SeriesFest is committed to leveling the playing field and elevating the content we promote to reflect the diversity in our communities. We evaluate all submissions to ensure each production’s process for hiring and casting expands the candidate pools by encouraging employment of qualified cast and crew who have been traditionally underrepresented. Projects must demonstrate accountability and intentional progress toward inclusivity.
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Anna & John J. Sie and Global Down Syndrome Foundations Grant Fund
SeriesFest and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation are proud to announce that, beginning with the 2024 submissions cycle, projects featuring or involving persons with disabilities will be considered for special grant funds underwritten by the foundation.
CAZ MATTHEWS FUND
Driven by a mission to champion filmmakers whose projects promote tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity in the television landscape, The Caz Matthews Fund provides financial contributions to qualifying SeriesFest independent content creators. Each year, SeriesFest curates a short list of Official Selections that meet the fund’s requirements. We collaborate with Caz Matthews to select the creators that will receive a one-time financial donation from the fund, subject to granting a special credit to SeriesFest for the selected project.
WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP
Since 2019, SeriesFest and Shondaland are proud to have partnered on the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover and help launch the careers of aspiring female directors with unique voices. The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored with the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland original series.
EXECUTIVE ELEVATION MENTORSHIP
The Executive Elevation Mentorship aims to diversify the landscape of television’s top decision-makers. Fellows will be paired with top television, new media, and digital executives of color in hopes of moving their projects—and careers—forward. As part of our ongoing mission, SeriesFest curates a dedicated group of mentors and mentees to foster inclusivity in the tv/film/media industry at the leadership level.
Rural Intersectionality Fund
Announced in 2025, this fund aims to support a creative, or team, who identifies across a spectrum of social categories that shape their experiences—and the stories they would like to tell through television.
This fund’s sponsors are Sarah Sellman and Julie Mordecai. Sarah is a queer + neurodiverse filmmaker and artist who grew up in rural Colorado, and Julie is a Colorado based investor and supporter of SeriesFest. At the conclusion of the festival, none, some, or all, up to three filmmakers will receive a one-time financial donation from the Intersectionality Fund.
