OUR MISSION
We exist to advance global awareness, 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.
SIMA is a 501(c)3 non-profit registered in California and Germany.
STRATEGY
We cultivate a dynamic ecosystem for creative impact that drives meaningful change.
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.
“Through SIMA we were able to reach thousands of people via documentaries ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT ARE CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS, to make our problems visible, to give the solutions a stage to be seen and to inspire change”.
Carlo Steensma, Community Director, QS Impact
PROGRAMS + SERVICES
AWARDS
The annual SIMA Awards honor eye-opening documentaries, production companies, XR, and impact campaigns that exemplify excellence in their potential to inspire social change. Each year, projects are selected from over 140 countries around the world, competing for awards, cash prizes, media features, and entry into SIMA’s impact distribution channels.
DISTRIBUTION
Our international distribution channels: SIMA Academy and Cinema Across Borders, maximize the impact and exposure of the best films from our annual awards. Through unique partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions, human rights forums, film festivals and changemakers, we bring social impact storytelling into classrooms and communities worldwide, igniting awareness, education and engagement from the grassroots level and up.
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
Our Fiscal Sponsorship services enable creators to raise tax-deductible funds for their creative impact projects in any stage from production to campaign. We support filmmakers, producers, innovators, organizations and artists from around the world. Find out more here.
IMPACT
Serving independent arts, social impact, and academic industries worldwide, each year, our programs engage a network of over 4,000 filmmakers from 140+ countries, 145,000+ students access our educational resources, 90+ partners host community screenings in 30 countries, and over 7,000 digital film viewings reach more than 5 million viewers around the globe. SIMA’s Fiscal Sponsorship program supports global impact projects in 50+ countries, helping to realize the vision of over 85 creative activists and changemakers.
JOIN US IN AMPLIFYING CREATIVE IMPACT WORLDWIDE
At the heart of our work is a global community united by a shared purpose: to spark dialogue, inspire action, and drive solution-focused social change. Together, we celebrate and amplify powerful stories that challenge perceptions, ignite critical thinking, and pave the way for a more just and interconnected world. Join us in shaping a future where creativity fuels impact.
