Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) is a global network of non-profit membership chapters. Established in 1997, it is dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media.[2]
Aims
Enhance the international visibility of women in the entertainment industry.
Facilitate and encourage communication and cooperation internationally.
Develop bold international projects and initiatives.
Stimulate professional development and global networking opportunities for women.
Promote and support chapter development.
Celebrate the achievements of women in all areas of the industry.
Encourage diverse and positive representation of women in screen-based media worldwide.[3][citation needed]
History
Women in Film Los Angeles was founded in 1973 by Tichi Wilkerson Kassel. After several Women in Film organizations were established in a variety of cities around the globe, Women in Film and Television International WIFTI was organized in the mid-1990s.[4]
Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) is a "global network comprised of over forty Women in Film chapters worldwide with over 10,000 members, dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video and digital media."[5] The organization was founded in 1973 in Los Angeles by Tichi Wilkerson Kassel and grew quickly worldwide, hosting their first Women in Film and Television International World Summit in New York City in September 1997.[6]
— The founders include Ginny Durrin, Judy Herbert, Sharon Ferguson, Christine Brim, Jan Hatcher, Norma Davidoff, Pat McMurray, Catherine Anderson, Lauren Versel, Michal Carr, Elise Reeder, and Polly Krieger.[17]
History of WIFT in NZ, researched and written by Helen Martin, traces the history of Women in Film and Television, from the establishment of WIF in Los Angeles in 1973, through the founding of WIFT Wellington in 1994, to the 10th anniversary of WIFT Auckland in 2005.[19]
4. 4 As of May 2022[update], WIFT VIC and WIFT WA were operating as individual organisations, while WIFT NSW was in the process of transitioning up into WIFT Australia.[12]
Women in Film Foundation's Film Finishing Fund supports films by, for or about women.[20]— since 2004
There are 22 affiliate organizations of WIFTI in the United States.[21] The Washington D.C. affiliate, Women in Film & Video, has presented Women of Vision awards annually since 1994 to honor creative and technical achievements of women in media.[22][23] Women in Film & Video has held a WIFV annual film festival.[24]
Women In Film & Television Short Film Showcase, or WIFTI Short-Case, is a demonstration of WIFTI members' creativity, vision, and artistry.[25]— since 2004
WIFTI Summits have been held bi-annually.[26][27]— since 1997
^"History". WIFV Washington D.C. Retrieved May 21, 2018. In 1979, Ginny Durrin sent a letter to women she knew working in media inviting them to a meeting at her house. [...] Among the women involved in the first year were: Ginny Durrin, Judy Herbert, Sharon Ferguson, Christine Brim, Jan Hatcher, Norma Davidoff, Pat McMurray, Catherine Anderson, Lauren Versel, Michal Carr, Elise Reeder, and Polly Krieger.
^"History". Women in Film & TV (UK). Retrieved May 21, 2018. In 1989, a group of women came together for the first WFTV (UK) meeting. A mix of executives, creatives and performers, they included Lynda La Plante, Norma Heyman, Jenne Casarroto, Dawn French, Joan Collins and Janet Street-Porter. [...] They resolved to take positive action and follow in the footsteps of organisations in Los Angeles and New York City established in the '70s to support women working in the film and TV industries. [...] In 1990, the first Women in Film awards ceremony was held to recognise the achievements of some of the most successful women the industry could boast. Twenty-five years on, the WFTV Awards is the largest annual celebration of women working in film, TV and digital media in the UK.
