PIFVA MISSION STATEMENT

The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) is a non-profit organization, providing services to independent film, video and media makers working in all styles and at every level of experience. Membership is open to anyone interested in creating and supporting independent media. Programs offer opportunities to learn, mentor, intern, screen work, advocate for the community and network. PIFVA also provides opportunities to apply for production assistance and other support services to move forward with independent work. PIFVA seeks and encourages the participation of its members in the development and maintenance of all programs and services.

PIFVA HISTORY

PIFVA (Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association) formed in 1979. Housed in International House for many years, PIFVA was able to provide essential services to the area's growing community of independent media makers, including the newsletter entitled EXPRESS EXCHANGE, workshops in film and video production, screenings of local and international work, a member directory, advice and consulting for local filmmakers, a resource library, and a subsidy grant program which awarded area media makers with in-kind and monetary support. In short, PIFVA was at the heart of an essential and dynamic support structure for local media makers, encouraging independent, non-commercial, artistically provocative, diverse, and community-based production of work.

Since 1998, however, PIFVA has undergone several major structural changes. Due to financial considerations, International House no longer was able to continue PIFVA as one of its programs. As a result, PIFVA lost its fiscal sponsor, administrative support and also its office and meeting space. PIFVA faced a severe crisis. A concerned community of filmmakers and others took initiative and formed a PIFVA Advisory Council. In the fall of 2000, the Advisory Council - a group of 18 individuals met regularly to revitalize PIFVA and develop viable strategies for the future.

Since then PIFVA has received its articles of incorporation, has held two board elections, the most recent in October 2002, and recently received its 501(c) 3 status as a non-profit organization. We have resumed the publication of the PIFVA newsletter with the bi-weekly emailing of the PIFVA E-Bulletin, offered production workshops and promoted screenings of members work. We have also secured funding resume the subsidy grant program and offer a hotline called PIFVA ASSIST where filmmakers can call or email questions they may have about the filmmaking process.

back to top of page