Why Give?
Every Film Funds the Next
An ecosystem of films, filmmakers, and the future.
Simbelle Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports female driven films and filmmakers through production, grants, mentorship, and impact distribution.
Our work brings urgent stories of care, agency, and representation to the screen and into communities.
We support this work through a combination of direct grants and mission-driven equity investments. When our supported films generate revenue, 100% of those proceeds are reinvested into the organization to fund future films, artist initiatives, and impact campaigns.
Contributions to Simbelle Productions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
“Right now, vital female-driven stories are struggling to find funding in a contracting industry. Your gift today ensures these urgent stories are told.”
—Lauren Melinda, Founder/CEO
Two Years In
A brief accounting of the work to date.
6 films supported
6 major festival premieres including Venice, Cannes, Locarno, TIFF, and SXSW
12 events bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and partners across festivals and communities
4 impact distribution partners including Planned Parenthood, Caring Across Generations, The Jed Foundation, and Breaking Through the Lens
5 filmmakers funded through grants including the Simbelle Impact Award and Mothers in Focus Grant
6 Films Supported
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6 Major Festivals
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12 Events
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4 Impact Distribution Partners
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5 Grant Recipients
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6 Films Supported 〰️ 6 Major Festivals 〰️ 12 Events 〰️ 4 Impact Distribution Partners 〰️ 5 Grant Recipients 〰️
A Sustaining Model
Most funding in independent film supports a single project, a single release, a single moment. Simbelle was built on a different premise.
We support films and filmmakers through grants and mission aligned investments. Simbelle acts as a nonprofit equity investor in our films. Because we are a 501(c)(3), 100% of any financial returns or recoupment we earn from these films goes directly back into the organization—never to private investors. Your initial tax-deductible gift becomes a revolving fund, repeatedly financing future films, grants, and artist programs.
A gift to Simbelle supports a long term model designed to keep working.
Impact Beyond the Screen
Each film is paired with a campaign of community screenings and partnerships aligned with its themes.
Past collaborators include:
Planned Parenthood
Caring Across Generations
The Jed Foundation
Breaking Through the Lens
