Finance and Networking: Key Challenges for Women Independent Filmmakers

Caroline Libresco during an interaction

“The independent film movement in India is in a nascent stage, presenting significant opportunities for growth,” stated Caroline Libresco, a prominent film curator and creative producer, during her recent visit to American Corner at St Francis College for Women in Hyderabad.

Following engagements with students and independent filmmakers in Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, Caroline aims to inspire women filmmakers in both feature and documentary storytelling to enhance their project pitching and development skills while also identifying sources of financial support. Her journey in India will conclude with meetings in New Delhi.

With nearly two decades of experience as a head programmer for the Sundance Film Festival until 2019, Caroline played a crucial role in the Sundance Women’s Initiative and Sundance Catalyst. During her tenure, she helped establish a network of over 100 financiers, successfully raising over $31 million for 89 films, including notable titles such as Writing with Fire, Truffle Hunters, Crip Camp, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, and The Witch.

During her sessions in India, Caroline focuses on key areas such as project development, storytelling techniques, networking, and securing funding.

Reflecting on the inception of the Sundance Women’s Initiative, Caroline noted the critical developments in the American independent film scene during the 2000s and 2010s. “In 2010-11, we observed that women faced significant challenges in both Hollywood and independent film sectors. We needed to uncover these obstacles through research, as evidence-based discussions foster productive solutions.”

With support from researchers at USC Annenberg, a study was conducted to highlight issues affecting independent women directors and producers. “The findings guided the design of our programs, addressing barriers such as access to finances and navigating male-dominated networks. Notably, we identified a significant gap between the first and second films directed by women compared to their male counterparts,” Caroline explained.

Programs have been developed to connect high-net-worth individuals willing to finance films with female filmmakers in need of support.

On a larger scale, Caroline emphasized the necessity for systemic changes to ensure equitable opportunities for women within the film industry.

In India, she expressed hope that initiatives by film producer Guneet Monga, who leads the Women in Film India chapter, will foster progress toward achieving gender equity in cinema.