****EXTENSION DEADLINE APRIL 4 2025****
The Female Filmmakers in Tech & Art Fund is a unique funding initiative aimed at empowering women filmmakers who are currently in production or post-production of a feature documentary focused on the intersection of technology and art. This fund is designed to support and amplify the voices of female creators who are exploring innovative narratives in these rapidly evolving fields.

UNLEYEK, and 19.Studio are a film production company and a tech boutique committed to supporting innovative creators in the art and film industries. Initially, we launched the Minted Series to fund 'Minted', a documentary exploring the groundbreaking world of NFT (Non-Fungible Token) art. Through the sale of unique NFT artworks, we aimed to raise enough ETH to produce the film, which would chronicle the impact of blockchain technology on the global art market.

Despite our efforts, we faced unforeseen challenges and were able to secure only a small part of our funding goal. However, we remain steadfast in our belief in the power of technology and creativity to transform industries.

That’s why we’ve decided to redirect the funds to a new purpose—supporting women filmmakers working on feature-length documentaries at the intersection of art and technology. In collaboration with our partners, we are launching a fund to uplift female voices who are exploring technology and their influence on the art world.

This initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to democratizing the film industry and championing independent, trailblazing storytellers hence why we are collaborating with Female Film Club, An online community where filmmakers from all over the world learn together, get challenged, work on their craft and create lifelong connections.

This fund is a collaboration between Female Film Club, UNLEYEK, and 19.Studio, three organizations committed to advancing women in the creative industries, with a focus on promoting stories that intersect technology and arts.

About Female Film Club: The Female Film Club is an online members' club for international female filmmakers, providing a global network, resources, and opportunities. With a mission to empower women in film, the club focuses on skill development, mindset, networking, and technology to ensure its members thrive in the competitive film industry.

About UNLEYEK: UNLEYEK spelled /ʌnˈlʌɪk/) is an Award-winning pioneering production company dedicated to supporting filmmakers through community-based stories that push technological boundaries.

About 19.Studio: 19.Studio is a tech boutique committed to collaborating with creators at the intersection of art, film, and technology, supporting projects that shape the future of storytelling.
Websites:
https://www.unleyek.com
https://femalefilmclub.com
https://19.studio

*Eligibility Criteria*:

- Gender: Open to women filmmakers or non-binary individuals who identify with the female experience.
- Stage of Production: Applicants must be in the production or post-production phase of a feature-length documentary.
- Subject Matter: The documentary must explore technology and art—whether it’s showcasing the impact of technology on artistic practices, or telling stories that highlight the convergence of these two fields in a meaningful and innovative way. We are particularly interested in AI and digital arts.

*IMPORTANT*: To apply for this fund, you need to be a member of the Female Film Club, whether it's the cohorts or the free networking place. Please register at https://femalefilmclub.com/networking-space
Please provide the email with which you registered.

Awards & Prizes

Funding Details:

- Funding Amount: Up to £8,000 will be awarded to selected filmmakers.
- Purpose: The funding is intended to support key aspects of production and post-production, including editing, sound design, VFX, or any other critical stage necessary to bring the film to completion.

Application Process:

Filmmakers must submit:
- A logline and synopsis of their project.
- The bios of the team and a detailed production and distribution plan.
- A budget breakdown indicating how the funds will be used.
- Links to any relevant previous work and teasers for the current project.

April 21, 2025 filmmakers will be notified and 5 finalists will be selected.

Winners will be announced at Cannes Film Festival 2025.

Rules & Terms

In Return for Funding:

Selected filmmakers will provide acknowledgment in their film credits, including:

- A package of credits
- Logos of Female Film Club, UNLEYEK, and 19.Studio will appear in the film’s end credits and promotional materials as supporters.
- The filmmakers will also invite the funders and team to attend the film’s premieres and events related to the documentary.

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​FAQs, Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When does my film qualify in relation to the gap funding?
Your film qualifies if it is in the production or post-production phase and requires financial support to be completed. The fund is designed to bridge the financial gap needed to finish your film, whether that’s for final shoots, editing, VFX, sound design, or distribution. Films in early development do not qualify BUT if you have started filming, yes!

2. When does my film qualify in relation to tech and art?
Your film qualifies if it explores the intersection of technology and art in a meaningful way.
i.e. dancer who performs in a VR world, or a digital artist exploring AI, etc
What does "Art" mean in this context?
The fund embraces all forms of art, including but not limited to:
Visual Arts – Painting, sculpture, photography, installations, digital and generative art.
Performing Arts – Dance, theater, performance art, physical storytelling.
Music & Sound – Composition, soundscapes, experimental music, AI-generated or tech-enhanced sound design.
Literary Arts – Poetry, spoken word, storytelling with an artistic/technological dimension.
New Media & Experimental Arts – VR/AR, interactive cinema, AI-driven narratives, motion capture, and more.
Cinematic Artistry – Films that push the boundaries of storytelling through unique visuals, immersive technology, or innovative editing techniques.
If your film integrates art and technology as core elements of its story, theme, or production process, it likely qualifies.

3. If I’m making my film with the use of AI, do I qualify?
Yes, AI-assisted filmmaking is eligible as long as it serves as a creative tool rather than a full replacement of human artistic vision. This includes:
AI-generated visual effects, animation, or cinematography.
AI-driven music composition or sound design.
AI-powered storytelling methods or interactive elements.
However, projects where AI is merely automating the filmmaking process without human artistic intervention may be less aligned with the fund’s vision. The key is using technology to enhance artistic expression, not to remove it.

4. If I’m making my film with the use of technology BUT it doesn’t speak about either art or technology, do I qualify?
Usually, no. The fund is specifically designed for films that explore the intersection of technology and art either thematically or through innovative filmmaking methods.
However, if your film presents an unconventional approach to visual storytelling through technology, we can consider it. This means that while your film may not explicitly discuss art or technology, it should use technology in a way that transforms the cinematic experience—whether through experimental visuals, interactive elements, or groundbreaking storytelling techniques.

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### Terms and Conditions for Filmmakers Applying for GAP Funding

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the relationship between the filmmakers applying for financial support ("Applicants") and Female Film Club, UNLEYEK, 19.Studio, and the former Minted team ("Funders"). By applying for funding, Applicants agree to the following terms:

### **1. Funding Purpose**

The funds provided by the Funders are intended to support the post-production efforts of the Applicant's film project. The Applicant agrees to use the funds solely for the purposes outlined in their application and in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

### **2. Amount and Disbursement of Funds**

Upon successful application, the Applicant will receive funding of up to £8,000 (Eight Thousand Pounds). The disbursement schedule and payment method will be determined after mutual agreement between the Applicant and the Funders.

### **3. Intellectual Property (IP) Rights**

- The Funders do not claim or receive any ownership or control over the intellectual property (IP) of the Applicant's film. The Applicant retains all rights, title, and ownership of their film, including but not limited to copyrights, trademarks, distribution rights, and creative control.
- The Funders’ contribution does not entitle them to any share of future revenues, royalties, or profit from the film, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

### **4. Acknowledgment and Credits**

In exchange for the financial contribution, the Applicant agrees to provide the Funders with appropriate recognition, as outlined below:

- **Film Credits**: The Funders (Female Film Club, UNLEYEK and 19.Studio) and their team members shall receive credits in the film, including 2 executive producers (Martina Russo and Giacomo Pollesel) and credits as specified below:

At the end of the film, the following text will be included:

*"This film was made possible with the support of Annabelle Fulcher as Development Producer at Minted, Fabio Ardemagni and Tommaso Turchi.*

Artists and Collectors: Lans King, Iness Rychlik, Linda Dounia Rebeiz, everfresh, Dimitri Daniloff, 33 NFT, Salavat Fidai, Kiwikawai, Sashaku, Jakamar, Schmrypto, King_farooq

- **Logos**: The logos of Female Film Club, UNLEYEK and 19.Studio will be included in the film’s credits as contributors and supporters.
- **IMDB Credits**: The Funders, along with the selected team members and contributors, will receive IMDb credits under the “Miscellaneous Company” and “Special Thanks” sections - "Funding"

### **5. Creative Control**

The Applicant maintains full creative control over their film. The Funders will not interfere in or influence the creative decisions or direction of the film. Any input from the Funders will be advisory in nature and at the sole discretion of the Applicant.

### **6. Reporting and Accountability**

The Applicant agrees to provide periodic updates to the Funders on the progress of the film’s post-production, particularly concerning the use of funds. A final report, including a financial summary, may be requested by the Funders upon completion of the project.

### **7. Premiere Invitations**

The Applicant agrees to invite the Funders and their team to attend the premiere(s) of the film, whether physical or virtual, as an acknowledgment of their support.

### **8. Use of the Applicant’s Name and Film Title**

The Funders may reference the Applicant’s name, film title, and the nature of the collaboration in promotional materials, websites, and social media to highlight their involvement, but only with the Applicant’s prior written consent.

### **9. Compliance with Laws**

The Applicant agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the production and distribution of the film, including but not limited to copyright, licensing, and labor laws.

### **10. Termination**

In the event that the Applicant fails to use the funds in accordance with these Terms or misrepresents their project, the Funders reserve the right to terminate the agreement and request a return of any disbursed funds.

### **11. No Warranties**

The Funders make no warranties, express or implied, with regard to the success of the Applicant's film or any distribution or commercial prospects. The financial support is provided on a goodwill basis to aid in post-production efforts only.

### **12. Limitation of Liability**

The Funders shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or claims arising out of or in connection with the Applicant’s use of the funds, the production of the film, or any third-party claims.

### **13. Amendments**

These Terms may only be amended in writing with the mutual consent of both the Applicant and the Funders.

### **14. Governing Law**

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the **United Kingdom**, and both parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the United Kingdom for any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms.

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**By submitting an application for funding, the Applicant agrees to the above Terms and Conditions.**