Join Reel Champions Shorts Fest in Celebrating Women and Non-Binary Filmmakers

Event Details

Now in its third year, The Reel Champions Shorts Fest celebrates the voices of women and non-binary filmmakers through a full day of panels, screenings, and networking. This festival creates a vital platform for creatives of marginalized genders to share their work, connect with peers, and champion gender equity in entertainment.

Event Schedule

12:30 PM – Venue Opens

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Educational Panel 1: From Freelance to Funded: A Film Finance Masterclass with First Entertainment
Join Indeana Underhill and Meyoung Spektor from First Entertainment Credit Union for a 1.5-hour Financing Masterclass. This session covers how underwriters review freelance income for loans, various loan types available for film financing, and key differences between Schedule C, S-Corp, and LLC income for freelancers.

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Educational Panel 2: Alternative Financing: Fiscal Sponsorship 101
Join CFA Institute for a 45-minute panel on fiscal sponsorship as a powerful alternative funding option for independent filmmakers. Learn how fiscal sponsorship allows creators to fundraise under a nonprofit umbrella, unlocking grants, tax-deductible donations, and more.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Screening Block 1 & Director Q&A
Watch an inspiring lineup of shorts directed by women and non-binary creators, followed by live Q&As with the filmmakers.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Screening Block 2 & Director Q&A
The evening continues with a second showcase of powerful short films and more conversations with directors on process and purpose.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bar Reception & Red Carpet
Wrap up the day with a networking reception, red carpet photos, and a chance to meet filmmakers, panelists, and industry guests.

Parking & Accessibility

• Parking: $1 for 4 hours with validation at the parking garage across from the theater.
• Accessibility: LOOK Dine-In Cinemas is fully ADA compliant.

About The Reel Champions

The Reel Champions Shorts Fest amplifies the stories of women and non-binary directors, building visibility for new voices and challenging the status quo of representation in film. The event brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers to network, learn, and celebrate inclusive storytelling.

This year’s edition continues the mission to create lasting opportunities for connection, collaboration, and career growth—because representation behind the camera matters just as much as on screen.