At ITWIFF, the festival is just the beginning. Our programs run year-round, creating space for women and non-binary creators to learn, connect, and grow at every stage of their careers.

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Annual Festival

Every year, ITWIFF brings together independent women filmmakers from around the world for a celebration of bold storytelling and underrepresented voices. The festival features film screenings, award competitions, industry panels, and networking events — all centered on the belief that women's stories deserve a global stage.

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Emerging Voices Mentorship Program

Presented in partnership with Cutter Connections

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Celebrating the 10th anniversaries of both ITWIFF and Cutter Connections, the Emerging Voices Mentorship Program offers three festival winners a transformative, one-on-one mentorship experience.

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Award recipients in Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Emerging Filmmaker are paired with seasoned industry mentors over 3–4 months. Mentees gain professional guidance, expand their networks, and may have the opportunity to work directly on a Cutter Entertainment production.

 

NextWave Film + Media Summit

A premier gathering for women and non-binary creators, the NextWave Film + Media Summit brings together thought leaders, working professionals, and emerging voices for a dynamic day of panels, workshops, and networking.

 

Topics span producing, directing, and the evolving future of storytelling — all anchored in a shared commitment to amplifying underrepresented perspectives in the industry.
 

ITWIFF Film Fund

Fiscal Sponsorship Program

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Bringing a film to life takes more than vision — it takes funding. The ITWIFF Film Fund provides independent filmmakers with access to fiscal sponsorship, enabling them to raise tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and grants that require 501(c)(3) status.

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This program is open to filmmakers whose work aligns with ITWIFF's mission — projects that center women, amplify underrepresented voices, and push the boundaries of diverse storytelling.

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Girl Power Summit

An annual event where creative minds meet, the Girl Power Summit is built for industry professionals and aspiring storytellers alike. Each summit delivers an energizing mix of conversations, workshops, screenings, and networking — all designed to empower, educate, and inspire.

Explore our past summits below to experience the growth, energy, and impact of each year's event.

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Ladies Rocking the Lens

A signature ITWIFF series, Ladies Rocking the Lens celebrates the women behind the camera — and in front of it. From sports photographers to music portraitists, the series highlights female photographers across disciplines, bringing diverse and often overlooked perspectives to the forefront of visual storytelling.