Today at the second edition of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) – running from 10th to 19th October - it was announced that the first Middle East chapter of the international ‘Women in Film and Television’ (WIFT) network will be formed. The announcement was made following the MEIFF / CINEMA VÉRITÉ debate at Emirates Palace on ‘Reel Women Power’ featuring Susan Sarandon as guest speaker. “As part of our ongoing commitment to the voices of women in film and television, we have decided to work towards forming a regional chapter of WIFT - with the aim to continue playing an ongoing role in supporting the growth and development of professional opportunities for regional women in the film industry.” said MEIFF’s Director Nashwa Al Ruwaini, and host of the ‘Reel Women Power’ debate. Dedicated to advancing the professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video and other screen based media, the not-for-profit WIFT network comprises of around 40 chapters worldwide with over 10,000 members. WIFT provides networking and learning opportunities, scholarships, a film finishing fund, as well as offering help and encouragement to women who aspire to work in the film and TV industries. “We have presence at all major worldwide film festivals, and MEIFF is an exceptional opportunity for us to reach out to regional women working in the film industry,” said Sadia Zaman, Executive Director, Women in Film and Television – Toronto. “In these times there is a real need for women to connect across the world and form strong bonds. As someone who has a deep personal commitment to the accurate portrayal of Arab and Muslim women in film and television, it’s my hope that this new WIFT chapter will increase the support for women in the regional industry and ensure greater control over their own stories.”

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