Mezcla: Cultivating the Future of Film
Tax deductible
Chicago Media Project acts as Mezcla Media Collective's Fiscal Sponsor. All proceeds will go towards Mezcla Media Collective.
ABOUT MEZCLA
Mezcla Media Collective is a Chicago-based film and media organization providing resources and opportunity for BIPOC women and non-binary filmmakers in the Midwest. Founded in 2017 as an informal collective, Mezcla’s sole purpose is to elevate BIPOC femme-identifying filmmakers. Mezcla currently supports nearly 700 members with year-round programming, a crew database, an equipment share program, and more:
Despite being key storytellers in their communities, women of color specifically face the most challenges working in film; from racial and gender discrimination to barriers of socio-economic status, femme-identifying artists struggle with gaining accessibility and career advancement opportunities. Our mission is to provide resources and training, ensuring that constituents realize their full potential as storytellers and agents of change at a local level by removing discriminatory barriers that prevent BIPOC filmmakers from working in the field.
The organization currently has three types of resources offered: hyper-local connection, knowledge transfer, and career advancement. Our staff and volunteers are all BIPOC women and non-binary; our board members are a diverse group of BIPOC and allies who are guiding the organization to sustainability.
We have previously received grants from The Field Foundation, Sundance Institute, The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Illinois Arts Council, and Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
CAMPAIGN STORY
Our goal is to raise 20K to continue to build capacity for the organization. Mezcla’s key intention for 2022 is Cultivation. We aim to continue cultivating Chicago’s historically excluded talent through workshops, mentorship programs, conferences and skill building resources.
While nationwide statistics reveal slow progress in fulfilling production and leadership roles in films by BIPOC individuals, Mezcla seeks to level the playing field, ensuring that women and non-binary filmmakers of color are able to participate in Chicago’s bustling media production scene, forcing industry stakeholders to confront Chicago’s historical lack of inclusion while advancing the work of our constituents as valid and worthwhile.
Raising $20K will go towards with the following:
- Programming - 50%
- Staff and Operations - 20%
- Mezcla Jobs Database - 15%
- Equipment Share Program - 10%
- 2022 Mezcla Field Trip to National Film Festival - 1.5%
- Fiscal Sponsorship Fee - 3.5%
OUR IMPACT
- Provided COVID-19 microgrants for members who were struggling during the pandemic
- Shifted programming remotely during the pandemic to continue providing access, along with pandemic safe gatherings during 2021
- Provided 5 members with $1000 microgrants (funded by Banner)
- Facilitated over a dozen hires on productions
- By 2023 - Mezcla is nationally recognized as the top organization in the Midwest for women and non-binary filmmakers of color.
- By 2027 - A 5-person staff run Mezcla full-time. Three new Mezcla chapters run in underserved parts of the country.
- By 2023 - All Chicago film productions' above and below-the-line roles are 1/2 filled by womxn of color.
"...I am happy to say that the Mezcla network helped me a lot. Future projects include a series on destigmatizing mental health and filming virtual exercise classes for the disabled and senior citizens." - Vanessa A. Harris, P.E
"Being someone that worked in the corporate world for 5 years, I had no idea where to start, but learning from all the creatives and leaders in Mezcla has been a blessing...I met people that I wouldn't have met through their free workshops." - Regina Emiliano
"...Being able to network with other filmmakers through Mezcla has been incredibly helpful to me as a producer. Feeling seen and seeing other women who look like me and respect my background is a huge confidence-builder. We can do this. And we can all do this together." - Christina Shaver
"...between Mezcla, other sites, and God, I've been able to consistently work various production assistant gigs since I've quit. Talk about a leap of faith...Mezcla's admins are so giving and supportive. I hope the years to come continue to attract members who will appreciate this group." - Ja Nae
Fundraising team (2)
Colette Ghunim
Organizer
Evanston, IL
Chicago Media Project
Beneficiary
Lisa Cortes
Team member