About Us | F.A.B.A.

Welcome to FABA Films
For Artists, By Artists.

About Us

The first-ever artist-run monthly film festival and streaming platform built to celebrate the voices of independent filmmakers.

At FABA Films, we believe in creative freedom and authentic storytelling. This is a space where artists can share their work without compromise—films that reflect personal vision, bold ideas, and diverse experiences. Whether your story is experimental, heartfelt, genre-defying, or deeply personal, there's a place for it here.

Our platform is completely free for viewers—because we believe indie films deserve to be seen and shared widely. And our festival is unlike any other: when you submit your film, you join a community where filmmakers champion each other’s work, provide feedback, and help spotlight meaningful cinema. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker, a first-timer, or a passionate viewer—welcome to FABA. This is where indie film finds its home.

How It Works:

No rejections. Once your film passes our eligibility check, it's officially part of the festival and earns a 30-day streaming run on our platform—regardless of whether it wins an award.
Win more exposure! Festival winners receive an extended 60-day streaming run, doubling their time on the platform.
Filmmakers are the judges. Every artist who submits gets five films to watch and judge, ensuring that real artists—not executives—decide what gets recognized. Judge assignments emailed through FilmFreeway on the 16th of the month.
Built-in promotion. Your trailer will be attached to two films on our platform, giving your work more exposure.
Official recognition. Every filmmaker will receive an official FABA Films festival laurel to showcase on their film poster.
A true indie community. We don’t believe in competition—we believe in collaboration. Every filmmaker helps promote their own film plus two others, creating a powerful network of indie support.

FABA Films is for real artists who refuse to be diluted. If that’s you, we’d love for you to submit your work.

Submit Your Film

Meet The Team

Founder & Festival Director

Céd Hopkins

Céd Hopkins is the founder and driving force behind FABA Films, a peer-reviewed, volunteer-powered film festival and streaming platform dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in cinema. With a passion for storytelling that

challenges norms and celebrates authenticity, Céd created FABA as a home for the films that too often get overlooked—queer stories, student projects, radical visions, and bold experiments.

Rooted in the belief that art should be accessible, inclusive, and community-led, Céd leads FABA with a focus on transparency, equity, and celebration. Her work is shaped by a deep love of independent film and a fierce commitment to providing space for artists to feel seen, valued, and truly heard.

Streaming Developer

Shaan Brar

With over a decade of experience in web design, Shaan Brar is the architect behind FABA Films’ streaming platform. As both a seasoned developer and a passionate editor, Shaan brings a rare blend of tech expertise & creative insight to the FABA team.

Shaan has built dynamic, user-focused digital experiences across industries, but his heart has always been in storytelling. At FABA, he ensures that our platform isn’t just functional—it’s an inviting, accessible space for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Whether he’s fine-tuning code or cutting scenes in the edit bay, Shaan is driven by a love for cinema and a belief in its power to connect, provoke, and inspire.

Podcast Partner

Apply

Do you have a podcast—or dream of starting one? We’re looking for thoughtful, curious, and creative voices to join our mission by featuring FABA Films on their podcast or contributing to ours. As a Podcast Contributor, you’ll interview filmmakers, discuss indie

cinema, review festival selections, or explore topics like representation, storytelling, and the power of peer-reviewed art.

Whether you’re an established podcaster or just starting out, we’d love to collaborate. We can provide access to selected films, filmmaker contacts, and promotional support. This is your chance to help us deepen the conversation around authentic, bold storytelling and uplift voices that deserve to be heard.

Content Creator & Film Reviewer

Apply

We’re looking for passionate film lovers with a voice—and a phone! As a volunteer Content Creator & Film Reviewer, you’ll help spotlight the incredible indie films featured in our festival by posting short, engaging video reviews on social media. Whether it’s a 60-

second reaction, a mini deep dive, or just shouting out your favorites, your content helps us amplify underrepresented voices and build a vibrant, inclusive film community.

No need to be a pro—just be authentic, enthusiastic, and ready to share the love. We’ll provide access to selected films and credit you on our site and socials. This is a great opportunity for students, aspiring critics, or anyone who enjoys indie cinema.

Our Goals As We Grow

As the FABA Films platform expands, we’re committed to staying true to the values that built this community in the first place: access, integrity, and artist empowerment.

Here’s what we promise:

1. Ad Revenue Goes to the Artists

If we ever introduce ads on our platform, 100% of that revenue will go to the artists. You create the content—you deserve the reward.

2. Free Streaming, Always

Our streaming platform will always remain free to watch. That means your film will be accessible to audiences and fellow artists alike—no paywalls, no exclusivity. We believe indie filmmaking should be inclusive, visible, and shared.

3. One Submission Fee, That’s It

No hidden costs, no extra category fees. We’ll always keep it simple: one fair submission fee on FilmFreeway covers your film for all eligible categories. Because accessibility shouldn't come with strings attached.

FABA is more than a festival. It’s a movement. A community. A future for independent film.