Against the Odds: Keeping Our Arts Nonprofit Alive While Battling Cancer
Photo: Faiza Kracheni’s head-shaving moment with Tiffany Hunter (Owner, Damn Glam), documented by Chie Endo of Eani Creative—CINEMAKER member, artist, and supporter of our nonprofit’s mission.
This past September, our Executive Director, Faiza Kracheni, was diagnosed with cancer. Even as she began chemotherapy, she continued running our nonprofit programs, teaching, advocating, and pushing forward the work that keeps Austin’s independent film & media arts community alive.
This November, you’ll have three chances to meet her and learn more about our mission, our work, and why we do what we do.
Faiza is the driving force behind Austin School of Film and CINEMAKER and also representing District 9 on the City of Austin Arts Commission, a founding member of the Govalle Cultural District, and a leader within UNESCO Austin. For more than a decade, she has kept film & media arts education and studio access affordable, tactile, and community-rooted for the people who built this city’s creative soul. Austin School of Film & CINEMAKER remain community programs powered through passion & grit: serving 5,000+ students annually, offering affordable studios that host 300+ shoots monthly, sustaining one of the few analog film programs left in the U.S., and contributing to Austin’s creative economy each year. We’re expanding access for indie filmmakers at every level, preserving East Austin’s cultural lineage, and continuing to build sustainable creative infrastructure this city is rapidly losing.
Do you want to help support this mission? Consider donating towards our end-of-year fundraiser today!
GOVALLE CULTURAL DISTRICT: PROCLAMATION CEREMONY
SUNDAY NOV 16 — 12-1PM
Join us as we celebrate the official recognition of the Govalle Cultural District.
The ceremony will feature remarks from District 3 Council Member José Velásquez, Texas Commission on the Arts Executive Director Gary Gibbs, and Govalle Cultural District founding members including Faiza Kracheni and Zac Traeger.
Celebratory cake & tacos provided.
UNESCO AUSTIN ARTIST PANELS
SUNDAY NOV 16 — 2-5PM
Right after the celebration, join us for a series of UNESCO Austin artist panels highlighting the creators, nonprofits, and cultural workers shaping Austin’s global media arts identity.
Hear from local media artists, community organizers, and leaders from like ARCOS, Fusebox, Hyperreal Film Club, We Luv Video, and more.
Complimentary bites with on-site community bar powered by MoHA
CINEMAKER CONNECT: VINTAGE HOLIDAY & MINI EXHIBITION
NOV 20 — 6-8PM
Join our gathering for filmmakers, artists, and creative community members. This one is extra special: we’re opening the event to the public and transforming the studios into a cozy, vintage-holiday hangout with drinks, desserts, and good people.
As part of the night, we’re hosting a mini exhibition featuring portrait work by three standout CINEMAKER members.
The pieces will be displayed throughout the studios, offering an intimate look at the creative voices shaping our community. It’s a small but powerful showcase—candid, warm, and rooted in the spirit of the makers who call this space home.