This year at the 2024 Cannes International Film Festival, Women in Film and Television Ireland (WFT) in association with Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) hosted a networking reception at the Irish Pavilion to celebrate the WIFTI presidency of Dr. Susan Liddy! On 18th May, the WFT Ireland and WIFTI Team were delighted to welcome a full house to the networking reception. Special thanks to Screen Ireland for supporting this endeavour. 

Dr. Susan Liddy comments: “There was great support and camaraderie and I was touched by the enthusiasm and friendship heaped upon me by so many of our WIFTI members from all over the word. The Screen Ireland team were so welcoming and helpful and we in WFT Ireland are grateful for the support that made this a very special night. Thank you all.”

At the reception, we welcomed members from Australia, New Zealand, Los Angeles, New York, UK, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Italy to name just a few. It was truly a global gathering.

Siobhan Farrell, Vice-Chair of WFT Ireland added: “It was fantastic to celebrate Dr. Susan Liddy, Chair of WFT Ireland Board and newly elected President of WIFT International at the Irish Pavilion at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.  WFT Ireland is excited that the global community will be inspired by Susan’s tenacity, commitment to gender parity and inclusion, and her inspirational leadership, just as we are.”

Dame Heather Rabbatts, Chair of Time’s Up UK says; “This was a memorable occasion as women from around the world come together to share experiences, triumphs and challenges. It is always a wonderful reminder of the growing strength of our international network and how we can bring about change together.”

Hugh Farrell, Head of Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Ireland in France adds: “A huge congratulations to the Irish chapter of Women in Film and Television for hosting a wonderful international networking event at the Cannes Film Festival.  Dr. Susan Liddy’s inspiring remarks sparked a vibrant conversation about a vision for the film and television industry that is inclusive, representative and supportive.”

The event concluded with a special announcement about the next WIFTI Summit – it will be held in Ireland in late January / early February, 2026! 

Dame Heather Rabbatts (Chair of Times Up UK), Dr. Susan Liddy and Rebecca Ladbury.

Fiona Kinsella (WFT Ireland Board Member), Dr. Susan Liddy and Rouzie Hassanova (WIFT New Zealand and WIFTI Board Member)

Karen Needham, Dr. Susan Liddy and Col Needham (Founder and CEO of IMDB)

Mary Nash (Principal Officer, Arts, Film and Investment in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media) and Dr. Susan Liddy

Kissy Dugan (WIFTI Board Member)