In the midst of an extraordinary year of transformation, uncertainty, and hope, we honor the artists who make cinema the vibrant, vital art form we celebrate each year. Mind the Gap continues to do this by proudly supporting female filmmakers, nonbinary filmmakers, and other marginalized filmmakers. This year, we are happy to announce the return of the Mind the Gap Summit where we will discuss what comes next for the art and business of cinema, and share in the joy of community. Our films and programs highlight bold female and nonbinary perspectives that will challenge, empower, and inspire you. We look forward to celebrating at the festival and hope you will join us.

MIND THE GAP DAY

Saturday, 7 October • All Day | Outdoor Art Club • CinéArts Sequoia • Smith Rafael Film Center

Join us as we celebrate the incredible work of female filmmakers, nonbinary filmmakers, trans filmmakers, and other marginalized filmmakers from around the world. Mind the Gap Day is an opportunity for the public, the local film community, and all festival attendees to experience a curated day of Mind the Gap-centered programming. The festivities include the Mind the Gap Summit & Networking Lunch, screenings, happy hour, and more!

MIND THE GAP SUMMIT 2023

9:00am – 12:30pm | Outdoor Art Club Redwood Grove

Join us as we celebrate the incredible work of female filmmakers from around the world. Mind the Gap Day is an opportunity for the public, the local film community, and all festival attendees to experience a curated day of Mind the Gap-centered programming. The festivities include the Mind the Gap Summit & Networking Lunch, screenings, happy hour, and more!

SUMMIT PROGRAMS ARE FREE • A TICKET IS REQUIRED

LUNCH CAN BE PURCHASED BELOW

We will kick off the return of the Mind the Gap Summit with an inspired keynote speech from Dr. Jimmeka Anderson, founder of Black Girls Film Camp.

Monica Sorelle’s debut feature film, Mountains, is an intimate, loving portrait of Miami’s Little Haiti, and a man caught between supporting his family and unraveling their community. This conversation will focus on the film’s creation, Monica’s artistic process, and what Mountains says about the future of cinema.


Monica Sorelle • Mountains
Moderator: Osinachi Ibe • Mind the Gap Manager

Do you ever fantasize about working in animation? The fun! The imagination! The art! The trash bin overflowing with crumpled up sketches as your hand aches from drawing and re-drawing!! In this informal conversation, hear from two industry veterans about the slings and arrows of developing animated features and series. From Pixar, to Disney Animation and beyond, how is the work different from live action? How does technology impact the development process? How do art and design influence story and vice-versa? Find out all the answers – or at least some of them! – in this illuminating and illustrative discussion.


Carrie Hobson • Co-Director of Win or Lose 
Osnat Shurer • Film Producer, Moana, Ray and the Last Dragon

Co-presented by Women in Animation

While 2023 may go down as a pivotal year for the film industry, it’s also notable as a year of extraordinary, confident films by directors who are women. Their bold storytelling and assured artistry explore stories that delve into subjects sometimes transgressive, sometimes transcendent—and always compelling. All share an astuteness and curiosity about what it is to be human, whether via fiction or nonfiction. This year’s Forum promises to be a compelling conversation that will examine the art and craft of filmmaking and insights and concerns on the state of the film industry.


Chloe Domont • Fair Play
Nicole Newnham • The Disappearance of Shere Hite
Celine Song • Past Lives
Jeanne Waltz • The Fortunate Ones

Moderator: Zoë Elton • MVFF + Mind the Gap Program Director

A celebration of the work of Dr. Jimmeka Anderson, founder of Black Girls Film Camp and recipient of the Mind the Gap Award for Vision in Film Education.

MIND THE GAP NETWORKING LUNCH

12:35pm | Outdoor Art Club Front Patio

$25.00 PER GUEST

An opportunity for all Mind the Gap summit participants to connect, share a meal, and engage in conversations following a morning of panels.

GET TICKETS

MIND THE GAP HAPPY HOUR

5:00 – 7:00pm | Outdoor Art Club

HAPPY HOUR IS FREE • SUMMIT RSVP REQUIRED

Mind the Gap Day participants will settle in for drinks, appetizers, and good conversation with fellow participants,  filmmakers, and other guests attending the festival.

MIND THE GAP DAY SCREENINGS

MIND THE GAP AWARDS 2023

DR. JIMMEKA ANDERSON
VISION IN FILM EDUCATION

EMERALD FENNELL
FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR

LYNN HERSHMAN LEESON
VISIONARY ARTIST • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS

MIND THE GAP CREATION PRIZE

The Mind the Gap Creation Prize is given to a narrative or documentary feature-length film directed by a first- or second-time female filmmaker. The award recognizes exciting new voices in cinema that demonstrate creativity of vision and exceptional use of the film medium. The Creation Prize recipient is selected by a jury made up of Mind the Gap curators and key supporters, and a Mind the Gap Award recipient. The director of the winning film receives a $10,000 grant that can be used at their discretion.

2023 NOMINEES

HADLEY AUSTIN
DEMON MINERAL

LILA AVILÉS
TÓTEM

MONICA SORELLE
MOUNTAINS

2023 JURY MEMBERS:

Zoë Elton • MVFF + Mind The Gap Director of Programming
Osinachi Ibe • Mind the Gap Manager
KD Davis • Emeritus MVFF Senior World Cinema Programmer
Christine Schantz • Mind the Gap Executive Advisor & Creation Prize Underwriter
Celeste Wong • MVFF US Indies Programmer 



THANK YOU TO OUR MIND THE GAP SPONSORS

CHRISTINE A. SCHANTZ