Documentary “Les Hijabus2025 has been won action grant From breaking through the lensA non-profit organization that focuses on using financing to address gender inequality in the film industry.
The UK film, which is the second winner since the grant program began, receives 10,000 euros. “Les Hijabes” tells the story of a group of Muslim female soccer players in Paris who are advocating for their place in the game despite discrimination. Erin Sader and Rita Baghdadi are the film’s co-directors and producers, and Camilla Hall serves as executive producer.
“I am very pleased to receive this grant from such a leading and important organization. This has given me a huge boost in energy, motivation and confidence. “This support will be critical in telling this captivating and eye-opening story at a time that feels especially relevant,” Seider said in a statement.
“The funding will give our production team the opportunity to film in Paris as the collective get an update on their EU court case, and continue their next football season. “I am incredibly grateful for the support of Breaking Through the Lens,” he said.
Action Grants provide funding to filmmakers working on a documentary or feature film that is ready for production and need funding to progress development. Anyone who is marginalized by gender, such as women, trans and non-binary people, can apply.
This year, films from 54 countries were submitted for consideration, and BTTL will place five finalists into the 2025 cohort, who will have access to mentorship and the chance to present at the Cannes Film Festival. The other finalists are “May You Outlive Us” by Isabelle McTough, “The Dead Zone” by Emily Thomas, “Lux Noctis” by Damiana Acuna and “In Case of Apocalypse” by Olivia Peace.
The film “Brides,” a previous 2023 Action Grant recipient, will have its world premiere at Sundance on Friday. “We are delighted to celebrate the premiere of ‘Brides’ at Sundance with our partners at Breaking Through the Lens. “Winning the inaugural Action Grant was transformative for our film, and the BTTL team supported us and cheered us on throughout the filmmaking process, including stepping in to source private finance when there was an unexpected funding gap,” “Brides” producer Nikki. Bentham said in a statement.