St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF) is Canada’s longest-running women’s film festival and one of the longest-running globally. Established with a bold vision of advancing gender equity in the screen industries, SJIWFF has championed the creative work of women and gender-diverse artists worldwide since 1989. A respected leader in the sector with growing accolades, SJIWFF plays a vital role in the Canadian film circuit and brings critical artist development and creative vitality to Newfoundland and Labrador.

While the St. John’s International Women’s Film Film Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary, its Film Industry Forum expands yet again to be among the most impressive gatherings in the country. This year’s theme is celebration: celebrating the incredible achievements and resilience of filmmakers who paved the way while looking forward to more opportunities, inclusivity and, most importantly, art. From October 22-26, the 35th edition of the Festival will feature 29 short films and 9 features from 9 countries worldwide, spoken in 11 languages, ensuring a rich and inclusive cultural experience for all: 82% Canadian + 21% Local + 50% + BIPOC.

SJIWFF’s Film Industry Forum has earned its reputation as a must-attend event in the industry. It offers a barrier-free environment to build authentic connections with leading decision-makers and creatives. “The Film Industry Forum is a testament to the evolution of Newfoundland and Labrador’s film industry, showcasing a remarkable lineup of talent while honoring the trailblazers who have shaped our legacy,” said Jenn Brown, Executive Director of SJIWFF. “We have thoughtfully curated spaces to discuss equity, foster meaningful relationships, and inspire innovation. We take pride in highlighting the unique stories emerging from our region and beyond, emphasizing the vital role SJIWFF plays in empowering filmmakers at every stage of their careers. The Forum not only celebrates our past but also paves the way for a brighter future for filmmakers and storytellers.” 

Dr Susan Liddy, WIFTI President, is enthusiastic about St John’s International Women’s Film Festival and the Global Summit on Equity in Film which will be part of the festival in 2024. “I’m really looking forward to attending the festival and speaking at the Summit. This special festival has been on my radar for the last couple of years and I’m delighted to finally get the opportunity to come and see what it’s all about. If it’s feasible, I’d encourage WIFTI members to attend. I’ll be looking out for you!”

Offering an unparalleled lineup of talent and opportunities you won’t want to miss, from October 22 to 26 it kicks off the week with the Trailblazer Awards, honouring five iconic local producers who paved the way for filmmakers in the province: Annette Clarke, Barbara Doran, Rosemary House, Mary Sexton, and Allison White. SJIWFF wraps the week by welcoming back Christine Vachon of Killer Films (Past Lives, Far From Heaven, Boy’s Don’t Cry) alongside Tanya Lapointe (Dune, The Paperman) for a producer-to-producer conversation. 

Our Opening & Closing Night directors Melanie Oates (Sweet Angel Baby) and Sook-Yin Lee (Paying For It) join us with their teams for Q&A sessions and a brunch panel. Julie Roy (Telefilm), Liz Shorten (CMPA), and Valerie Creighton (CMF) will discuss the ever-evolving landscape of Canada’s film and television sector. Other panels and workshops explore demystifying executive pitches, knowing when you need an agent, the craft of documentary filmmaking, what it takes to create multiple successful feature films, and a further look into the world of directing for TV.

Friday will host a Global Summit on Equity in Film and include national changemakers as well as international perspectives from Dr. Susan Liddy (WIFTI, WIFT-Ireland), Alexia Muinos Ruiz (European Women’s Audiovisual Network), Barbara Rohm (Power to Transform!) and Natasha Gargiulo (Geena Davis Institute). 

Filmmakers will be able to meet and consult with the industry’s biggest broadcasters, funders, producers, and distributors, including Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Telefilm, Rogers, Reelworld, National Screen Institute, Canadian Film Centre, ImagineNative, Black Screen Office, Indigenous Screen Office, CBC, Bell Fund, WIFT International, Women in the Director’s Chair, and more. 

Other speakers include: Aisling Walsh (Maudie), Andrea Dorfman (Hairy Legs), Asia Youngman (Delta Dawn), Bilal Baig (Sort Of), Carol Whiteman (Women in the Director’s Chair), Cynthia Lickers-Sage (Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance), Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Night Raiders), Heather Young (There, There), Josephine Anderson (Curl Power), Joan Jenkinson (Black Screen Office), Jordan Canning (Schitt’s Creek), Joyce Wong (Baroness Von Sketch Show), Kathleen Hepburn (The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open), Kelly Townsend (Playback), Lori Lozinski (Little Bird), Laurie Townshend (A Mother Apart), maxine bailey (Canadian Film Centre), Michaela Kurimsky (Firecrackers), Naomi Johnson (ImagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival), Renee Robinson (Film Commissioner, Jamaica), Sasha Leigh Henry (Bria Mack Gets a Life), Sherry White (Pretty Hard Cases), Sophie Deraspe (Shepherds), Tamara Segura (Seguridad), Tania Thompson (Bria Mack Gets a Life), Tara Woodbudy (Netflix), Tonya Williams (Reelworld Screen Institute), Wendy Parkies (FAST Channels), and more. 

Find the full lineup and ticket information at WomensFilmFestival.com/Forum.

WFT Ireland was proud to host the launch of the report by Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan, Behind the Scenes: Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries, addressing vital issues in the Irish screen industries. The event, which took place at the Light House Cinema in Dublin, saw an inspiring turnout, with industry professionals, sponsors, collaborators, and members joining for an engaging discussion.

The panellists were Jessica Drum (Chief Executive, Screen Guilds Ireland), Colman Farrell (Head of Skills and Professional Development, Screen Ireland), Ananta Kaur (Head of ER/IR and Industry Partnerships, Screen Producers Ireland) and Niamh O’Donnell (Director, Irish Theatre Institute and Safe to Create).

Moderated by Aoife Barry, arts journalist and author, the panel provided thought-provoking insights into the findings of the report and initiated conversations on how to address harmful behaviours within the screen industry. The discussions focused on the need for systemic change and how collaboration across organisations can drive meaningful improvements in workplace culture.

WFT Ireland extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to these critical conversations. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive industry for all.

WFT Ireland is pleased to share the full Behind the Scenes: Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries report by Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan.

This comprehensive study examines the critical issue of harmful behaviours within the Irish screen industry and offers insights into creating safer, more inclusive workplaces. You can read and share this important work by downloading the report below.

Women are falling out of focus on the small screen. According to a new report on gender and hiring in TV presented by IMDbPro and ReFrame — an initiative of Sundance Institute and WIF — women lost gains made over the past several years in nearly every position analyzed.

Last year’s data found that women (or gender-diverse performers) accounted for 54 percent of lead roles, while the new report details a decrease of 13 percent to 41 percent. Also released as part of the study, ReFrame and IMDbPro award a Stamp to recognize gender-balanced hiring on television shows, and this year 77 of the 200 most popular TV and streaming series of 2023-24 earned the distinction (or 38.5 percent). The total represents a dip of 8.5 percent from last year, or 20 percent from a peak in 2020-21.

For a third straight year, the bulk of Emmy nominees for best comedy series earned a stamp including Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Reservation Dogs and What We Do in the Shadows. Three of eight nominated drama series also landed one, including Fallout, The Morning Show and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and three limited or anthology series including Baby Reindeer, Lessons in Chemistry and True Detective: Night Country.

Read the full article on The Hollywood Reporter.

Read more on Variety.

The WIFT GR Festival is now an established annual event in Athens. The effort that WIFT GR started eight years ago has gained popularity and a strong following in cinephile circles.

It is commendable to note that the Festival has never stopped its activities, even during the period of the COVID pandemic and the restrictive measures, the festival was held online, which was considered crucial and offered opportunities for cultural osmosis and creative reflection at a time when society was in great need of artistic events.

With a key focus on highlighting the work of women and femininities in cinema, it engages with the emerging issues of society and also raises awareness of silenced topics, such as the dominance of the male gaze in cinema and the devaluation of women professionals in the industry.

The 2022 Festival was at the heart of international news with a tribute to reproductive rights and the 2023 Festival focused on Greek Women Creatives with international careers. Over the four days of the Festival the screenings were packed, and there was a significant representation of institutional bodies and a young audience. Last year for the first time we launched a short film competition section with a very strong response, as we received a significant number of submissions, something we intend to continue to support the efforts of young women filmmakers.

The theme of the 2024 Festival is “Are we a family?”, and focuses on the different forms of relationships that evolve within the family and alternative models of family life. As part of the festival, a seminar and open discussion on intimacy coordination will take place, aiming to highlight the need for the creation of a safe and equal cinematic environment in Greek production.

WFTV UK is hosting events at the London Film Festival in October and would love to welcome different representatives from WIFTI chapters. Please note that these events are only available for LFF delegates/pass holders.

WFTV Speed Networking at the BFI London Film Festival 2024

Date: Thursday 16 October
Time: 14:30-15:30
Location: Member’s Bar, Picturehouse Central, Piccadilly Circus, Corner of Great Windmill Street and, Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 7DH

WFTV Networking Drinks Reception at the BFI London Film Festival 2024

Date: Wednesday 16 October
Time: 17:00 – 18:30
Location: Member’s Bar, Picturehouse Central, Piccadilly Circus, Corner of Great Windmill Street and, Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 7DH