Cannes 2025 Highlights: A Global Celebration of Collaboration, Education, and Empowerment
This year’s Cannes Film Festival was not only a celebration of film but also a powerful reminder of the global momentum behind equity and innovation across the screen industries. Here are just a few of the standout moments from WIFTI’s presence at Cannes 2025:
WIFTI and Stage 32 Announce Global Education Partnership
In a landmark announcement, Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) and Stage 32, the leading global platform for film and TV education, unveiled a groundbreaking partnership that will see Stage 32 become the official education provider for all 57 WIFT chapters and affiliates worldwide.
Unveiled during the festival and celebrated at an exclusive black-tie villa event, the partnership aims to address key skill gaps in the industry and empower women through access to over 3,000 hours of professional training—including courses led by Oscar, Emmy, and BAFTA-winning talent such as Meg LeFauve, Nick Vallelonga, David Seidler, Terence Blanchard, and many more.
The partnership will also include biannual virtual open houses, educational panels, and networking opportunities at major festivals.
As WIFTI President Dr. Susan Liddy stated, this marks “a pivotal moment for WIFTI and our global network” in building sustainable careers for women across film and television.
Read the full article via The Hollywood Reporter here
Take a look at a few photos from the exclusive celebration at Cannes below:
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- Left to right Amanda Tony (Stage 32), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Kissy Dugan (Screenwriter & WIFTI Executive)
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- Jacqueline Wagenstein – Festival Director of CineLibri, Sofia, Bulgaria & Martin I. Petrov Festival Director, International Film Festival Glasgow, and Festival Strategist and Consultant-Cannes
WIFTI Irish Pavilion Event – Summit 2026 Announcement
WFT Ireland was proud to host the WIFTI Irish Pavilion event at Cannes 2025, where we officially launched the upcoming WIFTI 2026 Summit.
Bringing together 57 WIFT chapters and affiliates from around the world, the Summit will take place in Ireland and will serve as an international celebration of cross-border collaboration, strategic career-building, and storytelling excellence.
Organised by WFT Ireland and WIFTI, the Summit will feature inspiring panels, networking sessions, interactive workshops, and cultural events showcasing Irish talent.
Register your interest and stay informed at summit2026.wifti.net
As part of the WIFTI Irish Pavilion event, we also celebrated the official launch of two new chapters, WIFT Poland and WIFT India, and welcomed a new affiliate into the WIFTI fold: Collectif 5050.
View below some snapshots from the vibrant Irish Pavilion gathering where the 2026 Summit was launched:
Picture Credit: Julie Edwards.
WIFT Poland Launches During Cannes 2025
Another exciting milestone during the festival was the official launch of Women in Film & Television Poland, the newest chapter in the WIFTI global network.
Held on May 17th, the event welcomed over 100 industry professionals to celebrate the formation of this dynamic, non-profit organisation. With support from the Polish Film Institute, Archicom Collection, and international guests including WIFTI President Dr. Susan Liddy, the launch underscored the importance of global solidarity, education, and visibility for women in film.
From boundary-pushing directors to emerging creative voices, WIFT Poland is committed to championing a future where women across all roles in the screen industries are seen, heard, and supported.
Explore more about the launch at wift.pl/cannes-2025
See a selection of photos from the official WIFT Poland launch event at Cannes 2025 below:
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- From left to right: Karolina Rum, the new President of WIFT POLAND, Claire Dunlop (Eclipse Pictures and WFT Ireland member), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Siobhán Farrell (Vice Chair WFT Ireland)
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- Left to right: WIFT Cyprus Member and Filmmaker, Petra Terzi, Claire Dunlop (Eclipse Pictures and WFT Ireland member), Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI) and Siobhán Farrell (Vice Chair WFT Ireland)