Viscera, org.
Viscera - definition: The large internal organs of the body collectively, particularly those within the abdominal cavity.
MISSION
Viscera is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization expanding opportunities for contemporary female genre filmmakers and artists by raising awareness about the changing roles for women in the film industry.
VISION
A world wherein all individuals are equally given the opportunity to create, share, and exploit their concept of life, pain, and freedom of expression.
WHO WE ARE
We are a
Board of Directors and a fantastic staff
of filmmakers, artists, and writers that believe in our mission and vision and that work tirelessly to provide our Services.
We Are a judging panel consisting of accomplished Directors and Producers that graciously donate time: and energy selecting content.
Partner Film Festivals,
Organizers, and Tour Liaisons screen the films and represent the contemporary female genre filmmaker around the world.
Volunteers and interns give their time to ensure that the filmmakers we represent are assisted in the quest for equality in the film industry.
We have been working hard for women genre filmmakers since 2007.
WHAT WE DO
Viscera, org. wants women to gain self-confidence, knowledge, and to grow through the creation of genre films.
This process will help us achieve gemder equality in the film industry.
We are a machine that works together in a positive environment, completely dedicated to honoring the filmmakers and listening to what the attendees want. Check out our Services for the full scope of what we provide to the Filmmakers and the Public.
HISTORY
In 2007, Viscera Founder Shannon Lark had an epiphany in a park in San Francisco when she gathered a small group of female friends together to make a short film. Fascinated by the way the female gender reacts to society’s social and gender constrictions, she launched Viscera to assist in the process of women supporting each other and having a platform in which to be taken seriously by the industry. Lark believes that it is up to women to achieve equality for themselves. females have to take full responsibility for their actions, and lack of action. females must learn to treat each other, and themselves, with respect.
Viscera operates very differently than other mainstream festivals; started in 2007 exclusively as a tour that screened with Partner Festivals. An annual Viscera DVD was created and sent to Press, Critics, and Festival Promoters, who, in turn, got the films into the eyes, ears, and hands of the public. The Viscera Films have screened all over the world, garnishing awards, as well as critiqued and discussed: promoting the filmmakers for their work.
In 2010, Lark teamed up with Heidi Honeycutt of planetetheria.com. They curated a program of 26 short horror films and trailers by women, presenting the films to a live audience at the first Viscera Film Festival in Los Angeles. This marked Viscera’s first bloody carpet event, with Special Guest speakers, an award ceremony, and after party. Viscera paid close attention to what the filmmakers, attendees, and guests liked, loved, and their ideas on what could be improved.
The event was such a success that Viscera became a 501(c)3 non profit organization, taking on a staff of over 10, expanding the Viscera tour considerably, with Viscera Film Festivals and Partner Film Festivals screening the films every month, and re-authoring the Viscera Compilation DVD’s with the fantastic work of Norwegian Artist Irene Langholm. Celebrity judges came on board as the screening panel, carefully selecting the best of the best submissions.
The 2011 LA Viscera Film Festival was sold out, with bloody carpet and award ceremonies, screening of 16 shorts and 7 feature film trailers, and an after party with performers.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
As Viscera delves into the 2012 Festival year, they are expanding their services and benefits for filmmakers and attendees immensely such as providing
the Etheria Film Festival
(a Science Fiction & Fantasy Film Festival), along with incorporating
Women in Horror Month
, a month-long celebration of the women who create the horror genre, along with a Film Club, with special perks for members.
Go Here to learn more about Viscera’s Services.
WHO CAME BEFORE US
Hundreds of inspiring, pioneering women have worked hard to produce works in the film industry, from Alice Guy to Ida Lupino to our more modern filmmakers such as Mary Harron and Christine Vachon. If you are interested in an in-depth analysis of what women have been through, read
Women Filmmakers: Refocusing
.
WHY GENRE FILMS?
As an organization that believes in the power of equalist thought, we are a group of filmmakers and film lovers who connect with the horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy storytelling as a way to express social, political, gender, and internal issues. Female filmmakers may use these genres as a way to relate and perceive implemented structures, feelings, and reactions.
Equality has not yet been achieved for the female gender in the film industry (as well as most other industries). Genre filmmaking is perfect for women to delve into their fears and share them with the world, overcome any established restrictions regarding competition and lack of support for their female colleagues, and find validation and interest from the public for their hard work and creative minds.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
We are continuously questioned whether male vs. female created films differ.
For the most part, there isn’t too much of a difference to the general viewer. Men have the ability to make wonderful films. Women can make the same type of movie that a man can make: in storyline, production value, cinematography, and feeling.
However, the horror genre is a fantastic place to explore fears that are personal to the filmmaker. We have several films that focus on plastic surgery and body issues, childbirth and child-loss, rape and abuse, and how society views the female form and gender. These are incredibly personal works as it sometimes comes from personal experience and/or fears that are specifically terrifying to women. These works fall within the Feminist-Reaction Sub Genre, which is becoming increasingly more popular as more women pick up cameras.
We urge women to exploit what terrifies them. In doing so, they can heal from traumatic experiences and gain confidence and validation, no matter what sub genre they choose to delve into.
WHY NOW?
With the exciting age of digital technology, the widespread internet, and attained rights for the female gender, women now have the freedom to pick up a camera, write her own scripts, and thus, a filmmaker is born. Digital cameras are incredibly accessible and affordable on almost any budget. Women make documentaries, comedies, dramas, and even horror. There are still many places in the world where the female gender does not have this right, however with more movies being made by women, this traditional idealism will fall away, eventually. We encourage women to explore the injustices in the world through art.
Don’t shy away from it or your rights can get taken away.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Donate!
Every little bit helps this brand new non profit! ALL donations are tax deductible and will go to an amazing cause: helping women achieve equality with the influence of film. The lasting effect is priceless.
Attend the events!
Buy your tickets and pick out something nice to wear. Viscera hosts events all over the world, along with screenings by our Partner Festivals.
Check out our Services!
PAge coming soon!
Spread the word!
We are on
Facebook
and
Twitter
. Our website is awesome!
Buy the DVD’s!
Support these Filmmakers. Watch their movies.
Visit our Shop
.
Make a Film!
Ladies, pick up your cameras. Last date to submit your film each year is February 28th, the end of
Women in Horror Month
.
Don’t know where to start?
Contact us!
Support Women in Horror Month!
Don’t know about
Women in Horror Month!
? Have you been living under a rock?! WIH is dedicated to celebrating intelligent females in the horror industry. It's a month-long celebration every February.
Are you a Man? Sweet!
This Festival involves men too! Guys, find an intelligent and creative female to make a film with. Don’t hire a woman just because she’s female. Hire her for her intelligence and talent, just as you would a man. Actively search for professional women to work on management positions on your productions. We are absolutely convinced that men in the film industry must work with smart, strong, and ambitious women to help the female gender achieve equality. When there are more films being made, there are more jobs. More jobs mean more work for men and women. Everyone benefits!
