Gilchrist Foundation Helps Bring ‘Women in Film’ to Sioux City Film Festival

On October 3 -5, 2019, film enthusiasts flocked to Sioux City to partake in the 15th annual Sioux City International Film Festival. The 2019 festival presented a focus on Women in Film, sponsored in part by the Gilchrist Foundation. One of the event’s highlights was a Women in Film panel that featured female filmmakers, writers, directors and producers on October 4 at the Promenade Theater. Renowned screenwriter Patty Meyer was on the panel along with award-winning filmmaker, director and producer Deborah Kampmeier. 

Since 2005, the Sioux City International Film Festival has showcased a variety of independent short films from all the around world. Each day of the festival features a different genre of film. Films, in addition to being judged by a jury, are also judged separately by the audience at the end of each presentation. Now in its 15th year, the Sioux City International Film Festival is the longest-running festival in Iowa, showcasing short films from all over the world. Its mission is to promote independent films and filmmakers to the people of Sioux City and the surrounding region, connecting those filmmakers to the community through unique events.

The mission of the Sioux City International Film Festival aligns with the mission of the Gilchrist Foundation, which is why it was a recipient of a $10,000 grant. Jocelyn Gilchrist loved the arts and film and was a supporter of both in her lifetime. She used the wealth accumulate by her family, including her father William Gilchrist who was influential in the livestock industry in the 1900s, to fund projects that support her family’s interests including wildlife and conservation, disaster relief and of course the arts and film. 

The Gilchrist Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations that further these goals, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Most grants are for a single year, but multi-year grants may be requested. 

The Gilchrist Foundation does not accept any unsolicited applications for funds, but makes grants to pre-selected charities which have been invited to apply based on the perceived match of both organizations’ missions. Organizations that wish to be considered for an award can apply for a great through the Request for Invitation form on the website. The annual grant cycle begins in April, with consideration of invitations for grant applications, and ends in mid-July with the announcement of awards.