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Draft:Imagine This Women's Film Festival

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Imagine This Women’s Film Festival, founded in 2016 by Patrice Francois and co-founder Susie Francois, is a New York City-based event dedicated to supporting independent and aspiring women and non-binary filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.

Mission and Objectives

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The festival’s mission is to support storytelling by showcasing films from predominantly women and non-binary filmmakers around the world, encouraging diversity and inclusion in the film industry, and offering opportunities for education and professional growth through panels, workshops, and networking events.[1] [2] [3]

History and Development

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The inaugural festival took place from November 12-13, 2016, in Brooklyn, New York, showcasing 29 short films and 6 feature films from 15 countries, with a focus on uplifting women-led narratives. [4]

In 2020, the festival adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to a virtual format. ITWIFF joined over 70 festivals in a pledge to make films accessible online. [5] That year, their virtual programming featured Insecure’s Emmy-nominated executive producer, Amy Aniobi, as the headliner for the “Storytelling Redefined Panel: Telling Authentic BIPOC Stories.” [6]

The 8th edition of Imagine This Women’s Film Festival took place between September 23 through October 2, 2022. [7] ITWIFF’s programming has expanded to include a wide array of genres, including drama, sci-fi, experimental, and immersive storytelling[8] Films such as Ala Kachuu – Take and Run (Academy Award nominee), Superman Doesn’t Steal (Oscar-qualified short), and The Runt (Oscar-qualified short) have been featured in the festival’s lineup.[9]

ITWIFF provides panels, workshops, and mentoring opportunities designed to support professional development and inclusivity. Previous sessions have explored topics such as BIPOC storytelling and navigating the film industry.[10] [11]

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References

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  1. ^ "'Imagine This Women's Film Festival' Amplifies Diverse Voices | WFUV". wfuv.org.
  2. ^ "Interview with Founder and Filmmaker Patrice Francois: Why She and her Mom Susie Started the Brooklyn-Based Imagine This International Women's Film Festival, What's on Tap for This Year and Why We Still Need A Festival Like This".
  3. ^ "Here and Now 9/15/24: Why avoidable deaths plague Black women -- and what can be done about it". ABC7 New York. 15 September 2024.
  4. ^ Erbland, Kate (3 November 2016). "Film Festival Roundup: AFI FEST Adds 'Patriots Day' and 'Split,' Savannah Reveals Award Winners and More". IndieWire.
  5. ^ Lindahl, Chris (20 March 2020). "Dozens of Festivals Sign Pledge to Change Rules and Allow Online Screenings". IndieWire.
  6. ^ Jade, Kamaria (15 September 2020). "Just Announced: Insecure's Emmy Nominated Exec Producer to Headline Imagine This Women's Film Festival". GROWN.
  7. ^ "IMAGINE THIS WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR ITS 8TH EDITION - IndieWrap". 3 September 2023.
  8. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Imagine This Women's International Film Festival Returns for Fifth Edition". BroadwayWorld.com.
  9. ^ Grobar, Matt (10 December 2024). "Kate Walsh Boards Oscar-Qualified Live-Action Short 'The Runt' As Executive Producer". Deadline.
  10. ^ "Imagine This Women's International Film Festival: a conversation with founders Patrice and Susie Francois". Cinema Femme. 1 November 2019.
  11. ^ "Imagine This Women's International Film Festival Dazzles Brooklyn". InvitedNYC. 20 November 2019.