Berkeley FILM Foundation serves filmmakers who live or work along the Eastern Shore cities of the San Francisco Bay – specifically Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Richmond, and Oakland. Equity and inclusion are at the core of our work; 47.64% of the projects we have funded were created by women, artists of color, and filmmakers who identify as disabled or part of the LQBTQIA+ community. We hold regular screenings at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland which connects filmmakers with local audiences and strengthens theatrical attendance. Our professional development program connects established filmmakers with new talent to assist on their project. And our biannual educational workshops addressing relevant industry topics and trends attract many attendees.

BFF is often among grantees’ first supporters. We award grants to 20-25% of applicants each cycle, while many of our national peers’ funding rates are closer to 1-2%. BFF’s early investments in emerging filmmakers establishes a pipeline for artists to successfully apply for other programs through the lifecycle of their film as was the case with films such as “Crip Camp,” “Inequality for All,” and “Friendly Signs.” Filmmakers consistently share that BFF support was fundamental to unlocking subsequent opportunities, demonstrating our crucial role in sustaining the East Bay’s vibrant filmmaking ecosystem.

As you already know, independent filmmakers in the Bay Area face significant challenges. According to a 2024 survey of Bay Area filmmakers conducted by BAVC Media, 43% of respondents believe the odds of them living in the Bay Area in three years are 50% or less, with many of these respondents citing the high cost of living. 32% of respondents described their careers as “stagnant,” and 12% as “declining.” BFF is deeply invested in serving this community, and the East Bay filmmaking community in particular, which contains a wide range of artistic visions and lived experiences.