Mama Spotlight: Tonya Mollineau

Tonya Mollineau is a New York-based single mother, filmmaker, and director who writes and produces a lot of her own content.

She is the founder of MOM Film Fest, a nonprofit organization with a mission to #leavenomombehind by providing career development and advocacy resources for moms working in film and television.

“I started MOM Film Fest at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to showcase the work of moms who are filmmakers, advocate for the support we deserve in our industry, and to build community. Since that time, through our year-round initiatives, including filmmaker workshops, child care grants, screening series, and our upcoming annual film festival, MFF has empowered mothers in our industry by creating opportunities that help get #momsbackonset and help them make their work.”

The greatest challenge of managing this organization is getting funders to understand the importance of supporting the work we are doing.

"It's wonderful that there is a huge focus on programming that supports the next generation, but those of us raising that next generation deserve support too."