Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Outer Circle to life.

Logline

Outer Circle is a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing underrepresented voices in filmmaking. We champion unique, diverse narratives through various programs, including our flagship Script to Screen competition. By providing resources, mentorship, and a platform to share their stories, we empower filmmakers who often find themselves outside the mainstream narrative, striving to effect change in the film industry and beyond.

Synopsis

Outer Circle is a progressive nonprofit initiative founded with the intention of revolutionizing the film industry by amplifying the voices of those frequently sidelined in mainstream narrative. We understand that storytelling is a powerful tool for promoting understanding, empathy, and change, and it is our belief that every voice matters and every story deserves to be heard.

Our mission is to empower underrepresented groups – including people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community, women, and more – by providing them with the necessary resources, guidance, and platform to share their unique narratives. Our primary initiative, the “Script to Screen” competition, is designed to discover, nurture, and champion the talents of these unique storytellers. In this competition, emerging screenwriters get an opportunity to submit their stories, and the winning script is produced into a short film by professional filmmakers, thus bringing their vision to life.

Beyond the competition, Outer Circle offers various programs, including writing workshops, networking events, mentorship programs, and more, all designed to educate, inspire, and promote aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters. We also strive to build a supportive and inclusive community where creators can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

In essence, Outer Circle is more than just a platform—it’s a movement that seeks to shift the narrative, challenge stereotypes, and ultimately transform the film industry into a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable space. We envision a world where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, has a fair chance to tell their story and see it come alive on screen.
 

Meet the Company

Company Goals
Creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers to shine.

Mentorship
Our goal is to provide emerging female and minority filmmakers with access to experienced mentors who can help guide their careers and provide support and guidance throughout the filmmaking process. We believe that mentorship is critical for fostering talent and helping underrepresented voices succeed in the industry.
Fellowships

We aim to provide fellowships and other forms of financial support to emerging filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized communities. Our goal is to remove financial barriers and provide filmmakers with the resources they need to create high-quality, impactful films.

Education
We are committed to providing educational opportunities for filmmakers at all levels, from workshops and masterclasses to online resources and networking events. Our goal is to help filmmakers develop the skills they need to succeed in the industry, as well as to foster a community of learning and support.

Development
Our goal is to create and support projects that feature women in power or minority protagonists, giving voice to underrepresented communities and promoting diverse perspectives in the industry. We are committed to working with filmmakers to develop and produce high-quality, impactful films that inspire, educate, and engage audiences.

Make a donation to Outer Circle.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.