Dec 15, 2025 | News, Event
The countdown begins!
WIFTI and WFT Ireland are thrilled to announce that General Admission tickets are now on sale for the 2026 WIFTI Summit, taking place in the stunning surroundings of Adare, Co. Limerick, from 4–7 February 2026.
🎟 Secure your ticket today!
Join a global community of creatives coming together from Australia, Jamaica, Africa, the United States, Canada, and beyond for a few unforgettable days of inspiration, collaboration, and connection.
Furthermore, we are thrilled to reveal the first speakers in our extraordinary lineup — bold, visionary voices shaping the future of screen, storytelling, and creative leadership. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share more.
✨ Scroll below to discover just a few of the incredible speakers joining us — with many more to be announced.
WIFTI SUMMIT 2026 SPEAKERS
Anna Serner
Former CEO, Swedish Film Institute and 50/50 by 2020 Champion
Anna is a lawyer but has spent her professional life as a CEO at three major organisations; The Swedish Advertising Association (Komm), The Swedish Media Publishing Association (TU) and The Swedish Film Institute (SFI) where she was CEO 2011-2021.
In all her positions Anna has worked with equality and inclusion in order to make sure the highest possible quality and freedom of expressions.
During her period at Komm she published a book ”A Man Called Rolf, And Other Stories”, written by female copy writers. It was a book about being a copy writer in the advertising world. The book led to a leadership educations for women in creative works, an education that she offered in the film world (called ”Moviement”) at SFI, as a strategy to get more women behind the camera in big budget films. ”Moviement” was a part of the action plan to reach equity behind the camera, a strategy that became ”50/50by2020 which was released by SFI in Cannes 2016. That inspired the big festival movement for equality with the same name.
Anna is now starting an organisation called ”The Swedish Center for Investigative Journalism” to support a diversity of investigative reports to ensure an open democratic society.
Dame Heather Rabbatts
Chair, Time’s Up UK
Dame Heather Rabbatts’ career spans law, government, media and sport. She is currently Chair of Saatchi PLC, Associated British Foods PLC (where she is also Senior Independent Director) and Soho Theatre and until recently was MD of film & TV production company Cove Pictures where she produced The Drifters and The Bad Ass Librarians of Timbuktu. In 2018, Heather became Chair of TIME’S UP UK and in 2019 joined TIME’S UP global board. Born out of the revelations of #MeToo, TIME’S UP advocates to end sexual harassment, change representation and pay parity to achieve long-term cultural change. She was previously Chair of CIISA, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, currently in development. Heather began her career as a lawyer, then a government advisor and was the youngest CEO of a Local Authority. She was the first woman and person of colour on the board of the English FA in 150 years, served on the boards of the BBC, Bank of England, the Foreign Office and the Royal Opera House and commissioned award-winning content as a senior executive at Channel 4 Television.
Debbie Ging
Professor, Digital Media and Gender, DCU & Director, DCU Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities
Debbie Ging is Professor of Digital Media and Gender in the School of Communications at Dublin City University and Director of the DCU Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities. She teaches and researches on gender, sexuality and digital media, with a focus on digital hate, online anti-feminist men’s rights politics, the incel subculture and radicalisation of boys and men into male supremacist ideologies. Debbie’s research also addresses youth experiences of gender-based and sexual abuse online and educational interventions to tackle these issues.
Guneet Monga Kapoor
Academy Award-Winning Producer CEO, Sikyha Entertainment
Guneet Monga Kapoor is an acclaimed Indian film producer, a two-time Academy Award winner, and the first to bring home an Academy Award for an Indian production with The Elephant Whisperers (2023). She also served as Executive Producer for the 2019 Oscar-winning documentary short Period. End of Sentence. A BAFTA nominee, Guneet is among the first Indian producers invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Guneet is the founder of Sikhya Entertainment, a Mumbai-based production house. She has produced close to 40 feature films, including ground-breaking cinema such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Monsoon Shootout (2013), and Masaan (2015) all of which received critical acclaim at prestigious international festivals such as Cannes, TIFF, and Sundance.
Guneet is a recipient of the prestigious French Honour “Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”. In 2019, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awarded her the prestigious Sloan Science and Film grant. Guneet is passionate about issues of representation and diversity in the film industry and discovering, amplifying & distributing the work of Indian women filmmakers across the globe.
Her recent projects include groundbreaking actioner – KILL, which earned a spot among IMDb India’s top 10 films of 2024 and achieved mainstream international distribution in a first of it’s kind deal with International Studio Lionsgate. Other successes include the sci-fi thriller web series Gyaarah Gyaarah (ranked No. 4 by IMDb India), Gutar Gu on Amazon MX Player, a first-of-its-kind Netflix documentary film on globally celebrated Hip Hop Artist – Yo Yo Honey Singh, and the 2025 Oscar-shortlisted live-action short film Anuja.
Iris Zappe-Heller
Deputy Director, Austrian Film Institute
Iris Zappe-Heller joined the Austrian Film Institute in 1993.
She took over the Austrian representation at the Board of Eurimages from 1997 to 2021.
In 2011 she became deputy to the Director of the Film Institute.
In 2013 she installed the department for Gender*Diversity*Inclusion within the Film Institute, taking a package of measures as Gender Incentive, Gender Budgeting, Gender Reports, ProPro, Script competition… In this function she represents Austria in Eurimages’ Gender Equality Working Group that she has chaired from 2016 to 2021. She joined the EFAD’s Gender Inclusion Working Group in 2018, where she took over the chair in 2021. In 2015 she has been the Austrian expert of the Sarajevo Conference Declaration and therefore actively involved in the drawing up of the European Council’s Recommendation on Gender Equality. Since 2024 she is member of the board of European Women’s Audiovisiual network, EWA.
In 2023 she was appointed Deputy Director of the Film Institute and is member of the board of Filmarchiv Austria since.
Liselott Forsman
CEO, Nordisk Film & TV Fond
Liselott Forsman is the CEO of Nordisk Film & TV Fond since 2019. As Yle’s International Drama Executive and EBU’s Head of Fiction Group, her focus was on international collaboration and media strategies. When Head of Fiction at Swedish Yle, she commissioned and co-produced feature films, drama series and content for young audiences. Her MA combines film, drama, and media studies. Liselott has been a speaker at forums on five continents, lectured at European master educations, produced drama and documentaries, and written for TV, radio and stage. She co-founded and headed the international event Helsinki Script.
Get your ticket today and we’ll see you in Limerick!
Dec 5, 2025 | News, Event
WIFTI (Women in Film and Television International) is excited to announce the upcoming Global Lens online event in partnership with WIFT Australia and WIFT Victoria: Storytelling at the Edge of the World. Australia’s screen industry has become a model for gender equity, First Nations leadership, accessible filmmaking and strong public-policy frameworks. With Screen Australia’s 2025 Gender Matters KPI Update demonstrating parity or above in several key categories, this Global Lens session, moderated by WIFT Australia Chair Leanne Tonkes, offers an opportunity to highlight what Australia is doing effectively and what global peers can replicate.
This panel looks to explore:
- Key findings from the new Gender Matters report
- First Nations-led creative practice
- Inclusion frameworks that genuinely shift workplaces
- Industry-wide collaboration between agencies, creators, and community organisations
- Practical steps international chapters can implement immediately
This is an opportunity for WIFTI members to hear directly from some of Australia’s leading changemakers.
Date: Thursday 18 December 2025 / Friday 19 December 2025
📍Online: SIGN UP HERE
Time Zones:
- Australia: 8:00 AM AEDT, Friday 19 December 2025
- Los Angeles: 1:00 PM PST, Thursday 18 December 2025
- New York: 4:00 PM EST, Thursday 18 December 2025
- London: 9:00 PM GMT, Thursday 18 December 2025
Moderator: Leanne Tonkes – Chair, WIFT Australia
Leanne Tonkes is a veteran Australian producer across a varied slate in film, television and digital and long-running CEO of Sense & Centsability. Her productions include Stan’s first original film project, The Second, feature film My Mistress and series This Is Desmondo Ray! Tonkes is currently producing West Australian production, Prawn Curry Christmas, under the 2025 West Coast Visions initiative and Written in the Stars, directed by Fawzia Mirza.
Based in Victoria, Leanne envisions a bold new chapter for WIFT, one driven by deep industry collaboration, national influence, and international strategic alliances that elevate the visibility, agency, and creative leadership of Australian women in screen.
Featured Panelists:
Dianna La Grassa – COO and Head of Screen Bus Stop Films
Dianna is an award winning producer having created over 45 short films and moving into longer form content. She is a proud woman of the disability community and comes from a CALD background and is also an immigrant to Australia. A NIDA trained actress and an MBA graduate she combines her passion for the arts and business to create inclusively made films advocating for authentic representation on both sides of the camera. Dianna is on the Board of WIFT Australia and is a disability advocate promoting and elevating the voices of our community.
Rosie Lourde – Producer, Writer, Actor
Rosie Lourde is an award-winning multi-faceted filmmaker with a passion for advocacy. Amongst many projects, Rosie is an EP on sport docu-series YOUNG BLOODS (TikTok), comedies WHITE FEVER (ABC/Stan), and feature SWEET MILK LAKE. She directed romcom ROMANCE ON THE MENU (Netflix) and DEADHOUSE DARK – DASHCAM (Shudder), and produced STARTING FROM NOW (YouTube) which now has over 250 million views online. As an actor Rosie features in TOTAL CONTROL (ABC), ONE NIGHT (Paramount+/Netflix), and HOUSE OF GODS (ABC). Rosie was a member and the Chair of Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce (2020-25), and was previously an Investment Manager of Screen Australia’s Online Production fund.
Sarah Price – Co-Founder, Damulgurra Stories
Sarah is a multi award winning Casting director, marketing director and experienced production professional with over 20 years experience. Sarah co-founded the Northern Territory’s only dedicated casting business, Castaway NT 7 years ago and is also an emerging NT based producer. Sarah holds graduate degrees in business and Marketing, including a Master Screen Business, AFTRs( 2022) . The sole accredited and dedicated casting director ( Casting Guild of Australia member) in the Northern Territory, Sarah has grown the business from an interesting side hustle to a thriving and in demand business. Castaway NT has developed a database of NT talent from The Red Centre to the Top End and everywhere in between and has worked on everything from major film and TV productions to short films as well as collaborated with some of the most respected producers and casting directors in the industry, building a reputation for finding the unfindable talent . In 2025 Sarah was named by Inside Film magazine a “Rising Talent”, in the Casting Director category.
Sarah is also co – founder of Damulgurra Stories along with Larrakia filmmaker Cian Mccue – a new business launched in May 2025, that sets a new screen industry standard by providing resources, protocols and training focused on cultural integrity , collaboration and empowerment.
Grainne Brunsdon – COO / Screen Australia
As Chief Operating Officer at Screen Australia Grainne leads on Content and Operations – investment and initiatives across Australian screen content, including film, television, direct to audience, documentary and games; industry development and international programs. Grainne is a strategic leader with more than 25 years’ experience working in the creative industries, including as Head of Screen NSW, and leadership positions in international cultural relations with the British Council, and arts organisations in Sydney. As Head of Screen NSW, Grainne oversaw the state’s investment in the local screen sector, including industry development and international production incentives, and was the representative for global film cities for the UNESCO Cities Of Culture Network.
Nov 26, 2025 | News, Event
The annual event organized by WIFTMI – Women in Film, Television & Media Italy, returns in support of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Where: ROME, November 29, 2025 | Palazzo Merulana
LET’S CHANGE THE SCRIPT!
The audiovisual industry for a culture free from gender-based violence
Third Edition | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Launched in 2023, this day of in-depth discussion aims to overturn the normalization of gender-based violence in media narratives and change the script on screen and in real life.
The key words for 2025 are awareness, responsibility, action, alliances, sharing.
The 2025 focus of LET’S CHANGE THE SCRIPT! is on the role of the audiovisual sector in preventing gender-based violence through emotional, romantic, and sexual education, in a national context marked by ongoing femicides and resistance to relationship education in schools.
The event is free to attend with prior reservation at the following link, while seats last. https://www.eventbrite.it/o/women-in-film-television-and-media-italia-74469290403
Discover the program here: https://wiftmitalia.it/cambiamo-copione-lindustria-audiovisiva-per-una-cultura-libera-dalla-violenza-di-genere/
We look forward to seeing you!
#Let’sChangeTheScript2025
Sep 19, 2025 | News, Event
Women in Film and Television Jamaica (WIFTJA) is proud to present its upcoming Industry Symposium: The Art and Business of Screenwriting Across Genres, a one-day event designed to empower writers and creatives across the Caribbean.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Department of Literatures in English, UWI Mona
This dynamic programme will feature:
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Keynote Address by acclaimed filmmaker Tanya Hamilton (Director, HBO’s Get Millie Black)
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Masterclasses:
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From Script to Screen: The Business Behind the Vision with Sarudzayi Marufu (Founder & Executive Producer, EURAS Films)
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Writing for Young Audiences with Kenia Mattis (CEO, ListenMi Caribbean Ltd.)
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Panel Discussion: After Ideation – Establishing a Writer’s Practice and Presence
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Screenwriting Accelerator Program spotlight, including a live pitch session
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Networking opportunities with industry peers and professionals
This symposium is all about building skills, sharing knowledge, and amplifying Caribbean voices on the global stage.
Supported by UNESCO’s Creative Caribbean and Participation Program, CARICOM, ACP-EU Culture, and The University of the West Indies, Mona.
For more details, visit: www.wiftja.org
Jun 16, 2025 | Event
Cannes 2025 Highlights: A Global Celebration of Collaboration, Education, and Empowerment
This year’s Cannes Film Festival was not only a celebration of film but also a powerful reminder of the global momentum behind equity and innovation across the screen industries. Here are just a few of the standout moments from WIFTI’s presence at Cannes 2025:
WIFTI and Stage 32 Announce Global Education Partnership
In a landmark announcement, Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) and Stage 32, the leading global platform for film and TV education, unveiled a groundbreaking partnership that will see Stage 32 become the official education provider for all 57 WIFT chapters and affiliates worldwide.
Unveiled during the festival and celebrated at an exclusive black-tie villa event, the partnership aims to address key skill gaps in the industry and empower women through access to over 3,000 hours of professional training—including courses led by Oscar, Emmy, and BAFTA-winning talent such as Meg LeFauve, Nick Vallelonga, David Seidler, Terence Blanchard, and many more.
The partnership will also include biannual virtual open houses, educational panels, and networking opportunities at major festivals.
As WIFTI President Dr. Susan Liddy stated, this marks “a pivotal moment for WIFTI and our global network” in building sustainable careers for women across film and television.
Read the full article via The Hollywood Reporter here
Take a look at a few photos from the exclusive celebration at Cannes below:
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Left to right Amanda Tony (Stage 32), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Kissy Dugan (Screenwriter & WIFTI Executive)
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Jacqueline Wagenstein – Festival Director of CineLibri, Sofia, Bulgaria & Martin I. Petrov Festival Director, International Film Festival Glasgow, and Festival Strategist and Consultant-Cannes
WIFTI Irish Pavilion Event – Summit 2026 Announcement
WFT Ireland was proud to host the WIFTI Irish Pavilion event at Cannes 2025, where we officially launched the upcoming WIFTI 2026 Summit.
Bringing together 57 WIFT chapters and affiliates from around the world, the Summit will take place in Ireland and will serve as an international celebration of cross-border collaboration, strategic career-building, and storytelling excellence.
Organised by WFT Ireland and WIFTI, the Summit will feature inspiring panels, networking sessions, interactive workshops, and cultural events showcasing Irish talent.
Register your interest and stay informed at summit2026.wifti.net
As part of the WIFTI Irish Pavilion event, we also celebrated the official launch of two new chapters, WIFT Poland and WIFT India, and welcomed a new affiliate into the WIFTI fold: Collectif 5050.
View below some snapshots from the vibrant Irish Pavilion gathering where the 2026 Summit was launched:
Picture Credit: Julie Edwards.
WIFT Poland Launches During Cannes 2025
Another exciting milestone during the festival was the official launch of Women in Film & Television Poland, the newest chapter in the WIFTI global network.
Held on May 17th, the event welcomed over 100 industry professionals to celebrate the formation of this dynamic, non-profit organisation. With support from the Polish Film Institute, Archicom Collection, and international guests including WIFTI President Dr. Susan Liddy, the launch underscored the importance of global solidarity, education, and visibility for women in film.
From boundary-pushing directors to emerging creative voices, WIFT Poland is committed to championing a future where women across all roles in the screen industries are seen, heard, and supported.
Explore more about the launch at wift.pl/cannes-2025
See a selection of photos from the official WIFT Poland launch event at Cannes 2025 below:
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From left to right: Karolina Rum, the new President of WIFT POLAND, Claire Dunlop (Eclipse Pictures and WFT Ireland member), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Siobhán Farrell (Vice Chair WFT Ireland)
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Left to right: WIFT Cyprus Member and Filmmaker, Petra Terzi, Claire Dunlop (Eclipse Pictures and WFT Ireland member), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Siobhán Farrell (Vice Chair WFT Ireland)
May 16, 2025 | News, Event
Women in Film & Television Ireland (WFT Ireland) and Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) are delighted to welcome 57 WIFT chapters and affiliates from around the world for a landmark celebration to elevate and empower professionals from across the screen industries.
This international Summit offers a vital opportunity to reflect on current successes and strategise for the future.
It will spotlight powerful and inspiring stories, create a space for networking, and offer opportunities for interactive discussions and real collaborations, as well as celebrate Irish culture and entertainment.
The 2026 Summit will serve as a powerful forum to:
- Strengthen cross-border collaboration
- Celebrate women’s achievements in the screen industries
- Equip attendees with practical, career-advancing skills
Please view a personal invitation below from WIFTI President & WFT Ireland Chair, Dr Susan Liddy.
