Philadelphia Independent Film & Video Association

The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) is a membership organization started by filmmakers whose mission is to connect, support, sustain and showcase Philadelphia regions’ independent media arts community. Our current programs include:

-Cinema Speakeasy, filmmaker screenings & dialogue series at L'Etage (6th and Bainbridge Streets)
- Speed-crewingevents, networking among filmmakers, writers and producers
- The Finishing Fund Program, post-production funding for film projects near completion
- Fiscal Sponsorships, allowing projects to obtain grant and foundation funding
- Workshops on filmmaking topics
- Collaborations to screen films and conduct classes
- Staff and Board Referrals, Consultations and Mentoring

THE PIFVA FINISHING FUND PROGRAM
Our program, the only funding program to award post-production funds to individuals in the region, awards grants and services to Philadelphia-area independent media makers with film/video projects in the post-production stage. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $1500 and are paid directly to service providers.

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
Our events, presented through PIFVA or in collaboration with other organizations such as Scribe Video, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, PhillyCAM, Reelblack, and others, provide education and information for beginning and experienced media artists. We continue our Cinema Speakeasy at L'Etage, with member-generated screenings and presentations. Past topics for workshops include crowd funding and community engagement campaigns; distribution and marketing strategies, grantwriting fundamentals; film screenings, and legal issues. Check our calendar and website for updates on PIFVA and other community events.

SPEEDCREWING
Our Speedcrewing events, in collaboration with the Philadlephia Film Office, and PhillyCAM, enable media makers to connect in face to face networking and find collaborations and work.

WEBSITE
Our website enables each member to publish their bio, upload creative work, and reveal their social networking feeds.

HISTORY

The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) was formed in 1979 by independent filmmakers to provide services to media makers working in all genres, styles and at all levels of experience. A program at International House for 19 years, PIFVA evolved into an essential and dynamic resource for local media makers, encouraging independent, non-commercial, artistically provocative, diverse, and community-based production of work. In 1998 International House no longer was able to continue PIFVA as one of its programs. A concerned community of filmmakers formed a PIFVA Advisory Council to develop viable strategies for PIFVA’s future. In 2002 PIFVA received 501(c)(3) status and has since been run by an active Board of Directors, volunteers and a paid coordinator. In January 2007 PIFVA moved to an expanded office located within the facilities of Scribe Video Center where members can screen work, hold meetings, conduct interviews and shoot scenes (as long as the space can support)

PIFVA is funded by the Fels Fund; the Philadelphia Cultural Fund; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Wyncote Foundation and our individual supporters. If you would like to Donate to sustain PIFVA, click here.