Oct 1, 2024

St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF) presents its Film Industry Forum- Newfoundland & Labrador's flagship industry event.

While the St. John’s International Women’s Film Film Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary, its Film Industry Forum expands yet again to be among the most impressive gatherings in the country. Offering an unparalleled lineup of talent and opportunities you won't want to miss, from October 22 to 26 it kicks off the week with the Trailblazer Awards, honouring five iconic local producers who paved the way for filmmakers in the province: Annette Clarke, Barbara Doran, Rosemary House, Mary Sexton, and Allison White. SJIWFF wraps the week by welcoming back Christine Vachon of Killer Films (Past Lives, Far From Heaven, Boy's Don't Cry) alongside Tanya Lapointe (Dune, The Paperman) for a producer-to-producer conversation.

Our Opening & Closing Night directors Melanie Oates (Sweet Angel Baby) and Sook-Yin Lee (Paying For It) join us with their teams for Q&A sessions and a brunch panel. Julie Roy (Telefilm), Liz Shorten (CMPA), and Valerie Creighton (CMF) will discuss the ever-evolving landscape of Canada’s film and television sector. Other panels and workshops explore demystifying executive pitches, knowing when you need an agent, the craft of documentary filmmaking, what it takes to create multiple successful feature films, and a further look into the world of directing for TV.

Friday will host a Global Summit on Equity in Film and include national changemakers as well as international perspectives from Dr. Susan Liddy (WIFTI, WIFT-Ireland), Alexia Muinos Ruiz (European Women's Audiovisual Network), Barbara Rohm (Power to Transform!) and Natasha Gargiulo (Geena Davis Institute).

Filmmakers will be able to meet and consult with the industry's biggest broadcasters, funders, producers, and distributors, including Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Telefilm, Rogers, Reelworld, National Screen Institute, Canadian Film Centre, ImagineNative, Black Screen Office, Indigenous Screen Office, CBC, Bell Fund, WIFT International, Women in the Director's Chair, and more.

"The Film Industry Forum is a testament to the evolution of Newfoundland and Labrador's film industry, showcasing a remarkable lineup of talent while honoring the trailblazers who have shaped our legacy," said Jenn Brown, Executive Director of SJIWFF. "We have thoughtfully curated spaces to discuss equity, foster meaningful relationships, and inspire innovation. We take pride in highlighting the unique stories emerging from our region and beyond, emphasizing the vital role SJIWFF plays in empowering filmmakers at every stage of their careers. The Forum not only celebrates our past but also paves the way for a brighter future for filmmakers and storytellers."

Other speakers include: Aisling Walsh (Maudie), Andrea Dorfman (Hairy Legs), Asia Youngman (Delta Dawn), Bilal Baig (Sort Of), Carol Whiteman (Women in the Director's Chair), Cynthia Lickers-Sage (Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance), Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Night Raiders), Heather Young (There, There), Josephine Anderson (Curl Power), Joan Jenkinson (Black Screen Office), Jordan Canning (Schitt's Creek), Joyce Wong (Baroness Von Sketch Show), Kathleen Hepburn (The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open), Kelly Townsend (Playback), Lori Lozinski (Little Bird), Laurie Townshend (A Mother Apart), maxine bailey (Canadian Film Centre), Michaela Kurimsky (Firecrackers), Naomi Johnson (ImagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival), Renee Robinson (Film Commissioner, Jamaica), Sasha Leigh Henry (Bria Mack Gets a Life), Sherry White (Pretty Hard Cases), Sophie Deraspe (Shepherds), Tamara Segura (Seguridad), Tania Thompson (Bria Mack Gets a Life), Tara Woodbudy (Netflix), Tonya Williams (Reelworld Screen Institute), Wendy Parkies (FAST Channels), and more.

Industry Accreditation opens October 1, 2024. Tickets for the Trailblazer Awards are now on sale and available to the public. Find our full lineup and ticket information at WomensFilmFestival.com/Forum.