The newly elected board of Women in Film and Television-Jamaica (WIFT-JA) is standing ready to continue the organisation’s mission of connecting, empowering, and increasing the visibility and professional development of female creatives in film, video, and other screen-based media.

The board, which comprises Jamaican creatives who continue to actively influence the film and television landscape locally and internationally, is headed by President Nadean Rawlins, who is supported by Vice-President Mezan Ayoka, Secretary Romi Toyloy, Treasurer Tiffany Lewis; Membership and Training Director Brianna Rae Nelson, and Marketing and Communications Director, Krystia Royes.

WIFT-JA is the local chapter of the professional organisation, Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), which is a global network compriseing nearly 40 chapters worldwide with more than 10,000 members.

“We believe we have so much to offer from our collective experience over the years in the industry, and connecting our members with other chapters in WIFTI is key for us moving forward,” Rawlins noted.

“We want to play our part in the development of the industry and so we are focused on providing the knowledge and expertise required to share and create Jamaican content that can position the Jamaican film and audio-visual industry as a more viable contender in the international market,” she continued.

In July 2019, the newly reconvened WIFT-JA was accepted by WIFTI as an emerging chapter attached to the WIFT Florida Chapter. WIFT-JA was made an official international chapter in 2020.

“WIFT-JA is ready to provide the necessary support to our members in a truly meaningful way. Whether through assistance with participating in international film festivals or providing workshops to upskill and introduce new techniques, we’ll work with our members to help them achieve success across all areas of the industry,” said Vice-President Mezan Ayoka.