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
MIND THE GAP SUMMIT 2023
9:00am – 12:30pm | Outdoor Art Club Redwood Grove
SUMMIT PROGRAMS ARE FREE • A TICKET IS REQUIRED
LUNCH CAN BE PURCHASED BELOW
KEYNOTE SPEECH BY DR. JIMMEKA ANDERSON • 9:30am
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.
MOVING MOUNTAINS IN CINEMA: THE CREATIVE PROCESS • 9:45am
Monica Sorelle • Mountains
Moderator: Osinachi Ibe • Mind the Gap Manager
ANIMATION IN THE TRENCHES: HOW STORIES GET OFF THE GROUND • 10:35am
Carrie Hobson • Co-Director of Win or Lose
Osnat Shurer • Film Producer, Moana, Ray and the Last Dragon
Co-presented by Women in Animation
DIRECTORS FORUM • 11:25
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
MIND THE GAP AWARD PRESENTATION • 12:20pm
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.
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