Stage 32, the online platform for film, TV and digital content creation education, and Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) have unveiled what they called “a transformative partnership” that makes Stage 32 the official education provider for all 57 Women in Film chapters and affiliates worldwide. The partnership was unveiled during the Cannes Film Festival and celebrated with an exclusive black-tie villa event.

“As filmmaking expands globally, driven by untapped talent and a surge in tax incentives, this partnership addresses vital skill gaps for women in film chapters and affiliates worldwide,” the partners said. “Stage 32’s extensive online library, offering over 3,000 hours of webinars, classes and labs, will provide training in above-the-line and below-the-line skills. Courses are led by industry luminaries, including Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA winners such as Meg LeFauve (Inside Out 1 & 2), Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), David Seidler (The King’s Speech), Alec Sokolow (Toy Story) and Christopher Anthony (The Jungle Book), alongside Oscar-nominated talents like Terence Blanchard (BlacKkKlansman), Roger S.H. Schulman (Shrek), Chris Moore (Manchester by the Sea) and Lesley Paterson (All Quiet on the Western Front). Recent additions include Sarah Lucas, First AD on Netflix’s Adolescence, and screenwriter Mahtaub Zare on Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.”

The partnership will also include special events, such as a biannual virtual open house featuring high-profile keynote speakers, as well as collaborations on educational panels and networking opportunities at major film festivals and industry summits. “Both organisations are committed to creating long-term benefits that empower women to succeed in all aspects of the film and television industry,” the partners said.

“This partnership with Stage 32 is a pivotal moment for WIFTI and our global network,” said Susan Liddy, president of WIFTI. “By providing access to Stage 32’s exceptional educational resources, we are empowering women in film and television to develop their skills and seize opportunities in this dynamic industry.”

Added Stage 32 CEO Richard Botto: “Stage 32 is committed to making industry education inclusive and accessible, and this collaboration advances that mission by equipping WIFTI members with the tools to create powerful stories.”

Thanks to Georg Szalai from The Hollywood Writer for the full article. 

WIFTI, with the support of WIF LA, is delighted to release the Survey Report that has yielded important information about our chapters and affiliate organisations.

This report presents the findings from the Women in Film and Television International(WIFTI) Survey on the structure and functioning of WIFTI chapters and affiliate
organisations. The survey investigated how the WIFTI chapters and affiliate organisations are funded, what activities and events they provide and how they communicate with their members. The survey also asked about the additional resources required to run their activities and how WIFTI can be of assistance. Finally, the opinions of WIFTI chapters and affiliates on gender equality / parity in the film and television industry were also collected.

The report is now available for you to read.

Women in Film and Television International is delighted to partner with the IMDb Pro Affiliate Programme. Members can save 30% on IMDbPro Premium, the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals!

If you are an up-to-date member of your local or national WFT Chapter, email them to get your code and redeem this offer! WIFTI Chapters can email us at smrithika@wft.ie for the code. Claim your IMDb page today to manage the display of your personal details and highlight your guild affiliations. Access the discount code by logging into your member website. This offer is limited to Women in Film and Television International members only and is non-transferable; discount terms apply. Enter your code HERE to apply the discount to your next billing cycle.

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.