THE REEL OASIS CONVENING FOR CREATIVES
October 12-15, 2023 in collaboration with the The Goffin-King Foundation
Winners of the Reel Oasis 48 Hour Film/Music Video Competition!
All films were made using only cell phones for recording and editing. In order to qualify, it had to have one landmark or identifying characteristic of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center. The content prompt for the contest was Environment and/or Sci-Fi.
FIRST PLACE: Desert Rise/Ocean Fall by Anne Gauldin and Cheri Gaulke
Second Place: Partly Sandy Mostly Woody by Scot Sax
Third Place: Sarah Darling
A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND in JOSHUA TREE to Create, Laugh and Appreciate!
The Chimaera Project is grateful for the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Department of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts for making L.A. WOMEN MAKE FILMS possible!
The Chimaera Project in partnership with Slamdance presents L.A. WOMEN MAKE FILMS on Thursday, July 13, 2023
Landmark Westwood Theater, 1045 Broxton Ave #2803
Los Angeles, CA 90024
FILM PROGRAM
Miss Alma Thomas: A Life in Color by Cheri Gaulke
Tooth by Jillian Corsie
The Ringmaster by Maya Albanese
Jenna Has To Live by Katie Hopkins
A Guide for When Immigrants Become Ancestors by Iliana Garcia
Red Threads (我很爱你）by Yuchi Ma
Esmeralda by Jennifer Greco
Off Fairfax by Erica Eng
JUNE 25, 2023! FREE online watch party with The Chimaera Project made possible by the generous support of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
This fabulous short film, “Becoming Chavela” directed by Joyce Callo, starring Stephanie Trudeau gives a unique look at iconic Mexican singer Chavela Vargas’ life and music set within the art world and social milieu of mid-century Mexico City when it was the cultural capital of Latin America. Chavela Vargas, a trailblazer who constantly broke the mold, was edgy in the 1990s, yet remains quite relevant today discussing gender issues, gay rights, immigration and Mexican Culture. Film includes songs of lust and longing and stories of her friendships and relationships with Deigo Rivera, Frida Khalo, Liz Taylor, and Pedro Almodovar.
The Chimaera Project is a proud sponsor of BROAD HUMOR FILM FESTIVAL!
Fright Club: Female Directors of Horror
The Chimaera Project at the 2021 Slamdance Virtual Festival Friday, Feb. 19-25, 2021.
Panelists: Courtney Andujar, Hillary Andujar, Shana Betz, Brea Grant, Terrie Samundra and Moderator Heidi Honeycutt, Director of Programming, Etheria Film Festival. Despite or because of the bleak year that was 2020, horror filmmakers told exceptional stories to help us escape from reality and into their extraordinary visions. 2020 was also a big year for women filmmakers, with more women helming horror films than any other time in history. What stories did these filmmakers tell, and why? How did their films resonate with us as an audience, and why are these filmmakers drawn to horror? Our panelists give us insight into their visionary horror creations and the fascinating world of women making horror.
RESISTERHOOD
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020
Plus a Q&A with Filmmakers immediately following the film.
This powerful documentary captures the stories of everyday Americans who became grassroots activists working tirelessly to defend our democracy and stop the erosion of our civil rights. RESISTERHOOD showcases the wave that brought us the most ethnically, racially and gender diverse Congress in history. It shares stories of hope that will re-energize the movement and inspire even more people to join the fight to secure a bright future for our county.
“Director Cheryl Jacobs “CJ” Crim has a reputation as a provocative independent filmmaker, and does not disappoint with this raw and well-researched piece. The mixture of live campaigning and marching footage, alongside private interviews, is incredibly emotive and presents a full picture of the current political state of America.”
Intro to Action Filmmaking
November 16, 2019
Intro to Action Filmmaking was presented at the Theater of Note in Hollywood to women interested in moving into a genre that’s dominated by men, action!
Professional stunt coordinators and performers shared their expertise with workshop participants with a focus on how to communicate their stories in a dynamic visual way through action, selecting and maximizing a stunt coordinator.
Introduction to Action Filmmaking Reel.
The workshop panel discussion was moderated by Filmmaker, Director and Stunt Coordinator, America Young. Workshop guest presenters included: Stunt Coordinator and Actor Dave Mattey; Motion Capture Actor and Stunt Coordinator, Maggie Macdonald; Stunt Professional, Mario Perez; Filmmaker, Director and Stunt Coordinator, Shaun Piccino; Stunt Actor, Thekla Hutyrova; and Stunt Actor, Brandon Marino. Ms. In The Biz article here.
2019 Los Angeles Comic Con
Women in Action Filmmaking panel discussion produced by actor/producer Joanna Ke and moderated by actor/producer Heidi Cox was presented to over 150 audience members! Guest panelists included filmmaker Shana Betz; stunt coordinator, stunt woman & actor Maggie Macdonald; stunt woman & coordinator Helena Barrett; stunt and motion capture actor, Andi Norris; stunt woman Cassie Lee Minick and cinematographer Katie Eleneke.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Heroes On and Behind the Screen presented by The Chimaera Project
A moderated discussion about the steps our panel guests take to create a hero as well as how they make a difference in their position such as challenging stereotypes, diverse storytelling and steering the industry towards a more inclusive environment.
Darlene Conte, Carlease Burke, Tasha Huo and Deven MacNair (L to R)
This engaging panel was moderated by Darlene Conte known for her work on Grey’s Anatomy, Spider-Man 2 and Twice as Dead with panel guests Carlease Burke actor known for Get Shorty, In Her Shoes, The Terminal and Crowded (TV series); Tasha Huo is a writer known for Black Belle and Women in the Dirt: Landscape Architects Shaping Our World; Deven MacNair actor and stuntwoman known for her work on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Green Lantern and Now You See Me.
ARTEMIS FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS
Saturday, April 27, 2019
2019 Filmmaker Celebration presented by The Chimaera Project
A public conversation facilitated by The Chimaera Project celebrating equity and an inclusive mindset. Film Festival Awards were presented during this fun event! The Chimaera Project hosts: Cheryl Bookout, filmmaker and The Chimaera Project’s Executive Director; Foster V. Corder, filmmaker, actor, producer; Darlene Conte, producer, writer; Andi Norris, actor, stuntwoman; Dove Meir, filmmaker, actor, producer.
Sunday, April 28, 2019: WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE ACTION, presented by Chimaera Project
Artemis Film Festival Location: Monica Film Center at 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
What does it take to prepare for, shoot and make a spectacular action sequence? Moderated by Trisha Nicolas (Sr. Producer, Snap, Inc.), this panel will examine actual stunt scenes with the pros who designed the action and how the scenes were accomplished effectively and safely. Hear first hand advice from the filmmaking teams responsible for creating three different types of action sequences. Production team members, directors, actors and stunt coordinators offer invaluable insight on the process of creating action on screen. Sharing approaches stunt coordinators use to create action scenes, work flows between departments, and working with actors without stunt experience, and more.
Panelists: Joanna Ke Actor, Writer and Producer; Helena Barrett, Stuntwoman, Stunt Coordinator; Hayden Lam Director, Stunt Performer and Stunt Coordinator; Veto Swarm Actor and Stuntman; Austin Nordell Cinematographer and Editor.
MORE!!! APRIL 2019 ARTEMIS AND NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS PRESENTED BY THE CHIMAERA PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS!
Artemis Women in Action Film Festival Opening Night
Friday, April 26, 2019
Seeing is Believing: Women Direct directed by Cady McClain, The Chimaera Project Ambassador and produced by board member Amanda Quinn Olivar, screened during the Artemeis Film Festival. This powerful documentary includes interviews with The Chimaera Project’s Co-Founders Shana Betz and America Young.
Saturday, April 27, 2019: Seeing is Believing: Women Direct
“Powerhouses of Female Fortitude” panel presented by Curator.site immediately following the screening of Seeing is Believing: Women Direct a discussion engaged the audience on how women persevere in the industry while also championing other women. Panel guests included Maikiko James of WIF, Liz Manashil of Sundance Creative Distribution, Heather Allin, former president of ACTRA, and Tige Charity, head of Kids in the Spotlight.
Women in Indie Film, March 15, 2019
First Glance Film Festival, Laemmle North Hollywood 7
Female filmmakers shared their advice, wisdom, and experience in the world of indie filmmaking. They gave insight and invaluable tips on how to get started, what it takes to make an indie film, the reality of low budget filmmaking, how to stay in your own power, creativity and tell universal stories through a unique lens, and learn why women’s voices are needed. This panel was a “how to,” discusses resources you didn’t know you had for better creating and in healthier environments. Hand outs and action items were assigned to encourage and support wishful filmmakers long after the panel and to provide a lasting experience. This panel was presented by The Chimaera Project. Panelists included Cheryl Bookout, Sylvia Ray, Heidi Cox, Ashleigh Nichols, Alexandra Boylan and Kimberley Browning. Moderated by Joanna Ke, host of “Tea with Ke.”
Sylvia Ray, Heidi Cox, Cheryl Bookout, Kimberley Browning, Alexandra Boylan, Joanna Ke and Ashleigh Nichols. (L-R)
WONDER WOMEN FILMMAKERS: Insight from Women in the World of Filmmaking, a public discussion at the 2018 L.A. Comic Con
