Frankly Speaking Films’ Producers Circle is a community committed to incubating a least 30 projects over the next 10 years, providing upwards of $5 million to fund the critical development phase where projects are born and nurtured.
Frankly Speaking Films is an independent production company focused on authentic storytelling to address the deep need for representation of queer women and nonbinary people’s stories. Our queer, women-led team creates, directs, produces and executive produces short and feature length documentaries, fiction films, series and community engagement projects.
We want to live in a world where all queer women and nonbinary people are seen and valued, and we believe that telling our stories is the most powerful tool to realize that vision. Poor representation in media makes it easier for the world to ignore us and strip us of our rights.
When we are the heroes of our stories, actively mending our world, we can address the plethora of issues we all care about, and in so doing capture and change audience hearts and minds. We reveal the truth that we are essential in the fabric of humanity, so we cannot be erased or legislated away.
Our projects help create paths that lead to a safer and more connected world for us all.
The core creative team behind a project must have a stake in the communities that the project represents. We embrace inclusivity, recognizing the key role of advisors who strengthen the creative process.
We equally value ambitious cinematic projects and social impact. We cultivate partnerships and build paths toward social change from day one.
We believe in supporting women and nonbinary people working in the independent filmmaking field and live this value by investing in mentorship and hiring an intersection of our community for every position on our projects.
We do not accept unsolicited submissions.
Frankly Speaking Films is an independent production company led by queer, Oakland-based filmmakers Rivkah Beth Medow and Jen Rainin. Our credits include AHEAD OF THE CURVE (2020, Netflix, Directors/Producers); the Oscar® shortlisted HOLDING MOSES (2022, The New Yorker, Directors/Producers); HUMMINGBIRDS (2023, POV, Producer/Executive Producers); QUEER FUTURES (2024, The Criterion Collection, Consulting Producers); and OUTCRY: Alchemists of Rage (2024, festivals, Producers).
Jen is a Film Independent Fellow who co-founded The Curve Foundation to champion LGBTQ+ women’s stories and culture.
Rivkah is a Sundance x Women in Film and Film Independent Fellow whose additional credits include BEING GEORGE CLOONEY (2016, Netflix, Producer) and SONS OF A GUN (2009, SXSW, PBS, Director).
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