Monday | January 26th 2026

Learn how to transform a high-budget script into a fiction podcast, photo series, or graphic novel. Zanah will break down how to preserve your story’s power while adapting it to formats that are financially accessible — and potentially more marketable.

Doors open 5:45 pm | Event begins at 6 pm

The Money Monday Masterclass Series is a five-week, hands-on learning experience designed for filmmakers who are creating bold, visionary work without traditional funding, big crews, or industry connections. As part of Sisters in Cinema’s Financial Literacy Program, this series provides real-world, accessible strategies for building films and creative projects on any budget.

The series is led by Zanah Thirus, an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and longtime Sisters in Cinema collaborator known for her resourceful, ethical, and community-centered approach to independent filmmaking. Zanah has built an impressive body of work by mobilizing creative teams, navigating multiple mediums, pitching effectively without a budget, and producing films while working full-time. Her practical insight and generosity as an educator make her uniquely equipped to guide filmmakers through the realities of low-resourced production.

Each Monday evening, Zanah will walk participants through a focused, skill-building workshop that honors both artistic ambition and lived realities. Sessions are interactive, deeply pragmatic, and designed for filmmakers balancing jobs, families, financial constraints, and big creative dreams. Every workshop includes real templates, examples, and take-home materials to support your next project.

RSVP TODAY to claim your spot! RSVP here: https://givebutter.com/moneymonday

WHAT TO EXPECT:

About Zanah Thirus

Website - https://www.zanahthirus.com/

Zanah Thirus is a storyteller who thrives at the intersection of cultural insight and creative expression.

Named one of Diversity in Cannes' Top 10 Filmmakers of the Decade and honored with the Master of Storytelling Award by the Druk International Film Festival, Zanah is committed to crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and push culture forward.

In her free time, Zanah channels her passion for storytelling into writing, directing, blogging, and photography. Her work explores underrepresented experiences and challenges dominant narratives through topics such as the asexual spectrum, reproductive freedom, sexual trauma recovery, misogyny within Christianity, and the politics of pleasure.

Her films have earned widespread recognition, premiering at three Academy Award qualifying festivals: Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, and St. Louis International Film Festival. She has also earned accolades from festivals in France, Nigeria, Toronto, and across the United States. Her documentaries are part of over 30 academic library collections, including Harvard University, and have been screened at events like the American Public Health Association's national conference.

She believes stories should challenge, disrupt, and imagine new ways of being.

Events:

The Pivot: From Film Script to Other Mediums | Monday, January 26th from 6 pm - 8 pm

Learn how to transform a high-budget script into a fiction podcast, photo series, or graphic novel. Zanah will break down how to preserve your story’s power while adapting it to formats that are financially accessible — and potentially more marketable.

Film Scheduling with a Full-Time Job | Monday, February 2nd from 6 pm - 8 pm

Yes, you can make films while working a 9–5. Zanah will guide participants through building a production schedule that honors your time, energy, and financial reality. Everyone will leave with a customizable schedule to use on future projects.

The Two-Person Story | Monday, February 9th from 6 pm - 8 pm

Discover how to craft a compelling short film using one location and two characters. Zanah will explore the fundamentals of the two-person script, share examples, and demonstrate how creative limitations can spark stronger storytelling.

No-Budget Pitching for Marketing | Monday, February 16th from 6 pm - 8 pm

Marketing doesn’t have to cost money. Zanah will teach you how to pitch brand collaborations that offer promotional support in exchange for shared mission, storytelling alignment, or community value. Participants receive a real pitch deck Zanah used to secure social media promotion from a brand with over 100K followers.

Volunteer-Based Filmmaking | Monday, February 23rd from 6 pm - 8 pm

Explore the ethics and best practices of consent-driven, peer-supported production. Zanah will walk through how to build volunteer-centered film environments rooted in care and clarity. Participants receive a downloadable volunteer film pitch deck to guide future projects.

For more information, please email us at hello@sistersincinema.com

Money Monday Masterclass Series by Zanah Thirus

By Sisters in Cinema

Money Monday Masterclass Series by Zanah Thirus

Making It Work Without Traditional Resources