Thank You for Making the 2026 WIFTI Summit a Resounding Success

Feb 24, 2026 | News, Event, Uncategorized

Photo credit: From left to right Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General, TG4; Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland; Ruth Negga, BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-Nominated Actor (Passing, Presumed Innocent); Dr. Susan Liddy, President of WIFTI & Chair of WFT Ireland; Elizabeth Farrelly, Assistant Director, Media Development, Coimisiún na Meán (Irish Media Commission). (Photo by Brian Arthur)

The 2026 WIFTI Summit in Adare, Ireland brought together an extraordinary international community of creatives, industry leaders, advocates, policymakers and allies, united by a shared commitment to gender equality, collaboration and meaningful change across the screen industries. Over four inspiring days, the Summit fostered an open, honest and supportive space where participants felt encouraged to speak candidly, listen generously and connect across borders. The atmosphere was one of momentum and possibility – marked by thoughtful dialogue, ambitious ideas and new relationships that will continue to shape the work ahead.

Key Themes & Takeaways 

Across conversations, panels and informal exchanges, several themes emerged, identifying not only where the screen industries are now, but where they need to go next.

Gender Equality must move from intention to action with greater urgency. 

Progress has been made, but speakers consistently emphasised the need for focused implementation, more equitable budgets, inclusive hiring, long-term career support and clear accountability structures that embed gender equity into all aspects of the screen industries.

Collaboration strengthens global, national and local ecosystems

The Summit underscored the vital role of public funding, strong regional networks and international collaboration. Long-term sustainability depends on investing in local talent and infrastructure, while actively participating in global creative, cultural and production networks.

Technology is reshaping creativity

Advances in VFX, virtual production and digital platforms are transforming how stories are made, raising urgent questions around ethics, regulation, safety and creative control alongside innovation.

Voice, language and lived experience shape authentic storytelling 

The Summit reinforced the importance of representation on and off screen, including  minority and Indigenous languages. Access, identity and authorship were seen as central to reaching audiences with integrity. 

Visibility is key to long-term sustainability

From development to distribution, speakers returned to a shared truth: creators need ongoing support to sustain careers, rather than individual projects. Being seen  by audiences, funders and peers is essential.

Place matters

The Summit closed with a Creative Excursion hosted by Film in Limerick, offering delegates a guided tour of key regional locations including Troy Studios. This final session reinforced the importance of place, infrastructure and regional investment in supporting production, collaboration and future growth within Ireland’s screen industries.

Summit Programme & Speakers 

We are deeply grateful to all our speakers who so generously shared their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout the Summit. Across two days of conversation, debate, and exchange, our panellists brought insight, honesty and lived experience to the forefront, challenging assumptions, sharing hard-won knowledge, and offering practical pathways for change.

Thursday 5 February 

From left to right Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General, TG4; Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland; Ruth Negga, BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-Nominated Actor (Passing, Presumed Innocent); Dr. Susan Liddy, President of WIFTI & Chair of WFT Ireland; Elizabeth Farrelly, Assistant Director, Media Development, Coimisiún na Meán (Irish Media Commission). (Photo by Brian Arthur)

Summit Launch

Welcome: Dr Susan Liddy – President Women in Film and Television International & Chair WFT Ireland

Deirdre Ní Choistín – Director General, TG4

Désirée Finnegan – Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland

Ruth Negga – BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-Nominated Actor (Passing, Presumed Innocent)

Elizabeth Farrelly – Assistant Director, Media Development, Coimisiún na Meán

Voices of Change: Pioneering Equity in the Screen Industries

Moderator: Dr. Susan Liddy – President, WIFTI; Chair, WFT Ireland

Anna Serner – CEO, Center for Investigative Journalism and Former CEO, Swedish Film Institute

Iris Zappe-Heller – Deputy Director, Austrian Film Institute

Lisa French – Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

Liselott Forsman – CEO, Nordisk Film & TV Fond and Producer

Niamh Fagan – Project Manager Feature Film, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland

Valerie Creighton – President & CEO, C.M., S.O.M., Canada Media Fund

Beyond Borders: How Irish Co-Productions Are Shaping Global Storytelling

Moderator: Lesley McKimm – Producer (Whistleblower, It’s Not Yet Dark, Greta)

Aisha Tyler – Actor, Producer, Director (The Walking Dead, Criminal Minds, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends), CEO Hot Machine Films

Máire Ní Chonláin – Commissioning Editor, TG4; Executive Producer (An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl, CRÁ, Frewaka)

Sinead McHugh – Partner, Film, TV & Media, Head of Dublin Office, Saffery

Teresa McGrane – COO, Wild Atlantic Pictures (Kneecap, Saipan)

Behind the Pixels: Women Leading VFX & Virtual Production

Moderator: Deborah Doherty – Elephant Goldfish VFX & Post-Production; Managing Director & Executive Producer; WFT Ireland Board Member

Clare Cheetham – Emmy Award-Winning Executive VFX Producer, Crafty Apes (The Martian, Chernobyl)

Eranka Weerasuryia – Head of Virtual Production, Studio Ulster (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Squid Game) 

May Leung – Independent VFX Supervisor (The Witcher: Blood Origins, Fountain of Youth)

Fireside Chat with Ruth Negga

An intimate fireside conversation with BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-nominated actor Ruth Negga reflecting on her extraordinary career to date and offering a glimpse into her future creative plans.Moderator:

Aoife Barry – Freelance Writer, Broadcaster & Arts Journalist

Cultural Event in Adare Village

Alongside the panel programme, delegates gathered for a memorable cultural evening in Adare Village, creating space for connection in a uniquely Irish setting. The night began at Bill Chawkes Bar with an Irish Coffee experience presented by the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, before continuing with traditional music at Aunty Lena’s Pub. We extend our warm thanks to all who hosted and welcomed our delegates for such a special evening.

Friday 6 February

Threats and Shifts: Navigating the New Frontlines of Equality in the Screen Industries

Moderator: Katie Bailiff – CEO, Women in Film and Television UK

Almudena Carracedo (via Zoom) – Filmmaker & Asociación de Mujeres Cineastas y de Medios Audiovisuales (CIMA) Board Member

Professor Debbie Ging – Professor of Digital Media and Gender, Dublin City University

Domizia De Rosa – President, WIFTM Italia; Vice President, WIFTI

Dame Heather Rabbatts – Chair, Time’s Up UK

Voices of the Unheard: Storytelling and Identity in Minority Language

Moderator: Gemma Ní Chionnaith – TV Broadcaster, TG4

Anne Lajla Utsi (zoom) – Managing Director, International Sámi Film Institute

Deirbhile Ní Churraighin – Commissioning Editor, TG4

Gwenllian Gravelle – Head of Film & Drama, S4C

Kerry Swanson – CEO, Canadian Indigenous Screen Office

From Market to Audience: Getting Your Project Seen

Moderator: Kissy Dugan – Screenwriter & Producer; WIFTI Executive Board Member

Gretchen McGowan – Emmy Award-Winning Producer & Goldcrest Films (Back to Black, Carol), NYWIFT Board Member

Jenn Brown – Executive Director, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival

Kelly Leugenbiehl – Co-Founder, Shorties Studios (Ex Netflix, Disney, NBCU)

Driving Real Change in the Screen Industries

Moderator: Gretchen McGowan – Emmy Award-Winning Producer & Goldcrest Films (Back to Black, Carol), NYWIFT Board Member

Ailish Bracken – Chair, Raising Films Ireland

Liza Truschel – Managing Director, The Writers Lab UK

Max Brady – Chair, GEDI Committee, Screen Producers Ireland

Mia Bays – Director, BFI Filmmaking Fund

Seen and Unseen: Women’s Creative Journeys On and Off Screen

Moderator: Maikiko James – Deputy Director, WIF LA

Aisha Tyler – Actor, Producer, Director (The Walking Dead, Criminal Minds, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends), CEO Hot Machine Films

Dearbhla Walsh – Emmy, BAFTA and IFTA Award-Winning Director (Little Dorrit, The Handmaid’s Tale, Fargo, Bad Sisters, Margo’s Got Money Troubles)

Guneet Monga Kapoor – Oscar-Winning Producer Producer (The Lunchbox, The Elephant Whisperers)

Ruth Negga – BAFTA, Emmy and Oscar-Nominated Actor (Passing, Presumed Innocent)

Úna Ní Dhonghaíle ACE, BFE – BAFTA and IFTA-Winning Editor (The Crown, Belfast, Paddington in Peru)

Our Sponsors 

The 2026 WIFTI Summit was made possible through the generous support of our partners. We extend our sincere thanks to: 

Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
Coimisiún na Meán
TG4
Saffery
National Talent Academies
Local Enterprise Office Limerick
Screen Producers Ireland
Film in Limerick
Fáilte Ireland
Wild Atlantic Pictures
Canada Media Fund
Elephant Goldfish / Molinare Creative Group
Women in Film and Television UK
Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau
Creative Europe Desk Ireland
Media Insurance Brokers (part of Howden)
Raising Films Ireland

Event & Delivery Partners 

We extend our sincere thanks to all those who supported the delivery of the 2026 WIFTI Summit. In particular, we wish to acknowledge Sync & Swim Creative Marketing & Strategic Communications, whose guidance and hands-on support were instrumental to the Summit’s success. We are also grateful to Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa for being an exceptional host venue, providing care, flexibility and attention to detail throughout the planning and delivery of the event. Our thanks to Archetype Events, Gore Communications, Lean on Lee, AVC Ltd and I Love Limerick for their contributions across event coordination, technical delivery, PR and media coverage. We extend special thanks to the Board and staff of WFT Ireland, specifically Meaghan Lee- Erlandsen, and to the Board of WIFTI, whose support underpinned the success of the Summit. Finally, we are thankful to Emma Langford and her musicians, and to Louise Bruton, for bringing warmth, energy and celebration to the Summit’s social moments.

What’s Next 

The conversations sparked at the 2026 WIFTI Summit are only the beginning.

In the months ahead, Women in Film and Television International and Women in Film & Television Ireland will continue to build on the ideas, connections and shared energy that emerged in Adare – through future events, new programmes, advocacy and ongoing international collaboration.

This Summit marks an inspiring and powerful launching point. We are committed to building on this momentum together.

Photo Gallery

Browse our collection of photos below. More images will be added and shared soon.

Meet Amanda Toney from Stage 32 + Exciting Stage 32 Updates!

Jan 24, 2026 | News, Event, Uncategorized

Picture Caption: Left to right Amanda Tony (Stage 32), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Kissy Dugan (Screenwriter & WIFTI Executive

Hello, everyone! I’m Amanda Toney, Managing Director of Stage 32 and a feature film and television producer, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to connect with you all. Over the years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of collaborating with so many incredible chapters of Women in Film globally – from Los Angeles to Australia, Jamaica to Poland, and beyond. These partnerships have been nothing short of inspiring, as I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion, resilience, and creativity that define our shared communities. Seeing your stories come to life across global stages has been a highlight of my career, reminding me why we all do what we do: to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

This past year, we’ve had the opportunity to work with the incredible leadership of WIFTI – President of WIFTI Dr Susan Liddy, Domizia De Rosa, Kissy Dugan, Serena Mmifinyana, and Lauren Simpson, on creating a synergy that was long in the making between our organizations.

Today, I’m proud to announce an exciting new chapter in our shared journey – one that levels up women and gender diverse practitioners around the world through accessible, high-quality education. Stage 32 is thrilled to partner with Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) to bring our innovative education programs directly to you and your members. At Stage 32, we’ve always believed in empowering storytellers like you with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. Our platform has grown into a global hub for filmmakers, boasting partnerships with industry giants like Netflix, Cannes, AFM, Bloomberg, Canon, and over 50 film commissions worldwide. These collaborations aren’t just names on a list – they’re a testament to our commitment to real-world, practical education that bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement.

As part of this partnership, all WIFT members will receive an exclusive 50% discount on our Stage 32 Certification programs. These certifications are designed to equip you with cutting-edge skills in everything from screenwriting and producing to directing and post-production, all while fitting into your busy life. Whether you’re honing your craft, building your network, or advancing your career, our programs are your gateway to the next level – as highlighted in this recent Forbes article: Meet Stage 32, The Future Of Film School, And Career Education. Once certified, you will be entered into a global database that is accessible by our over 50 partner film commissions and organizations searching for talent to work on their projects. Imagine gaining credentials that open doors, backed by a community that’s as invested in your success as you are.

We’ll be sending unique coupon codes to each chapter shortly ahead of the WIFTI Summit in Ireland, so you can easily share them with your membership. To explore our certification offerings and get started, head over to our public dashboard here: Stage 32 Certification. This is more than just a discount – it’s an invitation to invest in yourself, to dream bigger, and to join a movement that’s transforming the future of film. And, WIFTI members will also receive 20% off all webinars, classes, and labs in the Stage 32 education library – you can choose from over 3,000 hours of entertainment industry education taught by leaders from around the world.

You are the heart of this industry, the trailblazers who inspire change and create magic on screen. Together, through this partnership, we’re not just educating; we’re elevating women and gender diverse people everywhere.

I look forward to checking in with you periodically to talk about education that can help you level up. I can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

With pride and excitement,

Amanda Toney

Managing Director, Stage 32