Local Industry

Celebrating Women in Film

1 Jan , 2001  

Written by Vikki Warner | Posted by:

This group of women is dedicated to providing a sense of community for women filmmakers in the New England area. Find out what inspires them.

Women who are involved in the media industry, no matter their level of experience, career goals, or position within the field, can benefit enormously from the encouragement and sense of community provided by a professional association. The New England Chapter of Women in Film & Video (WIFV/NE) supports its members’ efforts in film, video, and new media, while heading out into the community to assist local non-profit organizations with their own compatible missions. WIFV/NE seeks to present positive images of female mediamakers, as well as maximize job opportunities for women in all facets of the media business; the organization answers the need for women to receive greater attention and recognition in the film world. The variety and quality of WIFV/NE’s programs shows a united, dedicated group that is determined to advance the knowledge, skills, and opportunities of its members and all women working in the film/video industry.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, WIFV/NE’s events typically take place in the Boston area. The organization sponsors workshops and seminars featuring accomplished and well-known directors who offer tips, know-how, and encouragement. WIFV/NE also hosts social events that facilitate networking and collaboration between local women involved in the film, video, and new media scene. A recent WIFV/NE event, held at the Photonics Center at Boston University on December 2, featured writer Robert Rodat, author of "Saving Private Ryan," "The Patriot," and "Fly Away Home." The day-long workshop entitled "From Script to Screen," covered filmmaking, marketing, and screenwriting essentials, while showcasing the talent and savvy of its seven accomplished female panelists, all of them on the forefront of the film and media business.

WIFV/NE also holds screenings of films made by locally based and nationally known women. These events function as opportunities for WIFV/NE members, as well as the general public, to experience new and diverse works created by women; attendees also get a sense, directly from each filmmaker, of each artist’s perspective on her work.

Rebecca Richards, long-time WIFV/NE staff person and board member, says, "What we want to do is present a venue for their work to be seen. We present programs that will help provide inspiration, as well as educate and inform." Equally important to WIFV/NE sponsored events is the opportunity for women to network with potential business contacts, and like-minded media makers who may be able to trade or donate equipment, technologies, or knowledge needed for a project. WIFV/NE holds social events throughout the year to encourage a sense of community between its members and local women involved in film and video. The idea is "Women inspiring confidence in other women," says Richards.

An integral part of WIFV/NE’s commitment to improving the state of female representation in local media is its yearly Image Awards for Excellence and Vision. The Image Awards celebrate local women who have contributed to the New England film, video, and new media scene. The event serves as a social happening and fund-raiser, while recognizing the women who shape the Boston and New England media scene. The Image Awards are an important chance for WIFV/NE to shine; attendees celebrate the women who create great films, while WIFV/NE receives financial and intellectual recognition for its role as a formidable force in New England’s media environment. As Richards says, "I am always amazed by the way these women are able to have full, complicated lives, and still sustain the passion and commitment necessary to make films." It is this commitment that the Image Awards appreciates in its ceremonies year after year.

Commitment also runs deep in WIFV/NE’s members. Every two years, WIFV/NE chooses to support a local not-for-profit organization. Through its Community Outreach Video Grant, WIFV/NE collaborates with its chosen organization to produce a video public service project. WIFV/NE members act as project coordinators and production crew members, and have roles in the entire production process. The Community Outreach Video Grant has worked with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston in the past, and this year will be working with the G.I.R.L.S (Growing Individuals Reacting to Life’s Struggles) Project.

WIFV/NE enjoys the camaraderie of a tightly knit group of people with a wide range of experience levels. Its membership profile is an impressively varied mixture of representatives from every area of the media industry including: producers, directors, writers, animators, editors, cinematographers, technicians, talent, attorneys, and others. As an organization, WIFV/NE has achieved lasting success because of the level of commitment of its members; as Richards says, "We put in a lot of TLC and blood, sweat, and tears to get things done." WIFV/NE’s intense initiative has given support, confidence, knowledge, and skill to female mediamakers for nearly 20 years; its sense of community and friendship can only propel it to further inspire and educate.

For more information or to join WIFV/NE, call (617) 491-5222, or visit their web site at www.womeninfilmvideo.org.


For more information or to join WIFV/NE, call (617) 491-5222, or visit their web site at www.womeninfilmvideo.org.

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