, innovation and vision. Highlight the talents of new and recognized artists — capturing their take on what truly makes exemplary women leaders.

Master Classes
Master classes for filmmakers taught by well-known women writers, producers, and directors. Previous classes have been taught by  Academy-Award winner Callie Khouri screenwriter of Thelma and Louise; Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori of Fun Home; Directors Gina Price-Bythewood (Shots Fired, Love & Basketball), Karyn Kusama, (The Invitation, Girl Fight); and  President of HBO Documentary Films Sheila Nevins.

Panels

Workshops 

For Documentary Filmmakers 

Works-in-Progress Program 
The Works in Progress program will give you an opportunity to present short film clips that will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished professionals in the film industry. For more information please email: Athenafilmfestival@gmail.com

For Screenwriters 

The Athena List (submissions are open from May-August)

An annual slate of between 3-5 screenplays with female leaders or strong female protagonists that have yet to be made into films.

Athena IRIS Screenwriting Lab (SUBMISSIONS OPEN NOW) 

The Athena Film Festival and IRIS are partnering to present the Athena IRIS Screenwriting Lab. The Athena IRIS Screenwriting Lab is designed for female writers who have not yet had a feature-length fictional script produced. Screenplays must include one or more strong female characters in leadership roles at the center of the story and must be feature-length narratives.