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Breaking Through The Lens, New York, NY (2026)

03/08/2026

In celebration of 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, we honor all the extraordinary women who power the global film industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

Over the past year, we’ve seen remarkable milestones:

• 𝐂𝐡𝐥𝐨é 𝐙𝐡𝐚𝐨 (Hamnet) became the only director to win the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award twice, and the first woman of color nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Director.
 • 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐭 (The Substance) received widespread acclaim and a 2025 Oscar nomination for Best Director, joining the small group of women ever nominated in that category.
 • 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭 (Anatomy of a Fall) won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, following her historic Palme d’Or win at Cannes.
 • 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚 (All We Imagine as Light) became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
 • For the first time in history, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝟒𝟐% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎𝟎 highest-grossing films in the United States, reaching parity with male leads.

The progress is real; and yet, the world today feels turbulent and divided in many ways. In moments like this, cinema has the rare power to build empathy, and to bring us into cultures and experiences beyond our own. It reminds us that beneath our differences, our humanity is shared.

Today celebrates the brilliance and resilience of women across the world. Both those leading film sets and the village surrounding them from technicians to cleaners who all make this art form possible.

Here’s to the women who came before us, those making waves today, and the generations still to come.

02/19/2026

We’re incredibly proud to introduce our 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐓𝐓𝐋 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭: five extraordinary feature projects seeking finance, who we’ll be supporting throughout the year through 1:1 mentorship, industry introductions, fiscal sponsorship access, and the opportunity to present at our Investor Showcase during Cannes Film Festival this May! A huge thank you to our Jury for their care and thoughtful dedication, and to every single filmmaker who applied this year. The level of work was exceptionally high, a powerful reminder of both the urgency and the depth of support our industry needs at the moment. We see you and appreciate you all. ♥️

✨ ACTION GRANT WINNER ✨
I BROUGHT YOU INTO THIS WORLD — Director Brittany Ferrell, Producer Shannon Sun-Higginson
A powerful, intimate meditation on Black birth and bodily autonomy in post-Roe America, centering joy, agency, and lived experience.

THIRSTYGIRL — Director Alexandra Qin, Producers Carlos López Estrada & Valerie Bush
A sharp, emotionally raw comedy-drama about addiction, family, and sisterhood. .film

EXODUS STORIES — Director Ilse Fernandez, Producer Alessandra Pasquino
A deeply empathetic documentary following three Central American immigrants navigating a broken asylum system with unflinching resolve.

THE FIRE IN US — Director San San F. Young, Producers Rebecca Wolff & Ed Owles
An immersive, BIPOC-futurist exploration of climate justice shaped by young voices and radical imagination. .fyoung

CAMINO — Director Annabella Fazio Mineghino, Producers Jade Risser, Sofia Kunz & Theodora Dunlap
A q***r reimagining of the Western, where identity, desire, and rebellion meet on a fading Spanish ranch. .fazio .kunz

These projects, bold in form, fearless in voice, and driven in purpose, remind us why independent cinema matters.

👉 Learn more about the films, the filmmakers, and our mission via the link in bio.

Cannes2026 inclusivecinema

01/29/2026

Blown away by this trailer for the original short doc “Nuisance Bear” by BTTL Alumni Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman. The 14-minute short follows polar bears navigating the town of Churchill, Manitoba, as humans, tourism, and wildlife practices collide in ways that feel eerily intense and profoundly humane.

The short captivated audiences worldwide, earning an honorable mention at and being shortlisted for the Academy Awards.

Now, that same daring vision has blossomed into the feature-length “Nuisance Bear,” premiering in competition at Sundance 2026, where its immersive world-building and urgent environmental storytelling have continued to stun critics and audiences alike.

Watch the trailer, and witness how this bold approach to documentary filmmaking defies convention.

BTTLAlumni

01/29/2026

From our first conversation in 2023, the BTTL Jury was struck by how fearless Gabriela and Jack’s vision for 𝐍𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫 was: bold, unexpected, and unlike any conservation documentary we’d seen before.

To see Nuisance Bear premiere in competition at Sundance 2026 is deeply moving, and to read The Washington Post describe it as “playing out like The Fugitive” and an “edge-of-your-seat thriller” makes us immensely proud. What began as a daring 14 min Oscar-shortlisted doc, has become a feature that grips, challenges, and reframes the genre entirely.

Gabriela and Jack are changing the game, not just in how environmental stories are told, but who gets to tell them. To make this week even more special … they also got engaged on Main Street in Park City 💍 we couldn’t be happier for them!

So honoured to have played a small role in this film’s remarkable journey and to have Gabriela & Jack as part of our BTTL alumni family. This is exactly why we do what we do.

01/23/2026

This 𝐌𝐨𝐧 𝟏/𝟐𝟔 during 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 BTTL will host a panel in the Canon Creative Studio headlined by actor and director 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞 who will discuss her new film “The Invite.” Moderated by BTTL’s 𝐋𝐢𝐳 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐬 the conversation will feature 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬 (“The Gallerist)”, 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐢 (“If I Go Will They Miss Me”), and 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧 (Imagine Documentaries) alongside Wilde. In addition to speaking about their respective careers and projects, the panelists will shed light on the critical need for financing independent films, especially those made by marginalized individuals, which is at the core of BTTL’s tireless work.

Ahead of the panel we will be announcing our 2026 BTTL Finalists and Action Grant Winner! 📣

Hugely grateful to our sponsor and founding partner .two.20 helmed by the visionary .m.moseley who made our presence at Sundance possible! 🙏

For those unable to join, the panel will be recorded and posted to our YouTube Channel and website after the festival.

Panelists:

BTTL Team:

09/27/2025

JUST RELEASED : Breaking Through The Lens has joined forces with Stage 32, the world’s largest online platform for film, TV and digital creatives. Together, we’re uniting networks to break down barriers in financing and open the doors wider than ever for women and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers.

In honor of this collaboration, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐓𝐓𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝐭𝐡, allowing more time to apply for two $10,000 development grants:

• The BTTL Action Grant (to take a concrete step toward production)
• The Simbelle Impact Award (an unrestricted grant for one director)

Finalists go on to join the BTTL cohort, receiving 1:1 mentorship, development support, and a travel grant to attend a high-profile Investor Showcase at Cannes 2026.

Our Official Jury brings together some of the most influential voices in global cinema:
Jen Blake (Diversity Hire, Sundance Episodic Lab)
Mia Bays (Director, BFI Film Fund)
Kara Durrett (President, Pinky Promise Films)
Steven Adams (Peabody-winning Producer, Alta Global Media)
Thomas Pierce (Executive Producer, The Brutalist)
Lauren Melinda (Founder, Simbelle Productions)
Amy Gardner (Executive Producer, Brides, Dreamers)
Nicolás Celis (Oscar-winning Producer, ROMA, Emilia Pérez)
Erin Sayder & Rita Baghdadi (Emmy-winning filmmakers, 2025 BTTL winners with Sidelines)

Follow the link in bio to apply. The countdown is on — enough talk, it’s time for action.

09/27/2025

🚨 Deadline Extended: October 7th! 🚨

The countdown is still on: the application deadline for our 2026 BTTL Program has been extended. This is your chance to join a global initiative that connects filmmakers to the tools, mentorship, and investors that can bring your vision to life.

Applications are open to women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers in the following formats:
➤ LIVE ACTION
➤ NON-FICTION
➤ ANIMATION
➤ IMMERSIVE (VR, AR, Mixed Reality, Hybrid)

Two finalists will receive a $10,000 development grant: the BTTL Action Grant, designed to help a project take a concrete step toward production; and the Simbelle Impact Award, an unrestricted grant for to support a director’s career.

And it doesn’t stop there. Finalists also receive:
✔️ A year of mentorship and development support
✔️ Travel grant to attend Cannes 2026
✔️ A high-profile investor showcase at Cannes 2026
✔️ VIP access to BTTL events at major festivals

Our 2026 Jury brings together some of the most influential voices in global cinema: Jen Blake (Diversity Hire, Sundance Episodic Lab), Mia Bays (Director, BFI Film Fund), Kara Durrett (President, Pinky Promise Films), Steven Adams (Alta Global Media), Thomas Pierce (The Brutalist), Lauren Melinda (Simbelle Productions), Amy Gardner (Brides, Dreamers), Nicolás Celis (ROMA, Emilia Pérez), and last year’s winners Erin Sayder & Rita Baghdadi (Sidelines).

You can begin your application now, save and return to it at any time. If you’ve already submitted, you can continue to edit until October 7.

Follow the link in bio to apply.

➤ Enough talk. It’s time for action.

09/06/2025

What an honor to meet the iconic Eva Herzigová at our x event in Venice 🐦‍⬛

From her groundbreaking rise in the 1990s, when her iconic “Hello Boys” campaign for Wonderbra became a cultural touchstone, to her celebrated work on the runways of Paris, Milan and New York, has carved out a legendary career as one of the world’s most recognizable supermodels. She has since expanded her artistry into acting, appearing in acclaimed films such as Just for the Time Being and Modigliani, and most recently brought her presence and elegance to Trussardi’s The Gentle Society campaign.

We were inspired to learn that Eva has also stepped behind the camera to explore directing herself — and we can’t wait to see more of her work in this new chapter.

Thank you, Eva, for your support of BTTL and for using your voice to reimagine what’s possible.

09/06/2025

𝘈 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 ⊹ and joined forces at this past week to celebrate film, fashion, and the collective spirit that drives change.

The day began with a private screening of Trussardi’s evocative new campaign film “The Gentle Society” followed by a conversation moderated by BTTL founder with lead actor director Simone Yang, and creative director Together, we explored Trussardi’s vision of community, kindness, and the idea that “in simple gestures, lies a gentle revolution.”

This concept deeply aligns with the mission of BTTL — to spark systemic change through shared experience and meaningful connection. As a Gold Sponsor, plays an instrumental role in helping BTTL elevate women and LGBTQ+ directors.

The day culminated in an unforgettable evening at the iconic Lounge, opposite the red carpet, where guests gathered to celebrate the bold storytellers who are shaping cinema and fashion at Venice.

Applications are now open for BTTL 2026. Join us in creating the next gentle revolution in film ➤ link in bio.

09/03/2025

is honored to have fiscally sponsored Gus Van Sant’s latest film “Dead Man’s Wire” which premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival last night! The film is a taut, darkly witty true-crime story that reflects on media spectacle and inequality with style and bite. Critics have called it Van Sant’s strongest work in years, and Venice audiences responded with a 13.5-minute standing ovation.

📸 1 & 2: Our BTTL team with producer executive producers .m.boyle & and lead actor
📸 3: Director receives the Passion for Film award from
📸 4: Our BTTL Team shares a moment with director Gus Van Sant and our partners at

08/23/2025

📺 Watch Kristen Stewart’s FULL INTERVIEW from Cannes 2025 via Link in Bio

Kristen speaks candidly about her directorial debut, breaking rules, and challenging outdated notions of who gets to make a movie. Kristen’s words hit a nerve across the Croisette — and remind us why spaces like BTTL are so vital.

Now, applications for the 2026 BTTL Program are OPEN.

This cycle we’re offering two $10,000 development grants — the BTTL Action Grant and the Simbelle Impact Award — alongside year-long mentorship, workshops, and a live investor showcase at the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

The 2026 Jury includes:
• Jen Blake (Joyland, Cannes Jury Prize)
• Thomas Pierce (The Brutalist)
• Steven Adams (BlacKkKlansman)
• Lauren Melinda (Simbelle Productions)
• Amy Gardner (Brides, Sundance 2025)
• Nicolás Celis (ROMA, Emilia Pérez)
• Erin Sayder & Rita Baghdadi (2025 BTTL winners)

Regular Deadline: Sept 1 | Final Deadline: Oct 1
Apply now via link in bio.

What do you think — when it comes to directing, does vision matter more than experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Breaking Through The Lens

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