PRESS & MEDIA

About ConnectHER Film Festival 

ConnectHER Film Festival (CFF), launched in 2012 is a film festival and scholarship program that invites 13-25 year old filmmakers of all genders to submit original short films addressing global women's issues. To date, ConnectHER has received more than 2000 submissions from more than 60 countries. More than $30,000 in prizes is awarded each year by a distinguished panel of judges. Presenting sponsor is Eloise DeJoria.

About ConnectHER

ConnectHER’s vision is to elevate the status of women and girls everywhere. Since 2011, this 501c3 nonprofit has been spotlighting critical issues facing women and children through its online platform, which raises funds and matches donors to high-impact partner projects that advance women and girls globally. ConnectHER extended its mission and global reach with the creation of ConnectHER Film Festival in 2012. Learn more at Connecther.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

ConnectHER 11th Annual International Film Festival Announces 2023 Program

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World Premieres from 24 Countries are in International Competition of Short Films from Youth Filmmakers Inspiring Global Change Through Women's Stories 

(Austin, Texas) — ConnectHER Film Festival (CFF), presented by ConnectHER and Eloise DeJoria, returns on Saturday, November 11th from 2PM to 9PM at St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Theater in Austin. World Premieres from young filmmakers under 25 years old include Judges’ Choice top three films, A GIRL BORN IN THE WRONG PLACE from Nigeria, ONE STEP FORWARD, from the USA, and PIROUZ from Iran.

“It’s never been more important to prioritize and elevate women and girls stories and voices,” says Ian Somerhalder, actor and activist. “When the world at large is trying to keep them quiet, it’s our job to find ways for them to be heard and seen on the biggest stages.”

Films were submitted from 24 countries across 6 continents for the 2023 festival. This year’s lineup of judges include long-time festival partners Elizabeth Avellán (Austin-based film producer), Eloise DeJoria (Philanthropist), Sydney Chandler (Austin-based actress), Zain Asher (CNN News Anchor and Journalist), and Tara Emad (Egyptian actress and Global Ambassador).

In addition to official programming, the first-look at two original films from ConnectHER in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will premiere at the festival, introduced by 15x award-winning Austin filmmaker, Sara Hirsh Bordo.

“As always, we were so impressed by the passion and range of our entrants across the U.S. and the world,” said Lila Igram, founder of ConnectHER.  “To date, more than 2,000 youth from 64 countries have taken an impressive step through our Festival in creativity and activism to bring attention to serious issues that impact women – and societies – worldwide.”

ONE-DAY FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

1:30PM   Doors Open

2-3:30PM   Selection of Finalist Films Screening

3:30-4PM   Meet & Greet with Finalist Filmmakers

4-5:30PM   PANEL: It Doesn't Stop Here: From Filmmaker to Changemaker

6-7:00PM   Red Carpet

7-9:00PM   Awards Ceremony & World Premiere First-Looks

9:00PM   VIP Reception with Filmmakers

Ticket levels include: $20 for the afternoon program, $35 for the evening program, as well as a $120 VIP All-Access ticket option. At the Awards Ceremony, $34,000 in awards will be presented for this year’s winning submissions. Suggested age for viewing is 13+. Venue is Dell Fine Arts Theater at St. Andrew's 5901 Southwest Parkway Austin, TX 78735. For tickets and more details, visit Eventbrite.

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