$100 raised by 2 donors
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$5,000 Goal
Help Us Keep Texas Stories Alive!” or “ Empower Filmmakers.
Inspire the Next Generation.”
Ladies in Film & Television (LIFT) is an industry trailblazer committed to shattering gender barriers and creating equity in film and media. Founded on January 30, 2009, as Headline Mentors & Performing Arts and rebranded in January 2020 as LIFT, our mission has always been to amplify diverse voices and empower the next generation of storytellers.
LIFT is more than just women making films — we are a movement for change. Through education, mentorship, and community engagement, we work to transform the industry while uplifting the communities we serve.
To date, we have impacted over 1,000 youth and adults, blending life skills with hands-on entertainment industry training and creating safe, inspiring spaces for creativity to thrive.
Ladies in Film & Television is dedicated to connecting families and communities to foster personal and collective success. We do this through a variety of powerful strategies — including advocacy, hunger relief initiatives, education, gender equity, personal development, literacy, youth engagement, and the advancement of human rights — all while harnessing the unifying power of the creative arts.
Our Latest Film: Fathers Do Cry
Fathers Do Cry is our newest project, shedding light on the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. This powerful film explores the ripple effects of addiction on families, highlighting the pain, resilience, and love of fathers fighting to protect and rebuild their households. By bringing this urgent issue to the screen, we hope to spark conversation, raise awareness, and inspire change in our communities.
Ladies in Film & Television hosts industry-taught classes open to the community.
LIFT hosts Pop-Up Classes throughout the year. Accessible to the community. These are industry-taught classes that help us learn and grow and offer networking opportunities for our communities.
🌟 See the Magic of TIFA 2025
Watch This: Our annual Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards (TIFA) is more than a red-carpet event — it’s a movement celebrating creativity, resilience, and the powerful stories of Texas filmmakers.
🌟 Celebrating Texas Storytellers
The Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards (TIFA) 2025 honored filmmakers from across the state — from youth films and documentaries to shorts, features, and music videos. Each winner brought a unique voice to the screen, telling stories that inspire, challenge, and unite us.
🎥 Watch the Winners »
Your gift helps us create more opportunities like this — funding youth training, filmmaker showcases, and platforms for underrepresented voices. Be part of the movement that keeps Texas stories alive.
VALUES
· We value honesty and integrity
· We value hard work and contribution
· We value and promote accountability
· We promote individuality while respecting and encouraging personal growth
LIFT fosters creativity by actualizing innovative ideas through projects, workshops, and training. Our aim is to create an environment where individuals, especially young people and women, can thrive creatively and personally. LIFT is committed to empowering individuals, addressing social issues, and inspiring positive change. We are a cohesive community dedicated to creativity, personal growth, and making a beneficial difference
Gift Amount What Your Gift Does
$25 Provides supplies for one youth film student (notebooks, pens, storyboards).
$50 Covers one day of camera or lighting kit rental for student projects.
$100 Funds a filmmaker’s entry fee and helps cover screening costs at TIFA.
$250 Sponsors a youth scholarship for the LIFT Youth Film Academy.
$500 Supports filmmaker interviews, press coverage, and red-carpet media.
$1,000 Sponsors an award category at TIFA 2025, helping recognize Texas talent.
$2,500 Funds a full workshop series (acting, directing, producing) for up to 20 youth.
$5,000 Underwrites a major film project or premiere night, like Fathers Do Cry.
Equity Statement
At Ladies in Film & Television (LIFT), we believe that every story deserves to be told and every voice deserves to be heard. We are committed to building a film and media industry where access, opportunity, and representation are equitable for all — regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, identity, or background.
Equity is at the heart of everything we do. From hosting the Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards to training youth through our Film Academy, we intentionally create spaces where underrepresented storytellers can thrive, share their truth, and inspire change.
We work to:
Amplify Diverse Voices by showcasing films and creators from all walks of life.
Remove Barriers by offering free and low-cost education, mentorship, and entry points into the industry.
Foster Belonging by cultivating safe, inclusive environments where creativity is respected and celebrated.
We understand that equity is not a destination but a continuous commitment. As we grow, we will keep listening, learning, and challenging the systems that limit access to opportunities — so that the next generation of filmmakers inherits an industry that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve.
View our current participation opportunities.
Online Event
Support Texas Filmmakers – LIFT LIVE Giving Day Event
YouTube
September 18, 2025
Organization name
Ladies in Film & Television
other names
LIFT
Causes
Arts & Humanities
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address
2200 SMITH BARRY RD SUITE 214