Chicago-based OTV has partnered with Guadalajara’s Estudio Teorema for its latest #BraveFutures Film Race in an effort to democratize the film industry.
A rare opportunity to produce, exhibit, and distribute original film and audiovisual content internationally has become much more attainable for Guadalajaran content creators with the launch of #BraveFutures Guadalajara – Open Television’s (OTV) collaboration with Guadalajara based Estudio Teorema.
This intersectional competition challenges filmmakers of all levels to create an entire short film in 48 hours using one intersectional theme, one prop, and one action. Participants preregister for free online for a chance to compete, with strong prioritization for intersectional identities.
#BraveFutures has given filmmakers and content creators both domestically and internationally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Berlin, Germany, Atlanta, GA; Oakland, CA; Brooklyn, NY; and now Guadalajara, an opportunity to create and have their work amplified by means that people of diverse identities (LGBTQ+, women, trans/non-binary, disables, indigenous, etc.) are typically excluded fromin the filmand television industry.
“Brave Futures is such a vital program for emerging filmmakers,” says Elijah McKinnon, Executive Director/Co-Founder of OTV. “It truly eliminates the traditional barriers to filmmaking and allows intersectional creatives and storytellers to create portals to a future where their stories are celebrated, amplified, and nourished. OTV is cultivating the next generation of storytellers that are brave and unapologetically committed to creating content that sparks joy and the Brave Futures Film Race provides a container for that magic to thrive.
HOW DOES IT WORK? The rally is designed to select 3 groups of up to 6 members each. Each group will produce an audio visual product (short film, video essay, video art, etc.) in 48 hours, with an approximate duration of 3 to 7 minutes using an intersectional theme, an accessory, and an action. The teams will be advised and coordinated by Estudio Teorema and OTV for the realization of the products, giving voice and creativity to the members. All filming will take place during the months of September and October 2021.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Everyone can participate, but priority is given to groups of artists, creatives, and activists of legal age with diverse identities, (LGBT +, women, trans/non-binary, disabled, indigenous, etc.)) that is, those who help us to show and understand intersectionality as the multiplicity of identities and possibilities that exist in our society.
Films submitted are screened virtually for the chance to win cash, prizes, and a one-year distribution deal with OTV. This component of OTV programming functions on multiple levels – extending the breadth of outreach and community building to other markets both nationally and internationally, cultivating opportunities for creatives in a meaningful way who live beyond the scope of OTV’s Chicago-based hyperlocal offerings, while furthering the brand and its visibility, not only for audiences but artists in need of greater access to opportunity.
This year’s partnership with Estudio Teorema during Hispanic Heritage Month serves to export OTV’s values to other markets in need of alternative outlets where artists are ready to engage a platformdesigned to include and support them.
“Empowering diverse voices and creatives to tell their stories is only half the battle; reaching this type of audience in Mexico is a whole other challenge,” says Fernando Garcia, Creative Director, Estudio Teorema. “This is why it has been so important for Estudio Teorema to partner with a platform like Open Television (OTV), a true ally for the exhibition and distribution of these incredibly raw and beautiful stories. Our collaboration with OTV creates a space for these artists to feel supported and brave throughout the entire production of their project. Brave Futures is reimagining the way we indie filmmakers think about storytelling and filmmaking through a lens that is incredibly liberating.”
