Women in film working together
The Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) Summit was held recently in London and was hosted by Women in Film & Television UK. This marked the 3rd year of WIFTI’s official existence. Close to 100 delegates were in attendance, representing not only key Women in Film chapters in the US, Canada, UK and Europe…but delegates from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, New Zealand, Australia and Beijing.
Natalie Thompson and Maxine Walters, joint Presidents of Women in Film Jamaica, attended as Jamaica’s representatives and the chapter was invited to assume a seat on the International Board representing the Caribbean and Central and South America.
“Jamaica has been a member of WIFT International since 1992 when we first attended a WIFT conference in Chicago,” said Walters “and the exchange of ideas and support made this summit particularly exciting. We received commitments from several countries to support our chapter with workshops and other means of training.”
Women in Film & Television International is a global network comprised of some 40 Women in Film chapters worldwide and over 10,000 members. WIFTI is dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video and other screen-based media. WIFTI chairperson, Montreal’s Ina Fichman, said, “It was wonderful meeting women from all other countries and learning about their industries. I was especially pleased to witness delegates getting into this new age of global partnering and actively seeking out co-production possibilities.”
Delegates from some of the oldest Women in Film chapters were refreshed by the enthusiasm of the newer delegations. Candace Long, President of the 26 year old Women In Film/Atlanta and WIFTI Vice Chair/Communication observed, “Only two years old WIFT Denmark has over 200 members and sent 12 to the Summit! They are ‘on fire’ with the vision of global connectedness and cooperation among women in our industry.”
WIFTI Vice-Chair/Membership, Italy’s Cristina Zucchiatti added, “European Women In Film chapters sometimes experience formational difficulties because the concepts of ‘networking among women’ and ‘truly working together’ are new to them. Therefore, countries such as Denmark can serve an important role (as they take a seat on the WIFTI board) of helping to encourage their sister chapters.”
During the opening remarks at the British Council, director of film Paul Howarth made the following statements: “I believe you as women have a particularly important role to play – in bringing the sense of moral responsibility to the entertainment industry.
The cultural and social values that films and television programmes project have immense power, most especially among young people.
But if we fail to use them responsibly and creatively, we are heading off in a direction that is very likely to damage not just the health, but the vitality and the confidence of our own society. May I ask you to think about this during your discussions over the next few days, and to consider how, as women, working in strategic positions in your own countries, you may bring your influence to bear on this issue which will directly affect how our children, and theirs will lead their lives-“
The Summit covered topics such as Overcoming International Barriers, Co-Production Opportunities, National Identity Challenges, UK Development Opportunities, Webcasting and a look at Global Diversity, or the unique problems and challenges that face women working within the film industry.
Additionally, specific topics addressed the needs of forming and maintaining a vibrant Women In Film chapter.
Delegates were entertained by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, the Rt Hon Janet Anderson, at the House of Commons, as well as by Irish Ambassador Edward Barrington.
Women In Film & Television International is relocating its international headquarters to New York.
Jamaica’s participation was sponsored by the Jampro Film Office.
