Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) proudly recognises the success of Mountain Boy, an Emirati family adventure feature film that captivated audiences at CFFNY 2024 (Chelsea Film Festival New York). The film had its West Coast premiere on October 19, 2024 at Regal Union Square, NYC, marking a significant milestone in its festival journey. Mountain Boy is written and produced by WIFT MENA Member Nancy Paton and directed by Zainab Shaheen under Desert Rose Films and Fujairah Films. 

Based on the award-winning UAE children’s book The Boy Who Knew the Mountains by Dr. Michele Ziolkowski, Mountain Boy follows the inspiring journey of Suhail, portrayed by Naser Almessabi, an actor who is himself autistic. Casting Naser was key to bringing authenticity and emotional depth to Suhail’s character—a young Emirati boy with Autism who defies societal expectations. Accompanied by his loyal Saluki dog, Barakah, Suhail embarks on a transformative journey through the breathtaking mountains of Fujairah, in search of acceptance, family, and belonging. This visually stunning and emotionally powerful adventure captures both the beauty of the UAE and the importance of representation in storytelling.

Directed with a commitment to authentic storytelling and representation, Mountain Boy stood out among this year’s festival selections, earning two prestigious awards: Best Cinematography and Best Young Actor in a Feature Film

This recognition is particularly meaningful as it celebrates the remarkable performance of Naser, a young actor from Abu Dhabi who is on the autism spectrum. Without prior acting experience, Naser was carefully trained and supported throughout the production process, and his outstanding performance is a testament to both his talent and the inclusive, nurturing environment fostered by the Mountain Boy team. His award is a triumph not only for him but for the entire cast and crew who created a space where he could shine authentically on screen.

With its rich storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and groundbreaking approach to casting, Mountain Boy exemplifies the kind of transformative filmmaking that aligns with WIFTI’s mission—to champion diverse voices, inclusive narratives, and opportunities for women and underrepresented talent in film and television.

As Mountain Boy continues its journey, we celebrate the impact it has already made, paving the way for greater representation and accessibility in the global film industry. Congratulations to the entire Mountain Boy team on this incredible achievement!

For more information about Mountain Boy, visit the Chelsea Film Festival website.

Nancy, the writer and producer, brings a deeply personal connection to the story, as one of her children is on the autism spectrum. This personal experience drives her commitment to authentically portray the challenges and triumphs of individuals on the spectrum.  Additionally, Nancy is the Head of Women in Film and TV for the Middle East and Africa (WIFTMENA) making her a key voice for women filmmakers in the region. She can speak to the growing developments for female filmmakers in the Middle East, as well as the importance of neurodiverse representation in cinema. Mountain Boy recently won the Children’s Jury Award at the Children’s Film Festival Seattle and the San Luis Obispo Film Festival’s Audience Award, testament to her passion for telling important stories with heart and authenticity. Nancy, a former resident of New York and an alumna of the Atlantic Acting School. Her time at the Atlantic Acting School played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for screenwriting and film production, and she’s excited to return to where her filmmaking journey first took flight.

Zainab Shaheen is a young Emirati filmmaker, making her feature debut with Mountain Boy. As an Emirati woman in film, Zainab is breaking new ground in an industry where female directors are rare, especially in the UAE. Her deep connection to her heritage and unique perspective as a female filmmaker are evident in every frame of this beautiful film. Zainab was also recently nominated for the Jury Grand Prize at the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival, further highlighting her talent and vision.

St. John’s International Women’s Festival is open for submissions for its 2025 festival run! Since 1989, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF) has proudly championed the creative work of women and gender-diverse filmmakers from around the world. As Canada’s longest-running women’s film festival, SJIWFF is guided by a bold vision of a gender-equitable and artist-focused screen industry, serving as a beacon for creativity, equity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Every October, the five-day Festival presents a dynamic program of film screenings alongside its acclaimed Film Industry Forum. Filmmakers enjoy unparalleled opportunities to connect with top talent, industry leaders, and key decision-makers through engaging panels, pitch sessions, project consultations, networking events, and unforgettable celebrations. Set against the breathtaking oceanside backdrop of Downtown St. John’s, SJIWFF is renowned for its signature hospitality and its intimate, inspiring, and welcoming atmosphere. Reflecting on 2024, we asked the women of SJIWFF some questions:

What inspired the creation of the Women’s Film Festival, and how has it evolved over the years?

The film and television industry has long struggled with a significant gender imbalance, with women, particularly those from Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, under-represented in key creative and financial roles. This disparity not only impacts the industry itself but also has far-reaching consequences for society, contributing to stereotypical gender portrayals on screen. Fewer women and gender-diverse artists employed as directors and writers results in media that often fails to reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape our world. As an intersectional feminist organization, SJIWFF champions the work of women and gender-diverse artists, striving to reshape the industry and create a more inclusive and representative media landscape. The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF) was launched in 1989 in response to this imbalance, with a bold vision of supporting and promoting women’s creative work locally and internationally. Over three decades, SJIWFF has grown significantly, increasing both submissions and accolades. What began as a single film screening has evolved into a five-day festival and Industry Forum. Today, SJIWFF is a respected leader in the Canadian film industry and the movement for gender equity, bringing critical artist development and creative vitality to Newfoundland and Labrador.

What sets the Women’s Film Festival apart from other film festivals?

SJIWFF offers local audiences the best in cinema worldwide during its five-day festival and brings together provincial, national and international industry experts and creatives for a five-day Industry Forum. As the province’s flagship film festival, SJIWFF orchestrates year-round film screenings, community events, mentorship programs, industry training and networking initiatives, culminating in a signature five-day international film festival and film industry forum each October. As a testament to its growing importance and reputation as a must-attend event, the Festival receives over 1000 annual film submissions and welcomes upwards of 6000 guests year-round.

Amplifying the national and international profile of our local film industry talents and province as a cultural hub, SJIWFF brings critical artistic development and creative vitality to Newfoundland and Labrador. See what filmmakers have to say about SJIWFF here! Submissions for the 36th annual SJIWFF are now open! Women and gender-diverse filmmakers from anywhere in the world are encouraged to submit their films via Film Freeway at filmfreeway.com/womensfilmfestival.

Are there any plans to expand the festival’s reach or introduce new initiatives?

In August 2024, SJIWFF became the new home of Women In View, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening gender representation and inclusion in film and television both on screen and behind the scenes, and the Canadian leader of the 50/50 by 2020 initiative, started in Sweden, which galvanized the international film industry. Read the press release here.

A new book on feminist film history – Stretching the Archives: Toward a Global Women’s Film Heritage – was recently published, Open Access and free to read for anyone with access to the internet, by Archive Books (Berlin).

This book is the result of two years of networking, workshops, and conferences that brought together scholars, archivists, and filmmakers. The focus was on addressing gaps in our shared histories, with a particular emphasis on feminist cultural memory and film heritage in the Global South. This book combines feminist and anti-colonial research, and through the network, women and individuals identifying as female from around the world came together to share passions, frustrations, knowledge, and experiences related to film archives and restoration projects. These projects have often neglected the work of women from the Global South. Recognising that the intersection of the anti-colonial movement with second wave feminism and the rise of film studies in the seventies provided a rich framework, the authors collectively decided to focus on that era to find a workable methodology for their diverse approaches to film history.

In an industry where women’s voices and visions continue to push boundaries, Her Arts Lab stands as a beacon of empowerment, offering young female and non-binary creatives a space to grow, collaborate, and challenge the status quo.

The Spring 2025 edition of Her Arts Lab will take place from April 28 to May 4 in Paestum, Italy—a week-long immersive experience designed to foster artistic expression, professional development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Bringing together a diverse cohort of emerging artists and storytellers, the lab provides a crucial stepping stone for those looking to break into creative industries.

At its core, Her Arts Lab is more than just a training ground—it is a community-driven initiative that nurtures bold storytelling and innovative artistic practices. Through workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on projects, participants will gain both practical skills and a strong support system, helping them navigate the industry with confidence and resilience.

In a field still grappling with gender disparities, programs like Her Arts Lab serve as catalysts for change. They not only equip participants with industry knowledge but also instill a sense of belonging, leadership, and advocacy—essential tools to reshape the creative landscape for future generations.

As WIFTI celebrates initiatives that uplift women in film, television, and the arts, we recognize the importance of spaces like Her Arts Lab—platforms that provide emerging talents with the resources, mentorship, and visibility they need to thrive. We look forward to witnessing the new voices, stories, and collaborations that will emerge from this year’s program in Italy, shaping the future of creative industries worldwide.

For more details on Her Arts Lab and their 2025 program, visit their website.

Women in Film & Television Greece (WIFT GR) successfully hosted its 8th annual festival from November 28 to December 1, 2024, at the Greek Film Archives, offering an impactful lineup of screenings, discussions, and industry panels that spotlighted the evolving landscape for women in film.

A key highlight of the festival was Ariane Labed, who screened her latest film following its Cannes premiere and participated in a compelling panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges women face in the post-MeToo era.

The festival also featured:

• Two Greek film premieres, both drawing packed audiences.
• A workshop and discussion on intimacy coordination, addressing evolving industry standards in creating safe sets.
• Engaging panel discussions on diverse family structures and their representation in media.
• A spotlight on Palestinian women filmmakers, amplifying their voices and stories.
• A thriving Greek short film competition, reinforcing WIFT GR’s commitment to uplifting female filmmakers and resonating with young audiences.

As WIFT Greece continues to advocate for gender equity in film and television, the 8th WIFT GR Festival once again proved to be a vital platform for conversation, creativity, and change.

Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) is pleased to share the expansion and rebranding of Women in Film & Television San Antonio (WIFT SATX+) to Women in Film & Television Texas (WIFT Texas). This evolution reflects the organisation’s dynamic growth and commitment to serving a broader community across Texas and beyond. The transition to WIFT Texas enables the organisation to expand its reach while remaining dedicated to its founding mission of producing programming, providing services, and empowering women in Bexar County, the Hill Country, Coastal Bend, Rio Grande Valley, broader South Texas, and its growing connections with Monterrey, MX. This expansion further highlights the significant contributions of women in the media and entertainment industry.

WIFT Texas is positioned to foster industry growth and build valuable connections within an underserved region, amplifying the societal and economic impact of women in media and entertainment within Texas’ multi-billion-dollar industry. With the state’s entertainment sector poised for rapid development, WIFT Texas aims to be a driving force in redefining industry standards and opportunities for women. Over the past 14 months, the organisation has experienced remarkable growth, and 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for WIFT Texas as it continues to enhance its influence regionally, nationally, and globally. With a focus on advocacy, leadership, and programming, WIFT Texas remains dedicated to strengthening opportunities for women in all areas of media and entertainment.

The rebranding reflects WIFT Texas’ commitment to amplifying the voices, talents, and potential of women across the state and beyond. This shift is not just geographical—it represents a strategic effort to create more opportunities for collaboration, education, and advocacy for women working across all sectors of the industry. From producers and directors to marketers, journalists, executives, designers, and talent—whether above the line, below the line, or on-camera—WIFT Texas is committed to fostering career growth and professional development.

Key Focus Areas for WIFT Texas in 2025:

• Expanding Membership Opportunities: WIFT Texas will enhance its membership offerings, introducing new levels and benefits to serve a broader network of professionals and students. Dual Memberships will be available for members of WIFTI-recognised chapters, fostering stronger national and international industry connections.
• Enhancing Programming & Events: WIFT Texas will continue to deliver industry-leading events such as the WIFT TX Speaker Series, The Celestial Party (Annual Tribute to the Academy Awards), The WIFT Texas Summit & The Celestial Awards™, and the WIFT TX Magazine. Additional workshops and networking opportunities will also be introduced to support the unique needs of creatives in Texas and beyond.
• Advocating for Women in Media & Entertainment: WIFT Texas remains committed to advancing gender equity, career development, and fair compensation in the industry. Through programming, mentorship, and advocacy, the organisation will continue to provide a supportive environment that empowers women at all stages of their careers.
• Strengthening Partnerships & Industry Collaborations: WIFT Texas will expand its partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions, organisations, and governmental agencies to support professional growth, increase visibility for women in media, and influence industry decision-making.

“This rebranding represents a natural next step in the evolution of our organisation, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to connection, equality, and the advancement of women in media and entertainment,” said Eileen Kret, founding vice president of WIFT Texas. The Board of Directors, Council of Commissioners, and all members of WIFT Texas are excited about this new chapter and look forward to welcoming new members, collaborators, and supporters into the growing community.