Breaking Through the Lens, the nonprofit organization dedicated to improving gender equity in film, has announced a new partnership with Stage 32, the world’s largest online platform for creatives in the film, TV and digital spaces. The news comes alongside the unveiling of Breaking Through the Lens’ 2026 jury, which will select the recipient of the nonprofit’s $10,000 Action Grant.
The new partnership will combine Breaking Through the Lens’ funding and mentorship for underrepresented filmmakers with Stage 32’s online education and certification programs. The application for the 2026 Action Grant — which provides $10,000 of unrestricted funding to women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers with a project in late-stage development — is now live on Stage 32’s global contest hub. In addition, Breaking Through the Lens members will receive discounted access to Stage 32’s education library and master certification tracks, including courses on topics like film financing and line producing as well as certifications for production assistants, production coordinators and assistant directors.
The Action Grant deadline has also been extended from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7. The 2026 jury includes Jen Blake, partner at Diversity Hire Ltd and founding director of the Sundance Episodic Lab; Thomas Pierce, executive producer of Oscar winner “The Brutalist” and “The Wizard of the Kremlin”; Mia Bays, director of the British Film Institute Filmmaking Fund; Steven Adams, Peabody-winning producer and partner at Alta Global Media; Lauren Melinda, founder of Simbelle Productions and sponsor of the Simbelle Impact Award; Amy Gardner, executive producer of “Brides”; Kara Durrett, president of Pinky Promise and producer of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut “Eleanor the Great”; and Nicolás Celis, Oscar-winning producer of “Roma” and “Emilia Pérez.”
Breaking Through the Lens’ Action Grant “targets bold, original visions ready for production within a year, enabling critical advancements such as casting, location scouting, crew hiring or shooting key scenes,” a press release states. Finalists for the grant will join Breaking Through the Lens’ 2026 cohort and gain one-to-one mentorship, industry introductions and travel support to an investor showcase at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
“This partnership with Breaking Through the Lens is a powerful commitment to equity and inclusion in filmmaking,” said Amanda Toney, managing director of Stage 32 (pictured above, right). “By hosting the $10,000 Action Grant on our platform and providing discounted access to our education and certification programs, we’re equipping women and LGBTQIA+ directors with the tools, visibility, and resources they need to break through barriers and bring their stories to the world.”
Added Daphne Schmon, co-founder of Breaking Through the Lens (pictured above, left): “Financing remains the greatest hurdle for underrepresented filmmakers, but through this alliance with Stage 32, we’re creating real pathways to action. The Action Grant, combined with Stage 32’s world-class education and certifications, will empower our female directors to not just develop their projects, but upskill themselves to lead the industry toward true gender parity.”