mamafilm was founded in 2019, as a pop-up cinema experience – in a shipping container – in Wichita, Kansas, screening more than 30 mission-aligned independent films over 6 months. Originally designed as a place for nurturers and our allies to come together for communal film viewing and conversation, the organization has evolved organically, as both the independent film industry, and the world around us, continues to change at warp speed.
2020 brought changes for our organization, as we opened the doors to a new pop-up location, but like the rest of the planet, we were forced to rethink it all when March rolled around…
That summer, we launched rePROFilm – first as a virtual film festival – featuring 25 films dedicated to reproductive justice, with special guests including activists Martha Plimpton and Amber Tamblyn. Since then, rePROFilm has grown into a monthly virtual publication, featuring a short film, an original interview podcast, curated playlist and other small bites of media to ignite conversation and action around reproductive health and justice. Since its inception, rePROFilm has featured the works of more than 60 filmmakers telling incredibly courageous – and often personal – stories.
In 2021, mamafilm was selected as one of 30 Satellite Screens for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, bringing official selections to the Starlite Drive-In in Wichita, and in 2022, we were chosen as one of only 7 Satellite Screens for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and presented films in Lawrence, KS at the historic Liberty Hall. That same month, mamafilm was one of 567 organizations (from 7500 eligible applicants) to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan.
That fall, we went nomadic, to bring intentional and impactful cinematic events – in partnership with like-minded organizations – to meet audiences where they are. Collaborators have included Array, Collective Power for Reproductive Justice, Fishtrap, Inc., Cleveland International Film Festival, Kansas Birth Justice, Trust Women, Wichita State University Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Wichita Art Museum.
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Lela Meadow-Conner is an Impact Curator, Distribution Consultant, Creative Producer and Advocate for bold, socially-conscious stories, storytellers and audiences. She has over 20 years of experience connecting films to audiences through holistic advocacy and community building for independent film exhibitors and filmmakers. She currently serves as the Board President of the Art House
Convergence, a coalition of independent exhibitors that connects, amplifies, and advocates for its community. She’s the co-founder of The Popcorn List, an annual list of exceptional films that have yet to secure distribution; and rePROFilm, which connects storytellers and advocates who celebrate bodily autonomy. Learn more about Lela here.
KylieB (she/her) is a queer, Korean Kansan who cultivates creative communities. Pulling on her experience in live event production, digital management and tech support — aka “moral support” — she supports artists of all mediums to execute their programming. As an occasional musician, #CleotheCello makes special appearances with Josué Estrada. Learn more at livefreelab.com or follow on IG @kblivnfree