Month: October 2024

The idea of a female-centric film festival was born the moment that Roe v. Wade was overturned, as it become even more glaringly obvious simply how much female voices still need protection, support, and celebration. Since its inception, the world of cinema has long been a male dominated space, and while some movement forward has been made, progress towards alleviating gender inequities behind the screen has been slow and uneven, at best.

Enter, Bread and Roses, a term which dates back to the early 1900s and inspired by a speech from suffragist, Helen Todd. The term went on to become synonymous with the 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts textile workers strike – a strike that was led by mostly migrant women through a brutally cold winter (and sadly, not one without unnecessary bloodshed).

At a foundational level, bread and roses refers to the desire that women deserve both fair wages and dignified conditions. In turn, “Bread for all, and Roses too!” (and the many variations thereof) became a common slogan among women’s fights for equal rights across the United States. BRFF’s main mission is to support, elevate, and celebrate the unique and diverse voices of female filmmakers from around the world.

With an all-female leadership team, each of us is deeply dedicated and passionate about women’s rights – on and off screen. We are incredibly proud to run a small, and mighty female-centric film space with hopes of bettering the present (and future) for all women in film, from their childhood dreams to their professional goals.

Join us! We are grateful for your support, in whichever way works best for you.