Mission

PROGRAMS

Cinema Speakeasy, filmmakers screening & dialogue series at L'Etage on the First Tuesday of each month 

Bi-annual Speedcrewing events, networking among filmmakers, writers and producers

The Finishing Fund Program, post-production funding for film projects, deadlines twice a year.

Workshops on filmmaking topics

Collaborations to screen films and conduct classes

MISSION

The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) is a membership organization started by filmmakers whose mission is to support, sustain and showcase Philadelphia’s independent media arts community. PIFVA is dedicated to increasing the creative capacity of the Philadelphia region by supporting and showcasing the work of regionally based media makers and by promoting public appreciation of independent media making.

  • PIFVA is the region’s primary resource for emerging and established independent producers, students, women, people of color and others who have traditionally found it difficult to break into the various branches of the film industry.
  • PIFVA seeks to increase the creation and completion of new independent film projects through its long-running Finishing Funds Grant program which gives cash and in-kind grants to member applicants.
  • PIFVA aims to provide much needed networking and learning spaces for media makers to share work, garner feedback, and learn new skills through our public programs which include screenings of members’ work and skill building workshops and Internet driven communications and website.
  • PIFVA strives to be a trusted advocate for the independent maker both regionally and nationally.

HISTORY

The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) was formed in 1979 by independent filmmakers to provide services to media makers working in all genres, styles and at all levels of experience. A program at International House for 19 years, PIFVA evolved into an essential and dynamic resource for local media makers, encouraging independent, non-commercial, artistically provocative, diverse, and community-based production of work. In 1998 International House no longer was able to continue PIFVA as one of its programs. A concerned community of filmmakers formed a PIFVA Advisory Council to develop viable strategies for PIFVA’s future. In 2002 PIFVA received 501(c)(3) status and has since been run by an active Board of Directors, volunteers and a paid coordinator. In January 2007 PIFVA moved to an expanded office located within the facilities of Scribe Video Center where members can screen work, hold meetings, conduct interviews and shoot scenes (as long as the space can support)

PIFVA is funded by the Fels Fund; the Philadelphia Cultural Fund; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Wyncote Foundation and our individual supporters. If you would like to Donate to sustain PIFVA, click here.