MY SYSTERS ART

Cinema Systers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the celebration, amplification, and advancement of lesbian voices in film and the arts. Founded on the principles of visibility, equity, and cultural empowerment, our work centers around one mission: to provide a dedicated platform for lesbian filmmakers and creatives whose stories are too often excluded from mainstream media and cultural spaces.

As the only lesbian film festival in the United States solely focused on showcasing the work of lesbian artists—including non-binary women and gender-diverse individuals—Cinema Systers plays a vital role in preserving, uplifting, and honoring queer identity, storytelling, and lived experience. We are firmly rooted in support of the broader LGBTQAI+ community, and we reject the notion that celebrating lesbian-centered art is exclusionary. Our goal is to create space, not erase others.

We believe that art—in particular, film—is a transformative force that not only reflects society but helps shape it. By elevating underrepresented voices, we open the door to broader understanding, deeper empathy, and long-overdue cultural inclusion.

What We Do
At the heart of our programming is the annual Cinema Systers Film Festival, held in Paducah, Kentucky, which draws lesbian filmmakers and attendees from across the U.S. and around the globe. The festival is a multi-day public event that includes film screenings, panels, artist showcases, performances, and community-building experiences. In 2022, we received 68 submissions, with 44 officially selected and screened. The impact of the festival reaches far beyond the films themselves—it cultivates a powerful, intergenerational network of queer women, non-binary creatives, and allies coming together in celebration, solidarity, and creativity.

In addition to the festival, Cinema Systers hosts year-round events and initiatives aimed at providing ongoing support to lesbian creatives. We are actively working to expand our infrastructure to include mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging filmmakers. By nurturing a culture of skill-sharing and collaboration, we hope to create sustainable pathways for lesbian and gender-diverse creators to grow their craft and connect with one another.

Why It Matters
Lesbian filmmakers remain vastly underrepresented in the film industry. Their stories are often sidelined, sanitized, or erased entirely. The dominant cultural lens continues to prioritize narratives that cater to heteronormative and patriarchal expectations, leaving little room for authentic portrayals of lesbian life, love, resistance, and joy. Cinema Systers exists to correct that imbalance—not only by providing a stage but by building a vibrant and supportive ecosystem where lesbian artists can thrive.

We also recognize the unique challenges faced by lesbian communities—especially in the rural South and Midwest—where access to affirming spaces, media representation, and queer-led cultural events is often limited. Cinema Systers bridges that gap. We bring world-class film and powerful storytelling to a part of the country where lesbian visibility is both urgently needed and deeply transformative. For many attendees, the festival is the first time they’ve seen their truth reflected on screen—or had a space where they feel truly seen.

Community Impact
Cinema Systers is more than a cultural event—it’s a lifeline for community and connection. The bonds formed at the festival often last long after the final credits roll. Attendees speak of feeling “at home for the first time,” and filmmakers consistently describe the festival as one of the most meaningful and affirming experiences of their careers.

We intentionally cultivate a space that is accessible, intergenerational, and inclusive. From emerging filmmakers to veteran artists, from first-time attendees to long-time community members—everyone is welcome, everyone is celebrated, and everyone contributes to the richness of the experience. This is a space where creativity meets advocacy, where queer joy is sacred, and where storytelling becomes a form of healing, resistance, and radical love.

Looking Forward
As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2026, we are expanding our vision and deepening our impact. We are currently seeking new partnerships, sponsorships, and funding to help grow our programming, increase access for underrepresented filmmakers, and ensure the longevity of this vital cultural platform. With your support, we can continue to elevate lesbian voices, foster powerful connections, and rewrite the cultural narrative—one story at a time.

My Systers Art, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible and directly support our programming, operations, and community outreach.