WIFVNE ANNOUNCES SELECTION OF MICHELLE FALCÓN FONTÁNEZ AS 2025 DIRECTOR SHADOW: SOCIAL IMPACT STORYTELLING™ PROGRAM FELLOW

Women in Film & Video New England (WIFVNE), Clark Ave Productions and EmVision Productions proudly announce that Michelle Falcón Fontánez of  Springfield, MA has been selected as fellow for the inaugural Director Shadow: SOCIAL IMPACT STORYTELLING™ program. 

The Director Shadow mentorship and training initiative was originally created by WIFVNE in collaboration with Devra Sari Zabot of Clark Ave Productions . The inaugural SOCIAL IMPACT STORYTELLING™ initiative was created in collaboration with EmVision Productions to provide emerging female filmmakers with critical guidance in the evolving landscape of documentary storytelling.

During the six month program, EmVision Productions will mentor Falcón Fontánez in their trademarked SOCIAL IMPACT STORYTELLING documentary making technique, offering her firsthand experience in professional production, documentary storytelling, and industry best practices. Under the guidance of Program Director Devra Zabot, Falcón Fontánez will create a documentary video for the EmVisionary Grants Program, which supports nonprofit organizations.

"We're thrilled to introduce Michelle Falcón Fontánez as our Director Shadowing Program Fellow, in partnership with Women in Film & Video New England," said Dr. Tariana V. Little, CEO of EmVision Productions. "Michelle is a Puerto Rican storyteller based in Springfield, MA, whose work spans photography, film, theater, and installation art. Through this unique mentorship, she will join us in creating an EmVisionary Grant video story."

WIFVNE President Sharon Contillo expressed her enthusiasm for Falcon's selection, stating, "We are incredibly proud of Michelle and her achievements. This program exemplifies WIFVNE's commitment to supporting our filmmaking community and providing opportunities for emerging storytellers to succeed in our industry. Michelle's talent and dedication will undoubtedly make an impact, and we are honored to be part of her journey." 

“I’m thrilled to see the Director Shadow Program expanding through its partnership with EmVision Productions,” Says WIFVNE Director Shadow Program Coordinator Devra Sari Zabot. “This collaboration not only opens the door for a variety of new video projects for our community, but also strengthens the connection between Western Massachusetts and the North Shore. I’m excited for Michelle Falcón Fontánez and the EmVision Productions team and can’t wait to see the results of their efforts in six months!”

About Michelle Falcón Fontánez
Michelle Falcón Fontánez is a producer, director, and cinematographer, focused on social justice through multimedia storytelling. Her work explores themes of identity, community, and cultural heritage. She produced a documentary on Puerto Rican activism during the beginning of the PROMESA crisis and directed María, centering reproductive justice. Michelle has contributed as cinematographer to projects on Afghan refugees, Cuban defectors, the first reggaetonera, and a series on the 1970s fires' impact on Boricuas in South Holyoke. She holds an MFA in Film and Media Art from Emerson College and a Bachelor's in Business Management and Film from Hampshire College. More about her work can be found at falconfontanezfoto.com.

About Director Shadow: SOCIAL IMPACT STORYTELLING™ Program
The program aims to empower emerging female filmmakers with practical skills essential for success in both traditional and mission-driven filmmaking. By creating meaningful collaborations between aspiring filmmakers and professionals, WIFVNE and EmVision are actively addressing gaps in industry hiring by supporting underrepresented voices in documentary film.

About EmVision Productions
EmVision Productions is a social impact media agency dedicated to supporting visionary organizations. A queer, certified minority woman-owned business, EmVision works with grassroots nonprofits, government agencies, and global corporations. Their portfolio highlights inclusive entrepreneurship, health, environmental justice, education, and innovation. Using their Social Impact Storytelling™ framework, they specialize in video storytelling, capacity-building workshops, and consulting. They also give back through pro bono project grants for BIPOC-led nonprofits and the EmVision Social Impact Scholarship Fund at UMass Boston. More information can be found at www.em.vision/grants.

About Women in Film & Video New England (WIFVNE)
WIFVNE is dedicated to empowering media professionals both in front of and behind the camera. The organization is committed to transforming the entertainment industry by fostering diversity and inclusion. Through education, career development, and networking opportunities, WIFVNE creates a platform for collaboration, amplifying the voices and stories of its members. More information is available at www.wifvne.org.

About Devra Sari Zabot & Clark Ave Productions
Devra Sari Zabot, founder of Clark Ave Productions, specializes in visual storytelling and educational programming. In 2022, she collaborated with WIFVNE to launch the Director Shadow Program and continues to contribute to WIFVNE's mentorship initiatives. https://clarkavecreative.com

Michelle Falcón Fontánez

WIFVNE Member Spotlight: Aaliyah Miller
Filmmaker, Writer and Advocate for Underrepresented Stories

This Womens' History Month, we celebrate WIFVNE Member Aaliyah Miller, a filmmaker committed to sharing diverse and powerful stories.

"StoriesMatter. And I’m honored to be a storyteller. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share stories across different mediums, reaching diverse audiences in meaningful ways. But my favorite part of the storytelling process? Listening. It all begins with a conversation—learning, understanding, and truly hearing someone’s experiences. That’s where the most powerful stories come to life."

Her documentary I AM: Muslim/American has been officially selected at multiple international film festivals and won several awards, including:

• Best Religious Theme Film and Best Supporting Actress (Sidra Syed & Porsche Edmundson) at Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival

• Best Doc & Black Filmmaker - Canada/USA Award from International Black & Diversity Film Festival

• Awards of Recognition as an African American Filmmaker, Islamic Filmmaker, Women Filmmaker and for Womens' Theme from the Accolade Global Film Competition.

Aaliyah’s Advice to Female Filmmakers:

"The story you want to tell matters, so tell it. There will be many obstacles, but that shouldn't stop you. Follow you passion and your gut. There are individuals, especially women, who have been in your shoes. There is a network to help you. Be willing to ask and show up to work."

WIFVNE Member Spotlight: Juri Love

Actress, TV/Film Producer and Journalist

Juri Love is a survivor, advocate, and storyteller, using her platform to amplify unheard voices. Born and raised in Japan she now makes her home in Foxboro, MA. She was the recipient of the #HeroesAmongUs Award from the #BostonCeltics and celebrated for her volunteerism from the #NewEnglandPatriots.

As a journalist, and award-winning film/TV producer, Juri feels compelled to create and hold a space for people to be able to share their adversity and mental health challenges.

Recent & Upcoming Projects:

• Producing multiple TV Shows for Harbor Media, Hingham, MA

• Actress in Don’t Look Up (Netflix) & Shang-Chi (Marvel Studios)

Juri’s Advice to Creatives:

“Keep creating at lightning speed. Birth stories that take on a life of their own and change the world.”

WIFVNE Member Spotlight: Caitlin McCarthy
Award-Winning Screenwriter | Advocate for Women in Film

Meet Caitlin McCarthy, a fierce storyteller from Worcester, MA who tackles political and social issues through powerful female-driven scripts. By always putting female leads in her projects, her work is changing the film landscape. 

"I love using storytelling to tackle political and social issues with a wink -- blending humor with heartbreak while keeping the action front and center. Every script I write has a female lead because I believe in being the change. Even when I'm frustrated with the industry (and typing with my two middle fingers), I’m committed to getting my stories out there."

Upcoming Projects:

• WONDER DRUG – Now in development with Lori Singer directing and co-writing. www.wonderdrugthemovie.com

• GAELS – A TV series developed with support from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland.

• PLAYING ALONG – Adaptation of Rory Samantha Green’s rom-com novel for the screen.

Honors: Academy Nicholl Top 10 Female Writer, Mass Cultural Council Dramatic Writing Fellowship, The Black List Featured Script.

Caitlin’s Advice to Female Creatives:

 "One yes can change your life -- but that only happens if you keep creating your own luck. Be relentless, make your own breaks, and prove the doubters wrong. Your guts and grace will inspire other women, so lift up your sisters. When one of us wins, we all do."

https://www.caitlinmccarthy.com/

WIFVNE Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Searle, Award-Winning Screenwriter

Continuing our celebration of Women's History Month, we are spotlighting screenwriter Elizabeth Searle, known for writing bold, complex female leads.

Recent & Upcoming Projects:

• I’LL SHOW YOU MINE – Feature film (Duplass Brothers Productions), now widely available on Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Peacock & more.
• FOUR-SIDED – A short film that has screened at 20+ film festivals, including Cannes World Art Film Festival (2024).
• Upcoming Thriller: LOCK HER UP – Best Thriller Script Winner at the NY International Film Awards (2024).

Awards: London Script Awards Winner, Austin Revolution Film Festival Finalist, Female Writer of the Year Finalist.

Elizabeth’s Advice to Creatives:

"I’ll repeat the advice I was given when I attended my first #WIFVNE event years ago. I was told to “Start small; start local.”  This is what I’ve done over ten years, with two short film projects that gained attention at small film festivals, eventually leading to me getting a Feature Film writing credit.

www.elizabethsearle.net

Today for #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate WIFVNE Member Heather Whitty, New England-based acting coach and casting director dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging talent in film and television.

“I love that I get to see the most authentic form of on camera acting that takes place in the audition room. No fancy camera angles, no elaborate set design, no mood music - just an actor bringing all that magic to life."

She recently cast F*ckUps Anonymous, an official selection for the SXSW TV Pilot Competition. "I deeply enjoy casting for indie projects as they tend to offer a real opportunity for up and coming actors to truly shine.”

Heather’s Advice to all creatives: “ No one gets anywhere alone. Embrace your community. Contribute to it. Nurture it - and continue to find opportunities to keep building within it.”

https://whittystudios.com/

In our continuing celebration of our incredible WIFVNE Membership for Women's History Month, we are thrilled to highlight Cheryl Eagan-Donovan, an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriting mentor, and past president of WIFVNE.

Her new documentary, All the World's a Stage, focuses on "Shakespeare" and the Invention of Modern Theatre in Elizabethan England. Cheryl says that one of the one of things she enjoys most about filmmaking is the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and scholars around the world. She recently was awarded a third research grant to travel back to England where she has been busy filming for two years. All the World's a Stage features Sir Mark Rylance, Sir Derek Jacobi, director Richard Clifford, actress and author Annabel Leventon, and journalist Elizabeth Winkler. More information and the film's trailer can be found online.

"I also love working with aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters to help them realize their dreams," continues Cheryl. "I am headed to SXSW 2025 this week to serve as a Screenwriting Mentor so I'd like to invite any Women in Film members who will be at the festival to get in touch!"  for more information on SXSW, visit the Screenwriting Roundtable section of the festival's website!

When asked to share some advice to fellow female filmmakers, Cheryl stated, “Never take ‘no’ for an answer; be persistent but always respectful and professional." 

She goes on to say, "Be grateful for whatever friends and colleagues can bring to your project, and give back to the community. Filmmaking success is ultimately all about the relationships you build."

Congratulations on all your well deserved success!

In celebration of Women's History Month, Women in Film & Video New England is proud to spotlight Member Liane Brandon, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and Professor Emerita at UMass Amherst. As a co-founder of New Day Films and one of New England's first independent women filmmakers, Liane’s work has left an undeniable mark on the industry.

Her groundbreaking films—Sometimes I Wonder Who I Am (1970), Anything You Want To Be (1971), and Betty Tells Her Story (1972)—were among the most widely used consciousness-raising tools of the Women’s Movement and continue to inspire today. In 2022, Betty Tells Her Story was inducted into the National Film Registry, cementing its place in history.

Coming up this March, Liane’s powerful photo exhibit, Still Marching 1970 – 2017, will be on display at the Cambridge Public Library, supported by a grant from the Cambridge Arts Council. Her photography credits include stills for American Masters, Nova, Unsolved Mysteries, and major publications like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Boston Globe.

Actively involved with the rights of media artists, her lawsuit Brandon v. The Regents of the University of California won a landmark victory for filmmakers' protection of their titles.  

Before becoming a filmmaker and professor, Brandon worked as a ski instructor, lifeguard, waitress, high school teacher and professional stunt woman.  

When asked what she loves about her work, Liane states, “I love being constantly engaged and working for women’s rights – though the latter has been far more urgent and challenging in the current political climate.”

Explore more of Liane’s work on her website: www.lianebrandon.com

Join us in celebrating this trailblazer!

March 2025 is Women’s History Month, and we want to celebrate YOU!

Women in Film & Video New England is spotlighting our incredible members across film, television, and media on our social media platforms this coming March.

If you’d like to be featured—or if you’d like to nominate a fellow member—send us:

• A photo
• A few lines about the type of work you do
• Any training, awards, or credits you’d like to highlight
• A short answer to: What advice would you give fellow creatives about succeeding in this industry?

Send submissions to marilyn@wifvne.org by March 1st!

Let’s amplify the voices of the talented women shaping New England’s film industry!