Two strangers met on a bus at SXSW in 2013. One was the new-ish director of JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation (me). One was the new-ish director of ConnectHER, a crowdfunding platform and nascent film festival at Harvard. As soon as I met Lila Igram, I knew that Eloise would want to hear about this incredible festival that elevated the voices of women and girls through short films. Right after that, Eloise and I went to Harvard to attend the second annual Girls Impact the World Film Festival (now called the ConnectHER Film Festival). With a lineup of incredible judges, a casual atmosphere and an exciting energy around the stories and how they were making an impact, Eloise knew she wanted to be involved. Since then, the festival has moved to Austin and grown by leaps and bounds!
Eloise has been a faithful supporter of young creatives and filmmakers as the presenting sponsor of the film fest for more than 12 years now. There have been more than 2,250 films submitted from 64 countries and more than $300,000 USD given out to young filmmakers. The above video was made a few years ago, but we are excited to report we are the presenting sponsor for this year’s fest coming up May 1 & 2 at the State Theatre. Get your tickets here!
