Our Mission
Simbelle Productions is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through film. Simbelle nurtures and elevates emerging filmmakers by providing essential resources, platforms, mentorship, and opportunities to tackle societal challenges through creative expression.
Lauren Melinda founded Simbelle Productions in 2024, named after her daughters, to create a platform that steers their world towards mutual validation, greater awareness, and hope. Through an array of programs and initiatives, Simbelle Productions aims to nurture essential stories rooted in the belief that when women share their truths, they not only empower themselves but also uplift others.
At Simbelle Productions, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling to illuminate the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences of women across the globe. Our mission is to provide a platform where women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and uplifted, while fostering a deeper understanding of women’s health and well-being.
Who We Are
Our team is composed of and collaborates with writers, health advocates, educators, and community leaders who share a common goal: empowering women by sharing their narratives and advocating for their needs.
What We Do
Storytelling Initiatives: We collect and share powerful, authentic stories from women of all backgrounds to highlight their journeys, struggles, and victories.
Health Advocacy: Through partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations, we aim to improve access to resources and education around women’s health.
Community Programs: From workshops and seminars to wellness events, we create spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow together.
Research and Awareness: By collaborating with researchers and experts, we aim to spotlight issues that disproportionately impact women and inspire change.
Why Women’s Stories Matter
Stories have the power to inspire action, change perspectives, and build empathy. By focusing on women’s narratives, we aim to:
Break down stigmas around women’s health issues.
Foster a sense of community and solidarity.
Drive policy changes that prioritize women’s needs.
Encourage others to share their voices and experiences.
Join Us
Whether you want to share your story, volunteer your time, or support our mission, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can amplify women’s voices and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
For more information, please contact us here.
"In an industry where women direct only 11% of top films and receive half the screen time and dialogue of their male counterparts, Simbelle Productions is transforming the landscape of filmmaking. We're addressing a critical gap - while women make up half the population, their stories and perspectives remain dramatically underrepresented in film..."
- Lauren Melinda
Some Stats
The Celluloid Ceiling Report's most recent study (2023) found:
Women comprised 22% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 grossing films.
Only 4% of these top films employed 10 or more women in these roles.
94% of the top 250 films had no women cinematographers, 86% had no women composers, 83% had no women directors, 74% had no women writers, and 72% had no women editors.
USC Annenberg's latest "Inclusion in the Director's Chair" report reveals:
Of the 100 top-grossing films in 2024, women directed only 13.4%
Looking at 1,800 popular films from 2007-2024, only 6.6% were directed by women. A ratio of 8.7 to 1
Among these films, only 32 were directed by underrepresented women
The Geena Davis Institute's research indicates:
Male characters get about twice the amount of screen time as female characters
Male characters speak twice as much as female characters in the average film