FilmStack Calendar Update #5
Films to see, grants to apply for, discounted DVDs to buy, and jobs to apply for. All we need now is a bake sale.
November 5-16: INVISIBLE NATION Screening and Virtual Event “HOW TO FIGHT AUTHORITARIANISM”
Directed & Produced by Dream Of A Better World’s Vanessa Hope, and Produced by FSDD’s Ted Hope
Disinformation, repression, and geopolitical influence are spreading rapidly. Regimes like Russia, China, and Iran exploit media and control resources, trade, and social networks. They coordinate across strategic areas of vulnerability, while democracies compartmentalize foreign policy by region or issue. Furthermore, autocracies’ tools: corruption, kleptocracy and disinformation work in a system where oligarchs use Western legal/financial systems to launder money and buy influence. These tactics destabilize democracies from within, fueling far-right populism, xenophobia, structural racism, and white and male supremacy.
INVISIBLE NATION shows practical and effective strategies used in Taiwan for pushing back against authoritarian influence from coalition building, and the role of civil society, and social justice, to how international alliances can support nations on the frontlines of defense against authoritarianism. In addition to our key cast and crew, panelists include: Scot Nakagawa, Van Jackson, and Catherine Lila Chou.
Live Panel: Saturday, November 16 | 7pm ET / 4pm PT
Watch the Film Online: November 5-16
BOOK TICKETS Here.
Plus
“Invisible Nation” will also be on another European Tour:
Check out the website for details:2025 EFTA Annual Joint-Conference – European Federation of Taiwanese Associations 歐洲台灣協會聯合會
or go to the INVISIBLE NATION website for more details and tickets:
https://www.invisiblenation.net
(TH)
11/7-30: Buy physical media now!
Criterion now is running its bi-annual 50% Off DVD, Blu-rays, and 4K UHD at Barnes & Noble. The sale runs from November 7th - November 30th
This is not an ad. This is simply encouragement to go back to buying DVDs!
(TH)
October 22 - December 3: Redford Center Filmmaker Application
“The Redford Center’s open call for the 2026 Nature Connection Pitch is ope for applications. As social culture moves increasingly online, society and technology have placed humankind on a path to becoming an indoor species. Today, most of us spend over 90% of our time indoors. This growing disconnection from nature negatively affects us in significant ways — from health problems exacerbated by nature deprivation to systemic inequities reinforced when communities lack access to the outdoors. Storytellers have a unique and important role to play in driving the culture change needed to increase our care and respect for the natural world and break down the systemic and individual barriers to outdoor access. To support the production and impact of outstanding short films on the theme of nature connection, The Redford Center and DC/DOX are co-presenting a pitch event at the 2026 DC/DOX Festival in Washington, D.C. Awarded film teams will receive up to $30,000 in funding, impact and professional development training, as well as travel, accommodation, and passes to attend DC/DOX Festival. Applications will be accepted from October 22 - December 3, 2025. Finalists will be notified by mid-March and will be invited to participate in the pitch event at DC/DOX from June 11-14, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Filmmakers must be based in the U.S. For more information on eligibility, the application process, and the timeline, please see our info page, or APPLY HERE.”
(HT: Subgenre newsletter)
Nov 14: Deadline to Apply for Miami Film Lab Actors Showcase
The deadline to apply for the last actors showcase of the year for the Miami Film Lab is November 14. The showcase will take place on December 3. Apply here. They are using a new application system, so if you have any problems, reach out to them directly, please. And reach out to them with any questions.
Nov 16 - 20: Give Miami Day Fundraiser and Philanthropy Program
They are also running a fundraiser and philanthropy program called Give Miami Day. It will run from November 16 - 20. See here. Jen Orta Castellanos is trying to get 40 people to donate $40 for her upcoming 40th birthday! “[T]he Miami Foundation will be donating $25 for each of those 40 donors, that is an extra $1000 if I reach my goal!” Good luck, Jen and happy early birthday!
(SS)
Nov 15: Second Ever New York Filmstack Meetup!
Unfortunately, the deadline to RSVP has already passed, but just a reminder for everyone who did RSVP: The second ever New York FilmStack Meetup is this Saturday, November 15 from 2 - 5 pm.
Reach out to Tom Violett with questions.
(SS)
Nov 15: Hey Austin, TX! Check out Donny Broussard’s new short!
“Arson, a short film I co-wrote and produced is playing at the Ethereal Horror Fest in Austin, TX on 11/14//2025 (block starts at 5:30pm). Arson is nominated for Best Short Film, Best Makeup, Best Editing, Best Original Film, Best Music/Score, Best Sound Design, and Best Director.
It is also playing at Southern Screen on 11/15/2025 (block starts at 11:30am)
And as a real bonus, Donny will be there. Say hi and LFGGGG!
Nov 16: Grant Deadline for Justice Impacted Filmmakers
Represent Justice is inviting filmmakers to apply for their 2026 Impact Campaign Open Call. Each year, they partner with filmmakers whose stories challenge the justice system and center the voices of those most impacted by incarceration. See all eligibility requirements at their site, and note that the application deadline is November 16.
(HT: Subgenre newsletter)
Nov 16: Filmjourn LA Micro Screening
Sunday November 16th at 1p in Downtown LA and FREE to attend.
More details in the Discord here!
(CR)
Nov 16: Filmshop presents Close Encounters (Of Any Kind)
Filmshop Presents… is back for its 16th year, and this time, we’re diving into the unknown. Join us for an unforgettable night of short films made by Filmshop members and inspired by this year’s theme, “Close Encounters (of any kind).” From cosmic encounters to intimate heart connections, our filmmakers explore what happens when worlds and people collide. This annual showcase is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community; the very heartbeat of Filmshop.
Chelsea Music Hall, 407 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
Tickets here: https://www.tixr.com/e/156052
(CR)
Nov 17: First Ever Portland, Oregon Filmstack Meetup!
The first ever Portland, Oregon Filmstack Meetup will be Monday, November 17 at 7 pm in the Telegraph Room at Union Station, Portland, Oregon, complete with a poster and a complimentary whiskey tasting! (Must be 21+ for the whiskey.)
Anyone in the US can order a poster, though! Order by November 17th.
RSVP here and get more details (including how to order the poster) below.
Direct questions to Sasha Santiago.
(SS)
Nov 21: Lost Cause East Coast Premiere (Encore)
From Adam Kritzer: So excited to announce that my new feature, Lost Cause, will have its east coast premiere at Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival! We will play at PhilaMOCA on Thursday, November 13 at 8pm, with an encore at the Weitzman on November 21 at 3pm. I will be in attendance and doing Q&As after both screenings.
More info + tix here: https://linktr.ee/lostcausethefilm
(CR)
Nov 21 & 22: Fall Of Freedom, days of action
https://www.falloffreedom.com/
(TH)
December 3: The First Ever UK FilmStack Meetup Has a Location!
The first ever FilmStack UK Meetup will be at The Backstage Bar behind the Old Vic Theatre from 6:30-9:30 pm. (Lol, thank you for the time, Alex!)
RSVP here and don’t forget to subscribe to IRL Filmstack UK for all the latest and greatest from across the pond.
(SS)
December 7: LA FilmStack Meetup #6
Time and place TBA, but be sure to follow Jon Stahl for that information!
THIS just in!
“The next filmStack LA Meetup will be moving to SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH
And it’s being held at The Filmjourn Micro-cinema downtown.”
(SS)
JOB BOARD:
Well I hear both Sundance and Film Independent are looking for new Executive Directors, but if that doesn’t tickle you fancy, maybe there is something else you can try on for size…
Film Festival Alliance Executive Director
Apply here: https://filmfestivalalliance.org/about-us/open-roles
And you can read about the gig here in this interview with the outgoing ED, Barbara Twist: https://filmfestivalalliance.org/blogs/gray-rodriguez/2025/11/10/an-informal-exit-interview-with
(TH)
 | A guest post by
|
 | A guest post by
|
One amendment here!
The next filmStack LA Meetup will be moving to SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH
And it’s being held at The Filmjourn Micro-cinema downtown.
Luma invites incoming to all previous attendees!
Cheers Sara.
Re the time. evidence that if you lobby hard enough, change can happen.