Film & Freedom
Academy
Training, equipment & materials provided
For full attendance and completion of your film
9am–7pm, in-person, in the Presidio, SF
Your film screens at the next QWOCFF
Why We Do This
Film is the most expensive art form in the world. That cost keeps entire communities out of the conversation about whose stories get told and how.
Our Film & Freedom Academy demystifies filmmaking and gives folks the tools to create their own films. We provide professional training, coaching, equipment, and resources, all free of charge.
QWOCMAP was built to change who gets to make films and what those films look like. Stories by, for, and about LBTQIA+ BIPOC people need to be seen, heard, and shared.
Most of our participants are first-time filmmakers. Even with experience, our Film AS Movement framework guides you to connect your creativity with social justice.
"Art IS social justice. Film AS movement."
Choose Your Cohort
We tailor workshops to specific populations within our LBTQIA+ people of color communities, including youth (ages 18–24), sick & disabled, formerly incarcerated/institutionalized, LBTQIA+ Muslims of color, survivors of violence & abuse, and more. Currently, we’re offering our Youth workshop for LBTQIA+ BIPOC creatives ages 18–24. If this timing or workshop isn’t the right one for you, sign up to learn about future workshops.
Youth Film & Freedom Academy Application
The Youth Film & Freedom Academy is tailored for LBTQIA+ BIPOC creatives aged 18-24. This program empowers young storytellers to create, write, direct, and edit a 5-minute film in 4 days.
Age: 18 - 24 What You'll Learn
An intensive filmmaking workshop for LBTQIA+ people of color.
Create
- Develop your creative vision
- Write your own script, storyboards, floor plans, and shot list
- Hands-on practice with professional equipment
Direct & Produce
- Lead your film production
- Direct your cast and crew
- Bring your vision to life
Edit & Premiere
- Edit your 5-minute short film with professional software and support
- Your completed film world premieres at the next QWOCFF
Our Workshop Schedule
Workshop activities begin online the month before, continue through the 4-day in-person workshop, and end with the World Premiere of your film in June.
We alternate between learning styles: linguistic, spatial, aural, and kinesthetic. The program is designed to be accessible to different educational levels, learning styles, and learning and cognitive disabilities. Additionally, participants receive one-on-one support from a dedicated Film Mentor every step of the way.
Preparation
- Check in with QWOCMAP team
- Review QWOCMAP Online University and editing tutorials
- October 30, 6pm - Online Meet & Greet with instructors, mentors, and crisis counselors
Foundation
- Introduction to filmmaking concepts
- Hands-on with professional cameras and equipment
- Develop and share your film project idea
Script & Pre-Production
- Write your script
- Develop storyboards, floor plans, and shot lists that communicate your vision
- Finalize production roles with cast, crew, and Mentor
Production Day
- Film your 5-minute short!
- Learn editing best practices & techniques
- Review and organize your footage
Post-Production & Celebration
- Edit your film using professional software (Adobe Premiere Pro)
- Add music and finalize your 5-minute short film
- Watch all films together and celebrate your accomplishments
World Premiere
- Your film world premieres at our International Queer Women of Color Film Festival
- Share your vision and creative process during the Filmmaker Q&A
Accessibility Information
The workshop is designed to be accessible from the start, so that you can focus on your learning and creativity.
ASL Interpretation
ASL interpretation is provided for participants who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. If you need ASL interpretation, indicate this in your application.
CART & Screen Reader Access
Live captions for instruction. Workshop materials provided in advance through Canvas LMS, which is compatible with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and Talkback. Printed black & white handouts also available.
Mic & Speakers
Microphones in the room feed sound into the room's speakers for audio amplification.
Fragrance Free
Everyone comes to the workshop Fragrance Free. Although the entire building isn't fragrance-free, we provide fragrance-free soap and low-scent markers.
Wheelchair & Mobility Access
The entire venue, including restrooms, is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms and other amenities are nearby the workshop room.
Size-Accessible Seating
Standard and big & tall rolling office chairs, folding chairs without arms, and 21-inch wide padded seats without arms that support up to 800 lbs.
Service Animals
QWOCMAP is not able to accommodate service animals for this workshop.
Respiratory Safety
Masks are required at all times, and we ask everyone to come Fragrance Free. We provide KN95 masks, run mobile HEPA air purifiers, and open windows for fresh air ventilation. If there is wildfire smoke, air scrubbers run in the building.
COVID Safety
QWOCMAP provides NACT/molecular COVID tests that are taken at the workshop. We also provide KN95 masks. All participants submit proof of 2026 COVID vaccination. If you feel sick, please stay home.
Meals
One meal a day and snacks provided, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and as few allergens as possible. There are indoor and outdoor locations where participants can safely unmask to eat.
Crisis Counselors & Quiet Spaces
Crisis counselors are available for the duration of the workshop to provide support for participants who experience intense emotions as they learn and create. There are quiet areas and comfortable spaces in the venue to reduce sensory stimulation.
Multiple Learning Styles
The workshop combines technical lectures, interactive kinesthetic/hands-on, verbal, writing, and visual activities. Designed to be accessible to different educational levels, learning styles, and learning and cognitive disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of our participants are first-time filmmakers. The program is designed for people with no experience. Even if you have experience, you’ll learn new things with QWOCMAP’s Film AS Movement framework. The entire process makes filmmaking completely doable and FUN!
Your completed film world premieres at the next International Queer Women of Color Film Festival. It becomes part of QWOCMAP’s catalog of 515+ films. Films screen at festivals worldwide and serve as calling cards for future career opportunities.
No. We provide all cameras, editing software, and production equipment. You don’t need to bring anything except yourself and your story.
The stipend recognizes your time and creative labor. It’s paid after on-time arrival and full attendance at all 4 sessions and completion of your film..
We design our workshops to be accessible from the start. We provide ASL interpretation, CART/live captions, screen reader compatible materials through Canvas LMS, crisis counselors, size-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible venue, fragrance-free spaces, COVID safety protocols, and meals. Please share your access needs in the registration form so we can work with you.
The Presidio has a free Presidio Go shuttle from Embarcadero BART. There are other public transportation options and ample parking available.
Our Workshops fill quickly. There's typically a 2-3 year wait
What Our Community Says
Hear from past Film & Freedom Academy participants on how the workshop shaped their filmmaking journey.
Filmmaker
QWOCMAP gives communities of people that do not typically have a voice in mainstream media a chance to find their voice and be heard. QWOCMAP opens doors. And those of us that have somehow managed to be so lucky to make it in are opening up more doors.
Filmmaker
I recently became a recipient of a Princess Grace Award in Film and I think that has so much to do with how QWOCMAP is able to shape artists and lmmakers to tell their own truth and to believe in their work. Those are very powerful lessons to learn.
Filmmaker
Having had that community of queer women of color filmmakers has been the foundation of my resolve to face the sexist, racist, and homophobic perspectives of the larger filmmaking community. It is very easy to become lost within the confines of one’s present world, and I always think back to QWOCMAP to find my way back to me.
What Our Community Says
Hear from past Film & Freedom Academy participants on how the workshop shaped their filmmaking journey.
QWOCMAP gives communities of people that do not typically have a voice in mainstream media a chance to find their voice and be heard. QWOCMAP opens doors. And those of us that have somehow managed to be so lucky to make it in are opening up more doors.
I recently became a recipient of a Princess Grace Award in Film and I think that has so much to do with how QWOCMAP is able to shape artists and lmmakers to tell their own truth and to believe in their work. Those are very powerful lessons to learn.
Having had that community of queer women of color filmmakers has been the foundation of my resolve to face the sexist, racist, and homophobic perspectives of the larger filmmaking community. It is very easy to become lost within the confines of one’s present world, and I always think back to QWOCMAP to find my way back to me.
