The Full Story
The Southern Arizona Film Society (SoAZFilm) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable film community in Southern Arizona. Founded on the belief that storytelling has the power to shape culture, challenge perspectives, and bring people together, SoAZFilm provides mentorship, education, funding and professional development opportunities for emerging and independent filmmakers.
Our mission is to uplift underrepresented voices and ensure that filmmakers—regardless of background, education, or financial resources—have access to the tools, knowledge, and industry connections they need to succeed. Our network includes students, early-career artists, professional and self-taught filmmakers, with a particular focus on supporting BIPOC, LGBTQAI2s+, female-identifying, disabled, and low-income creatives among others. By keeping our programs free and accessible, we ensure that aspiring filmmakers from rural border communities, Indigenous nations, and urban arts hubs can participate, connect, and grow within the industry.
Our goal is to offer support to anyone that needs it because we believe that a more educated film community with more resources benefits not only our artists, but our region, its culture, businesses, and people.
Our Vision
Southern Arizona Film Society is more than just a film society; it's a catalyst for cultural transformation, unification, and empowerment in Southern Arizona’s growing film community from Tucson to Nogales and beyond. We are a network of diverse local filmmakers and community leaders dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable film community that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and positive representation. At SoAZFilm, we recognize that film is not just entertainment; it's culture. By nurturing and supporting filmmakers from all backgrounds working and creating in Southern Arizona, we ensure that the local film community remains accessible and valuable to all.
Why
At the Southern Arizona Film Society, we will address the critical issue of limited access to resources and opportunities for local filmmakers working, collaborating, and creating original film art in our region. Through our commitment to prioritizing art over industry, we will provide empowering support services tailored to the needs of filmmakers in Southern Arizona. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that filmmakers from all backgrounds have equal access to the resources necessary for success. Our work is essential as it not only promotes positive representation but also catalyzes cultural transformation and strengthens community bonds through the transformative power of cinema. To continue making a meaningful impact, your membership and community support is essential to expand our programs and extend our reach to more filmmakers across Southern Arizona.
Core Values
Empathy
We deeply respect the dignity of every individual and prioritize fostering mutual understanding and respect among all film creators in Southern Arizona. Our commitment to empathy drives us to embrace and celebrate the diverse values, backgrounds, and experiences that enrich our community. Together, we create, learn, grow, and flourishing as a united culture of artists.
Collaboration & Connection
We believe in the strength of unity and collaboration to fuel growth, both creatively and personally, within our community of filmmakers, artists, and creators across Southern Arizona. By coming together, supporting each other, and embracing collaboration, we can cultivate a thriving and interconnected film culture throughout our region.
