Women in Film and Television (WIFT NZ) this year celebrates 25 years since the first New Zealand chapter was formed in Wellington.
WIFT NZ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering education, professional development, networking and support services to women and others working in film, television and associated industries. Screen Auckland is a proud member of WIFT NZ and has partnered in a number of WIFT NZ projects locally and internationally.
WIFT NZ is a member of the worldwide network Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI). From the first branch formed in Los Angeles in 1973, WIFTI now encompasses more than 44 chapters and 14,000 members in film and television related jobs worldwide. The chapters work internationally and locally on pan-industry groups, reciprocate with members in other countries, lobby governments and work to establish guidelines for the industry, and educate and empower women in screen for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
Since 2004, WIFT NZ has run awards every two years to recognise, celebrate and encourage the achievements of New Zealand women in film, television and digital media. For the 2018 awards, 300 nominations were received across nine categories. The winners of the 2018 awards were announced at a ceremony and celebration at the ASB Waterfront Theatre on 1 March.
Executive Director Patricia Watson has been with WIFT NZ for five years and is driven by a desire to achieve equality for women across all departments: “The WIFT Awards present a unique opportunity to increase the profile of women working in the New Zealand screen industry.”
Screen Auckland’s Facilitation Manager Kirsty Donoghue, and Coordinator Lucy Graham, attended the 2018 WIFT NZ Awards, and were impressed with the spirit of collaboration and celebration that the evening inspired.
Happy birthday, WIFT NZ!
