OUR PARTNERS

A Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to driving equity in the independent film industry by producing, exhibiting, and supporting the work of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers. We also aim to educate the public about important social and cultural issues, utilizing the power of cinema to foster understanding in our communities. FSF’s goal is to transform the entire media landscape—from the actors on screen, to the crew behind the camera, to the people in the audience. Our mission is embodied not only in our work, but our staff and board as well. We are an ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American) organization founded and led by people of color, women, and LGBTQ filmmakers.

Brian was born in Michigan, raised in Dominican Republic, schooled in Canada, and made in Chicago. Growing up, Brian’s dad insisted they go to every cultural festival in the Windsor-Detroit area and learn about all kinds of music, food, and dance possible. His curiosity inspires Brian as a filmmaker to continue to explore our cultural mosaic.

Brian has worked in event management, marketing, politics, retail, and even handed out yogurt brochures, and each one of those has taught him lessons he brings into every project. Lesson number one: Contracts make friends.

Mariah is a gifted manager of people and projects. Managing cultural influencers and influential projects is her passion. Her work sits at the intersection of culture and community, impacting talent, spaces, and events with those values.  She works alongside social influencers, artists and musicians, cultural institutions, and event spaces to build authentic connections among clients, staff, participants, donors, communities, and the missions that unite them. Mariah brings to her work over a decade of experience as a non-profit executive, strategy consultant, professional development trainer, program developer, project manager and event planner.