Why Donors are Vital to QWOCMAP’s Mission
For 25 years, QWOCMAP has been at the forefront of amplifying the voices of queer and trans filmmakers of color. We’ve worked hard to build a community where our stories are not only told but celebrated. And one of the most important ways we’ve been able to continue this work is through the support of the Producers Circle, a special group of donors who make a yearlong commitment to our work starting at $45/month or $500 annually. These incredible individuals have made it possible for us to nurture, train, and uplift 632 LBTQIA+ filmmakers of color who imagine new worlds on-screen and create the kind of worlds we want to see.
So, what exactly is the Producers Circle, and why are they such an essential part of QWOCMAP? Let’s dive in.
What is the Producers Circle?
The Producers Circle is a community of people who are just as passionate as we are about seeing queer and transgender people of color thrive in the film industry. Members of this circle understand the urgency of going beyond mere representation in film, and have committed to making that possible through their support of QWOCMAP programs. Their generous donations directly fund our Filmmaker Training Program, which teaches participants how to tell their stories through film. But it doesn’t stop there. Through their year-long investment, Producers Circle donors also help us provide advanced skills-building opportunities, mentorship, and continued support for filmmakers navigating the often-challenging terrain of the film industry.
Since 2010, the Producers Circle has played a critical role for LBTQIA+ filmmakers of color, sustaining us as we’ve built and sustained careers, ensuring that our voices are heard in an industry that has historically sidelined us.
Why the Producers Circle Matters
If you’ve ever looked at the film industry and wondered why there aren’t more stories about people like us—stories about queer and trans folks of color told by queer and trans folks of color—you’re not alone. The truth is, representation in media has been sorely lacking, and Hollywood has a long history of excluding diverse voices, both on-screen and behind the lens. Most of the time, the stories that do get told about us are filtered through perspectives that don’t reflect our lived experiences. This can lead to harmful stereotypes, erasure, or a lack of authenticity in the stories we see.
But representation goes beyond what’s visible on screen. For queer and trans people of color to be accurately and authentically represented, we need to be the ones behind the camera, too. We need to be the directors, writers, producers, and decision-makers. The challenge? Breaking into the film industry isn’t easy, especially for those of us who don’t fit the traditional mold of who “belongs” in Hollywood.
This is where the Producers Circle steps in. The funding they provide helps us offer essential programs like the Critical Juncture Program, which supports LBTQIA+ filmmakers of color who are at crucial points in their careers. Whether it’s taking that first big step from shorts to feature films, learning how to navigate industry structures, or venturing into new genres, our filmmakers need support to overcome the challenges that too often force them out of the industry before they’ve had a chance to survive. The Producers Circle makes sure they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Beyond Financial Support: Creating Opportunities for Filmmakers
The Producers Circle represents a commitment to changing the industry from the inside out. Every dollar contributed helps to ensure that queer and trans filmmakers of color aren’t just making films—they’re building careers, becoming leaders, and making waves in an industry that isn’t built for us.
Every film that QWOCMAP nurtures is a direct result of Producers Circle support. And because of this, the Producers Circle receives credit on every film produced through our Filmmaker Training Program. A testament to the role they’ve played in bringing these stories to life. It’s a powerful thing to know that, together, we’re changing the face of film.
The Producers Circle: A Driving Force for Lasting Change
The Producers Circle is the fuel that keeps QWOCMAP’s mission alive and growing. Every year, our community of filmmakers expands, and with it, our ability to tell more stories that reflect the rich diversity of LBTQIA+ people lives and dreams. The importance of this work can’t be overstated. These aren’t just films—they are acts of resistance, defiance, and empowerment in a world that often tries to silence us.
Our films don’t just entertain; they challenge, inspire, and create change. By investing in QWOCMAP, Producers Circle members are actively participating in this movement, helping to build a more inclusive film industry and giving LBTQIA+ filmmakers of color the chance to tell our stories authentically. And with their support, we’re not just changing the narrative—we’re creating new ones, over and over again.
Want to Join the Producers Circle?
If you’re feeling inspired to make a difference, we’d love for you to consider joining the Producers Circle. It’s one of the most impactful ways to support our mission, and you’ll directly contribute to the creation of more films by LBTQIA+ filmmakers of color. You’ll help open doors for filmmakers who are pushing boundaries, telling groundbreaking stories, and transforming the way we see the world.
To join or learn more about how you can get involved, please feel free to contact us by phone at (415) 752-0868 or email at info@qwocmap.org. We’re always excited to welcome new members into this incredible community of changemakers.
