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.

Wscripted has opened applications for its 5th Cannes Screenplay List presented by MUBI. The list highlights outstanding scripts by women and non-binary filmmakers at the Cannes Film Market, with the mission to boost funding and deal opportunities for content by women. Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, the list has been featured in Variety, Deadline, ScreenDaily and was curated by an A-list jury of female filmmakers, including BAFTA-winning actress Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) and Mounia Meddour (Papicha). The 5th edition will invite selected talents for an exclusive industry event with financiers and production companies in Cannes. Women and non-binary screenwriters and writer-directors or producers with female-led screenplays in development or financing stages are invited to submit an application before March 15, 2025!

WFT Ireland’s recent webinar, Behind the Scenes: Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries, is now available as a podcast.

This important discussion, which took place online in December 2024, was centred on the findings of the report by WIFTI President Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan, commissioned by Women in Film and Television Ireland and funded by the Screen Ireland Stakeholders Funding Scheme. The research sheds light on the experiences of industry professionals, highlighting the challenges faced and the urgent need for change.

The podcast features insights from:

• Dr. Susan Liddy & Dr. Fergal Rhatigan (Researchers)
• Producer Fiona Kinsella, Director Hannah Quinn & Actor/Writer Jade Jordan (WFT Ireland Board Members)
• Filmmaker Maríssa Aroy, webinar moderator (WFT Ireland Member)

This podcast offers an in-depth exploration of ‘harmful behaviours’ in the film and television industry, and sparks a critical conversation about how we can foster safer, more inclusive workplaces in this sector.

WFT Ireland would like to invite all WIFTI members to continue this important dialogue as we work together to create a more respectful and equitable Irish screen industry.

You can read and share the full report which is available to download below:

Behind the Scenes – Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries

This report was supported by Fís Éíreann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.

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.