The Female Film Club has unveiled the second edition of its Global Short Film Fund at the Cannes Film Festival, with an expanded prize package worth €33,000 ($38,600) and three new industry partners: AI filmmaking platform IMGN.AI, post-production house Disauthority and virtual production company Mo-Sys.
The fund – announced by Variety at Cannes 2025 – is again co-powered by actress and FFC Bulgaria co-founder Krassimira Belev, who operates through her production company First Draft, which she co-founded with Anton Belev. She backed last year’s inaugural edition, whose winner, Lisa Cole’s “Filthy,” was announced at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2025. This year’s winner will also be revealed there, in October 2026.
“Supporting Lisa Cole’s film ‘Filthy’ through last year’s Female Film Club Global Film Fund was incredibly meaningful because it showed what can happen when support moves beyond good intentions and turns into action. This is the kind of opportunity I wish had existed at the start of my career, and I am proud to support the fund for a second time, helping create real opportunities for women whose stories deserve to be seen,” Belev said.
Cole added: “The Female Film Club Global Fund believed in ‘Filthy’ when it was just a dream on a page. Being their inaugural recipient, chosen by an incredible international panel, was validation that stories like mine matter and resonate across borders. Female Film Club understands that uplifting female filmmakers requires more than just funding. They’re committed to our continuing education and emotional well-being, and recognize that we need community, not just capital, to thrive. This award didn’t just fund my film – it reminded me I’m not alone in this fight.”
