Impactful Filmmaking

$60.00

For security purposes, you will be sent webinar login 2-3 days before the class.

Films don't just reflect the world — they change it. But impact doesn't happen by accident. Behind every film that shifted public opinion, changed policy, or moved communities to action was a deliberate campaign built alongside the story itself.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to design and execute an impact campaign that goes beyond feelings and fundraising to create measurable, lasting change in the world.

We will cover:

  • What impact actually means - defining success beyond the festival circuit

  • Real-world case studies - films that moved the needle, and exactly how they did it

  • Campaign architecture - partners, timing, audiences, and calls to action

  • From the instructor's own work — behind-the-scenes examples from actual impact campaigns in the field

You will walk away with a clear framework for approaching your next project, not just as a film, but as a force for change, from development through distribution.

Ideal for: documentary and narrative filmmakers, producers, and storytellers who want their work to matter beyond the screen.

This class will not be recorded. Please join us live to learn.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Iram Parveen Bilal is a global citizen and award-winning storyteller whose work bridges imagination and empathy to spark bold, inclusive narratives. A Caltech-trained environmental engineer turned filmmaker, she is a powerful voice in World Cinema, recognized for crafting socially resonant stories that challenge norms and inspire change. She spearheaded the formation of the Pakistani Oscar committee and founded QALAMBAAZ, South Asia’s first professional screenwriting lab, now in its twelfth year and operating across the region.

A sought-after mentor for women in film and tech, Iram has been spotlighted as one of eight directors to watch by the Alliance of Women Directors. She serves on the boards of Film Fatales and Noorani Dance, and is a fellow of both Film Independent and the Thomas J. Watson Foundation. Her honors include multiple Women in Film awards, and her work has been featured in The New York TimesNPRBBCBloomberg, and Filmmaker Magazine.

When not on set, she can be found dancing to Bollywood or brainstorming with fellow activists and polymaths. She believes curiosity is the most powerful antidote to fear. Her latest and boldest project, WAKHRI (One of a Kind), an audacious feature inspired by real-life digital activism, is currently on its journey of global distribution, with acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta on board as presenting Executive Producer.

For security purposes, you will be sent webinar login 2-3 days before the class.

Films don't just reflect the world — they change it. But impact doesn't happen by accident. Behind every film that shifted public opinion, changed policy, or moved communities to action was a deliberate campaign built alongside the story itself.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to design and execute an impact campaign that goes beyond feelings and fundraising to create measurable, lasting change in the world.

We will cover:

  • What impact actually means - defining success beyond the festival circuit

  • Real-world case studies - films that moved the needle, and exactly how they did it

  • Campaign architecture - partners, timing, audiences, and calls to action

  • From the instructor's own work — behind-the-scenes examples from actual impact campaigns in the field

You will walk away with a clear framework for approaching your next project, not just as a film, but as a force for change, from development through distribution.

Ideal for: documentary and narrative filmmakers, producers, and storytellers who want their work to matter beyond the screen.

This class will not be recorded. Please join us live to learn.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Iram Parveen Bilal is a global citizen and award-winning storyteller whose work bridges imagination and empathy to spark bold, inclusive narratives. A Caltech-trained environmental engineer turned filmmaker, she is a powerful voice in World Cinema, recognized for crafting socially resonant stories that challenge norms and inspire change. She spearheaded the formation of the Pakistani Oscar committee and founded QALAMBAAZ, South Asia’s first professional screenwriting lab, now in its twelfth year and operating across the region.

A sought-after mentor for women in film and tech, Iram has been spotlighted as one of eight directors to watch by the Alliance of Women Directors. She serves on the boards of Film Fatales and Noorani Dance, and is a fellow of both Film Independent and the Thomas J. Watson Foundation. Her honors include multiple Women in Film awards, and her work has been featured in The New York TimesNPRBBCBloomberg, and Filmmaker Magazine.

When not on set, she can be found dancing to Bollywood or brainstorming with fellow activists and polymaths. She believes curiosity is the most powerful antidote to fear. Her latest and boldest project, WAKHRI (One of a Kind), an audacious feature inspired by real-life digital activism, is currently on its journey of global distribution, with acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta on board as presenting Executive Producer.