WIFT International is delighted to hear about the success of the 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival, hosted by WIFT China, which took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 25 to December 4, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone in the global celebration of feminist cinema and the arts, bringing together nine feminist filmmakers and artists from eight countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Baturu Cultural Festival featured a dynamic lineup of sessions, lectures, and workshops, but the highlight of the event was the film screening section, which showcased powerful feminist films and documentaries. Films such as Category: Women, Overseas, Ahora que estamos juntos, and TACK resonated deeply with audiences, offering poignant reflections on the diverse experiences of women worldwide.
Advancing the Asia-Pacific Feminist Cultural Network
One of the core objectives of the Baturu Cultural Festival was the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Feminist Cultural Network. This ambitious initiative aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, which will be celebrated through feminist film festivals across multiple Asia-Pacific countries in the coming year. These festivals will serve as platforms for cultural exchange, building bridges between the Eastern and Western worlds and fostering collaboration among artists, filmmakers, and audiences.
Through the Baturu Cultural Festival, WIFT China have contributed to a broader dialogue on the importance of feminist cinema, highlighting the work of female filmmakers and creating spaces for underrepresented voices to thrive.
Celebrating the Asia-Pacific Feminist Artist Network
The success of the Baturu Cultural Festival also led to the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Feminist Artist Network. This network has already provided funding support to nine female artists, including two filmmakers, empowering them to continue their creative journeys. In 2025, WIFT China will open a public feminist cultural space in Bangkok, providing a welcoming environment for artists to collaborate and share their work. This space will serve as a hub for feminist cultural events, further strengthening the connection between feminist art and the wider community.
Expanding the Reach of Women’s Film Festivals
The success of the 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival is only the beginning. WIFT China is currently working to establish similar festivals in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and others where women’s film festivals are yet to take root. These festivals will provide essential platforms for female filmmakers and celebrate the rich diversity of stories and perspectives that women bring to the cinematic landscape.
As the global conversation around feminist cinema continues to grow, WIFT International remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that amplify the voices of women in the arts. The 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival was a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the shared vision of a more inclusive and equitable world for women in film.