Our Mission
Catalyst Film Collective (formerly Couch Film Collective) is a Portland-based nonprofit elevating new voices in film by creating opportunities for members of marginalized communities to tell our own stories—both in front of and behind the camera—at all levels of production. We believe this industry is uniquely positioned to change the global dialogue and culture, and that belief is a thread in all we do.
We are an intersectional group that produces and supports equitable projects that hire at least 51% self-identifying women/non-binary folx, 35% BIPoC, and are LGBTQIA+ inclusive. Our work centers on creating visibility and opportunities for all marginalized communities. We recognize that part of how that is going to happen is by removing some of the many obstacles hindering Black, Indigenous, & film-focused creatives of color. Catalyst Film Collective membership is free for Black, Indigenous, and film-focused creatives of color (use the code bipoc when registering).
We encourage agencies, production companies, and individuals to create better art by hiring truly diverse crews. Our voices are louder together. By lifting each other up, we all rise.
Our Board
Annie Tonsiengsom
Christian Henry
Eli Haan
Eva Moss—President
Fran Bittakis
Jen Tate
KC Englander
Luann Algoso
Lux Jacques
Michelle Pesante
Miracle Valenzuela Everett
Sally Spaderna
Sean Conley
Thank Yous
Without the generosity of dozens of sponsors and individual donors, Catalyst Film Collective would not exist. Some people we would especially like to thank:
- Noah Thomas Photography—who took many of the photos on this site.
- Gearhead Grip
- Limbo Films
- Koerner Camera
- Katie O’Grady & The Studio NW
- NW Documentary
Our History
In 2015, an actress, a director/producer, and a VFX supervisor came together determined to confront the palpable gender disparity within the film industry.
Their revolutionary idea? Instead of wasting energy vilifying the lack luster status quo, what if we create a new paradigm of our own? What if we changed the rules of the game?
By combining our time, money, energy, stories, gear, expertise, network equity, and ingenuity the Collective seeks to reclaim power and create our own work on our own terms.
