Women In Documentary with Debra Zimmerman of Women Make Movies

BYOD: Bring Your Own Doc

Episode 156

Episode Synopsis

Women in documentaries-both behind the lens and on the screen-are discussed with Debra Zimmerman of Women Make Movies, an organization that uses their resources to make sure that films get produced that break through the boys club of cinema. We look at how the film industry succeeds and comes up short in representing women, and how films are made and distributed in a thought-provoking conversation taped at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, exclusively for BYOD.

Guest Bio

Debra Zimmerman has been the Executive Director of Women Make Movies, a non-profit NY based film organization which supports women filmmakers, since 1983. During her tenure it has grown into the largest distributor of films by and about women in the world and our internationally recognized Production Assistance Program has helped hundreds of women get their films made. Films from WMM have won prizes at the last three Sundance Film Festivals including THE OATH by Laura Poitras, ROUGH AUNTIES, Best Documentary World Cinema and Best Director, Natalia Almada for EL GENERAL. She is in great demand around the world as a speaker on independent film distribution, marketing and financing as well as on women’s film. She has moderated panels and given master classes at the Sundance Film Festival, MIPDOC and Reel Screen as well as film festivals in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Women Make Movies

Established in 1972 to address the under representation and misrepresentation of women in the media industry, Women Make Movies is a multicultural, multiracial, non-profit media arts organization which facilitates the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition of independent films and videotapes by and about women. The organization provides services to both users and makers of film and video programs, with a special emphasis on supporting work by women of color. Women Make Movies facilitates the development of feminist media through an internationally recognized Distribution Service and a Production Assistance Program.