News
Member Montage Program Reveal
Co-presented by Drunken Film Fest and Film SF. The Member Montage: Community Screening & Mixer is the first in a new event series for Bay Area filmmakers. Creating a judgment-free space to share and workshop short films, music videos, passion projects, or works in progress with the BAVC Media community. "Some stories transcend time and space, insisting not to be forgotten. Some heartbreak is reversible, with the help of a little dancing. And sometimes, we just need a good laugh. I hope you find all of this and more during our first-ever Member Montage Community Screening." - Zander Constien, programmer [...]
IMAG Regional Initiatives: Selected Projects
In June 2025, BAVC Media utilized remaining funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to subcontract other regional initiatives across the US. A call for proposals was issued to members of the Independent Film & Media Arts Group (IMAG) to redistribute over $20,000 in support of organizations across the national indie media field. A review process was undertaken by the BAVC Media team and eighteen organizations were selected for contracts in support of their work before the end date of the early-terminated agreement with the NEA. “With less than a month to wrap up activities and spend down [...]
BAVC Media statement on the impact of cancelled federal arts and culture funding
*UPDATE (May 15, 2025): total amount updated from $250,000 to $220,000 in impacted funding. This is to reflect our ability to draw down funds originally tied up in early terminations. This is specific to the $30k for our VERSED and IMAG programs outlined below. The remaining $220,000 in funds lost includes a withdrawn award offer for the Preservation Access Program & MediaMaker Fellowship, and an anticipated cooperative agreement for the 2025 IMAG program year that was not renewed.*  SAN FRANCISCO, CA — May 6, 2025 — Along with many of our peer organizations, on Friday, May 2, 2025, we [...]
Announcing the 2025 BAVC MediaMaker Fellows
BAVC Media celebrates the latest cohort of participants in its longstanding MediaMaker Fellowship. Filmmakers in the annual documentary development program will receive $10,000 in unrestricted funding, mentorship, industry access, feedback sessions, and workshops during an immersive 9-month experience. [The announcement was first made exclusively by Documentary Magazine on April 17th, 2025. Read their article here] This year’s fellows are: Alex J. Bledsoe (OAKLEAD), Luca Capponi (What Lies Over the Mountain), Joua Lee Grande (Spirited), Anna Clare Spelman (Meant to Be Maddie), Thanh Tran (Finding Má), and Hao Zhou (All Fixed Up). The 2025 program will kick off with an in-person [...]
Introducing the 2025 MediaMaker Fellows
We're excited to announce the latest cohort to take part in our longstanding documentary film fellowship program. Participants in the 2025 BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship will receive $10,000 in unrestricted funding, mentorship, industry access, feedback sessions, and workshops during an immersive 9-month experience. This year’s fellows are: Alex J. Bledsoe (OAKLEAD), Luca Capponi (What Lies Over the Mountain), Joua Lee Grande (Spirited), Anna Clare Spelman (Meant to Be Maddie), Thanh Tran (Finding Má), and Hao Zhou (All Fixed Up). Learn more about the fellows and each of their projects below. Alex J. Bledsoe Alex J. Bledsoe is a director, producer and [...]
Meet Zander Constien, BAVC Media’s Membership & Programs Assistant
Zander Constien recently joined the BAVC Media team as our Membership and Programs Assistant, where they’re helping foster meaningful connections with our members and supporting the day-to-day rhythm of our public programs. If you have any questions about membership email him at membership@bavc.org and learn more about membership here. Working alongside the Marketing Department, Zander also plays a key role in strengthening BAVC Media’s outreach and community engagement efforts. Originally from Colorado, he brings a rich background in cinema and language studies, along with hands-on experience supporting independent filmmakers at both BAVC and the Roxie Theater. When they’re not busy [...]
Remaining Native SXSW Premiere
Remaining Native follows Ku Stevens as he retraces his great-grandfather’s 50-mile escape from an Indian boarding school, a journey that explores memory, resilience, and the ongoing impact of this history on Native communities. For director Paige Bethmann, the story was personal—her great-grandmother attended a Catholic-run boarding school in New York, shaping her family’s history in ways that still resonate today. With the support of the BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship, Bethmann navigated the challenges of independent filmmaking, finding mentorship and a network of peers to help bring Remaining Native to life. In this interview, producer Jess Epstein discusses the collaborative process, the [...]
The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums Conference with Victoria Fajardo
Victoria Fajardo, BAVC Media’s Preservation Technician & Audio Specialist, attended the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums (ATALM) Conference last October. She shared her insights and highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous culture through archival practices, community involvement, and technology. What were your biggest takeaways from the conference? My biggest takeaways from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums Conference were centered around the importance of preserving Indigenous culture through archival practices, the need for community involvement in these processes, and the evolving role of technology in facilitating access to these resources. It was clear that tribal communities [...]
Mapping the Magnetic Media Landscape: Lessons from Archives Across the U.S.
As part of the Mapping the Magnetic Media Landscape study, BAVC Media's Research and Development Manager, Kailen Sallander, and Director of Special Programs Kelli Shay Hix conducted site visits to three archives across the United States including ENTRE, ‘Ulu’ulu, and Smithsonian Institution's Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of analog audiovisual media digitization and conservation efforts nationwide. By engaging directly with organizations working on magnetic media preservation, the project seeks to identify challenges, share creative solutions, and foster collaboration within the field. Below, Kailen reflects on the lessons learned from these organizations. Purpose [...]
SF Commons Presents: Podcasting 101 with Isa Nakazawa & Victoria “Kiki” Fajardo
Are you curious about starting your own podcast but don’t know where to begin? Join us for Podcasting 101 on Wednesday, October 30 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Unlock the tools and knowledge you need to create, launch, and grow your very own podcast! In this free workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of podcasting—from concept development and equipment basics to recording techniques and audio editing tips. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or just exploring the medium, this workshop will equip you with the skills to confidently record and publish your voice for the world to hear. What You'll Learn: Podcasting Fundamentals: Understand the different types [...]
