ConnectHER PitchFest invites ConnectHER Filmmakers (those 30 years old or younger who have had films accepted to ConnectHER Film Festival) to submit a 90 second video that pitches a film concept that creates awareness or shines a light on solutions to a problem faced by women and girls around the world. Winners receive funds from our sponsor partners to make their films. Stay tuned for Future Pitch Fest Announcements!
2023
The Gates + ConnectHER PitchFest was a fitting celebration for International Women’s Day, as it successfully sourced, found and highlighted the inspiring stories of women and girls and their daily tribulations and triumphs. Moderated by filmmaker Sara Hirsh Bordo, past ConnectHER Film Festival participants developed 90-second pitches from pre-selected topics on global issues: Girl’s Education, Global Health, Economic Independence, Women and the Environment, Women/Girls in Tech or the Refugee Crisis. The two winners were chosen for their compelling narratives and parallels with the Gates Foundation’s current work to support healthy, productive lives and empower women with access to mental and financial aid.
WINNERS
In Her Hands
A Light in the Dark
The film will focus on two women in the North of Pakistan running small, sustainable businesses in a relatively remote part of the country.
“Being a recipient of the Gates Foundation, ConnectHER, PitchFest grant has been one of the most exciting and educational experiences of my life. It has given me the chance to improve my own filmmaking skill set, build a network of talented women across overlooked regions of Pakistan and develop a film I’m most proud of. The women I’ve featured in my film can’t wait to watch it and I can’t wait to screen it for them.”
Sarah Jehaan Khan, Filmmaker
Saaya
Our Real Demons; The Truth about Perinatal Illness in Pakistan
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of Perinatal mental illness in Asia. Shocking statistics show that 42% of women in rural areas of Pakistan suffer from perinatal illness.
“Collaborating with the Gates Foundation has been an entirely new and impactful experience for me as a filmmaker. I’ve witnessed significant growth in my craft, thanks to their support that extends beyond conventional assistance. The provision of crucial resources, expert guidance and a substantial platform for my documentary has not only enhanced my skills but also facilitated continuous learning and development throughout the filmmaking process.”
Halimah Tariq, Filmmaker
2021
Nadege Cibogo Felista of Congo won ConnectHER's first PitchFest in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation. In her film, Nadege interviews female role models who have overcome obstacles and gone on to succeed. The hope of her film was to inspire other Congolese girls who are facing obstacles to getting, or continuing, their education.
Halimah Tariq was also selected by Education Above all to make her pitch for the film Awaaz into a reality. Awaaz – A Life In Silence is a story of the struggles of hearing- and speech-impaired girls in a starkly traditionalist and patriarchal society to get an education. The documentary is about Shakila’s work to take the step of becoming the first woman in Mardan to break this stigmatic barrier. We were able to host a screening of Awaaz in partnership with Austin Film Society in Austin in July of 2023.
WINNER
Cibogo
“Don’t be afraid to take risks. By trying you lose nothing, and even when you fail, you improve your skills, develop patience, and strengthen your resolve. Have a clear vision of what you want, and create your own measure of success.”
Nadege Cibogo, Filmmaker
In Her Hands
“Don’t be afraid to take risks. By trying you lose nothing, and even when you fail, you improve your skills, develop patience, and strengthen your resolve. Have a clear vision of what you want, and create your own measure of success.”
Halimah Tariq, Filmmaker
FAQ
Q: What are the major requirements for my 90-second “pitch video”?
A: Your pitch should be a 60-90 second video of yourself explaining your idea for a film you wish to make. Present your idea briefly—in just one sentence if possible! Then convince us how you intend to capture the story (your approach, genre, visual style, your main character or the people you plan to interview). You probably won’t have time to tell your whole story. It is helpful, though, to try to capture your character’s journey, any obstacle or conflict, and the emotional impact your film will have. Feel free to get creative and include other visuals or interviews in your pitch, but just a video of you making the pitch is perfectly fine. Stories about hope, solutions and resilience are always inspiring!
Q: How is this different from ConnectHER's Film Festival? Can I submit to both?
A: Yes, this is a completely separate contest with different rules. You can also submit a film to the film festival, although if your film wins this PitchFest, that particular film cannot be submitted to the film festival in any shape or form.
Q: If my pitch wins the PitchFest, how long should my final completed film be?
A: Between 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: If I’m filming myself speaking, can I speak in my native language or must the film pitch be in English?
A: You can speak in your preferred language, but if your pitch is in a language other than English, please include English subtitles.
Q: Can I edit the 90-second pitch video to make it more professional?
A: Yes, you can edit your pitch video. What we are mainly looking for, though, is a convincing pitch about how you plan to tell your story with impact.
Q: If I win, when will I receive the funds?
A: The first disbursement will be transferred within 60 days of announcing the winner.
Q: Will ConnectHER provide any kind of support other than monetary to the winner?
A: Yes, ConnectHER will provide a mentorship with an experienced film industry professional to support this film project.
Q: Do I need to have filmmaking experience to submit a pitch?
A: Yes, you should have intermediate knowledge of filmmaking. You will be required to show your previous work and/or portfolio.
Q: What should my film be about?
A: Your film should be about an issue that impacts women and girls and should fit into one of ConnectHER’s categories:
- Educating Girls Globally
- Global Health for Women
- Women and the Environment (how climate change and other environmental issues disproportionately affect girls)
- Women and Work (economic independence, entrepreneurship and livelihood, gender pay gap, girls in tech, etc.)
- Refugee Crisis (and how it disproportionately impacts women and girls)
Q: Who can apply?
A: Past and current participants of ConnectHER Film Festival. You must have submitted at least one film to our festival to be eligible for the PitchFest contest.
Q: How should I share my 90-second pitch video?
A: Please share your mp4 or .mov file via email on either Dropbox or Google drive on xxxxxxx at 11:59pm EST with: connecther@connecther.org
Q: How and when will judges select the finalists and the winner?
A: We will inform you by email or phone if you are a finalist. The ConnectHER team will connect with you personally prior to any session where finalists are asked to pitch in person to judges. After the final pitch session, the judges will select a winner and we will announce their selection.