ABOUT SIMA
We celebrate social-documentary storytelling of excellence, screen films in communities and classrooms worldwide, and connect international audiences and organizations with the best GLOBAL IMPACT CINEMA.
OUR MISSION
SIMA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt arts organization registered in California and Germany. We exist to advance global awareness, social justice, human rights and education by supporting content creators, activists, educators and changemakers on the front-lines of social change, and amplifying the impact of their works to inspire activism, compassion and social transformation.
See our 10-YEAR IMPACT REPORT
SIMA AWARDS
The annual SIMA AWARDS honor eye-opening impact cinema that exemplifies excellence in its potential to inspire social change. Each year, films are selected from over 140 countries around the world, competing for awards, cash prizes, industry accolades, media features, distribution opportunities, and entry into SIMA’s signature film programs.
FILM PROGRAMS
TRAVELING SERIES
Our Traveling Series is a year-round community screening program where we collaborate with grassroots organizations, human rights forums and festivals across 30+ countries to showcase SIMA’s annual Finalists and Winners and support local coalition building and community projects through film events.
SIMA ACADEMY
Our educational streaming platform features the best short documentaries from our annual awards, empowering over 100,000+ learners with the global perspectives to create a more just and sustainable future.
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
Our Fiscal Sponsorship program enables creators to raise funds that are tax deductible in the US in any stage of development, production, distribution, exhibition or campaign. We accept applications for all creative projects and from all independent producers, innovators, artists and filmmakers actively working to advance positive impact.
OUR STORY
In 2012, award-winning documentary filmmaker and human rights activist, Daniela Kon founded SIMA to support and champion excellence in social impact filmmaking by launching an annual awards program and global distribution platforms that amplify the power of media to foster a world that is free from prejudice, discrimination and oppression.
SIMA started as the first and only international media competition honoring achievements in the creative, human rights and humanitarian fields. Today, SIMA is the most renowned global curator in the social impact space, serving independent film, academic and global social justice industries around the world.
