FSF Festival Support Fundraiser

Our fundraising goal will directly support our next 6 months of year-round work to present Queer film to Minnesotans!

Here's how the our $27K goal breaks down:

$18,000 – 6 month stipends, at part-time hours, for Co-Directors

$5,000 – 6 months of Queer Gaze ONLINE programming (fees, marketing, design, labor)

$2,000 – Operating expenses (Eventive, Mailchimp, Quickbooks, Website, taxes etc)

Additionally, your support will help us to become a nonprofit!
After 5 years of programming it's time for us to step into our next phase. Becoming a nonprofit will open the doors to applying for foundation support that we currently cannot access.

HOW WE’VE GROWN

Since 2020, we have redistributed over $30,000 to Queer artists, given away over 700 free tickets, and paid competitive wages to our support staff. We pay our filmmakers and distributors competitive rates to secure high quality films to share with the community. To date over 3,000 individuals have participated in our programming.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to remove barriers to access Queer film!

We believe quality representation should be accessible for all and that financial means should never keep filmmakers from submitting their films or audience members from participating in our programming. Providing access to subsidized FREE tickets, passes, and submissions fees, to everyone, is the cornerstone of our organization and is supported by donations made through our fiscal sponsorship with Springboard for the Arts.

WHAT WE DO

Flip the Script celebrates Queer film! This looks like:

Queer Gaze: our monthly film series is presented every second Sunday at Emagine Willow Creek Theatre where we screen new favorites, cult classics, and hidden gems!

Queer Gaze ONLINE: our new Membership program that expands our in-person QG screening by offering a Film of the Month in our Virtual Cinema, where you have a whole month to watch!

Flip the Script Queer Film Festival (FSF): our annual, hybrid Queer film festival in October that celebrates Queer stories from 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers all over the globe. Screenings take place at a Twin Cities theater and online through our virtual cinema.

WHY WE DO IT

Who and what we see on screen affects our community, the entertainment industry, and even legislation. Too often in film, Queer folks are seen in tragic or powerless situations. We’re working to flip that narrative by showcasing stories that inspire individuals to envision themselves and the Queer community without restrictions.

Quality Queer representation in film has a direct impact on the overall well-being of the community. During Pride we asked our community members, “What do you love about Queer film”? The following are just a few examples of what folks had to say:

"Queer film is more relatable because the stories and characters are similar to me, my friends, my chosen family, and my community."

“...there is something special about connecting to a storyline or character on the screen. I remember coming into my identity before coming out. Connecting to characters on the screen helped me navigate through my identity journey.”

“I like seeing stories about people like me, especially stories that feature trans people because I never see trans people in fiction.”

“It makes me feel more seen and makes me feel like the world is more accepting.”

"Showing representation...I don't currently watch a lot of Queer films and was excited to see you at Pride as an avenue to expand my exposure to Queer movies."

These quotes are just one example of the ways our audience members have validated the benefits to themselves as individuals as well as the community at large from the access we create through this specific programming.

WHO WE ARE

Matthew Berg, (he/him)
Co-Director | Programmer

Matthew’s professional career began as a student working on local independent film productions before being hired by the Minnesota Film & TV Board as the Production Services Manager. He spent 6 years working for MSP Film and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, before joining Flip the Script.

Victoria Carpenter, (any pronouns)
Co-Founder | Co-Director | Programmer

A multi-media artist based in the Twin Cities, Victoria is one of the Co-founders of Flip the Script Fest. Their artistic goals tend to center around exploration, trauma, and healing. They are so excited to combine their experiences to support radical representation through Flip the Script.

Thanks so much for your support!

We can't wait to continue celebrating Queer films with you!