ITWIFF 2026 Is Coming
- ITWIFF
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
For 11 years, Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF) has championed bold, original storytelling from women, non-binary, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers and screenwriters. Now, we're thrilled to announce that our 11th annual festival returns September 25–27, 2026, at Regal Union Square in the heart of Manhattan.
Since launching in 2016, ITWIFF has grown into one of New York City's leading women's film festivals, screening standout independent films and discovering emerging screenwriting talent from around the world. This year is no exception.
To kick things off, the 2026 Film Guide and Screenwriting Competition selections are officially live! Get ready to meet this year's incredible lineup of independent films, selected screenplays, and the filmmakers and writers behind them.
Where to Find ITWIFF 2026
Regal Union Square 850 Broadway, New York, NY September 25–27, 2026
What to Expect at This Year's Women's Film Festival
Beyond screenings, ITWIFF 2026 brings hands-on filmmaking workshops and industry panels designed to connect emerging filmmakers and screenwriters with working film and TV professionals — plus opportunities to celebrate and network with this year's selected filmmakers and screenwriters. Our full day-by-day festival schedule is coming soon, but here's a first look at what's already on the books for Saturday.
NextWave: Film + Media Summit is where the future of storytelling begins.
This one-day event during the festival brings together filmmakers, producers, editors, writers, and creatives of all backgrounds for an afternoon of free panels, thought-provoking conversations, and in-person networking mixers.
Free Workshop & Panel
Hear from powerhouse women in the industry as they share insights, lessons learned, and career-defining moments. Whether you're just getting started or building your next big project, these panels will leave you inspired and informed.
Workshop — Saturday, 11:00 AM
Pitch Perfectly: Pitching & Packaging Your Film Presented by GreenHause
You know your story. Now learn how to sell it. In this one-hour interactive workshop, you'll learn what actually gets a film funded — loglines, treatments, pitch decks, elevator pitches, and packaging strategy. Come with a story. Leave pitch-ready.
What we'll cover:
Loglines that hook in one line
Treatments that structure your story on the page
Pitch decks: what gets funded, what kills it
A 30–60 second elevator pitch
Packaging: budget, schedule, and sizzle as one fundable unit
Common pitfalls that sink pitches early
Who should attend: Writers, first-time directors, producers, emerging filmmakers, and film students who want to understand how projects actually get made and funded.
Panel — Saturday, 12:30 PM
Building Cinematic Worlds
What does it take to create a world audiences believe in? This panel brings together award-winning department heads to break down how costume, editing, production design, and cinematography come together to build the worlds we see on screen.
Panelists:
Caroline Duncan — Emmy-nominated Costume Designer (Sirens, Trap, When They See Us, The Affair, Knock at the Cabin, Marry Me, Three Women)
Stefanie Maridueña — Emmy and ACE Eddie Award-nominated Editor (Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, The 1619 Project, Cheer, America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders)
Kalina Ivanov — Emmy and Art Directors Guild Award-winning Production Designer (The Penguin, Lovecraft Country, Grey Gardens, Poltergeist, Brown Sugar, The Best Man)
Hillary Fyfe Spera — Award-winning Cinematographer (Daredevil: Born Again, Dexter: New Blood, You, The Craft: Legacy, Extrapolations, The Parenting, Run)
Celebrate With Us: Exclusive Festival Parties & Mixers
ITWIFF is more than films — it’s about community, connection, and celebration! Don’t miss:
Opening Night Party — Launch the festival with excitement, music, and amazing people.
Happy Hour Mixers — The perfect setting to meet filmmakers, industry pros, and fellow film lovers.
Filmmaker & VIP All Access Pass Holder Brunch — An exclusive, intimate gathering designed for connection, collaboration, and conversation among our honored creatives and guests.
Closing Night Party & Awards Ceremony — Revel in the festival’s biggest moments and honor outstanding talent in style.
Your Ticket to ITWIFF 2025: Find Your Perfect Pass
Choose the pass that fits your festival vibe:
All-Access VIP Pass — $150
Unlock every screening, panel, party, and exclusive swag — the ultimate ITWIFF experience!
All-Access Pass — $70
Access all films and special events live in NYC.
Single Screening Tickets — $17
Perfect for catching your favorite films or events without committing to a full pass.
More program details, including additional workshops and panels, will be announced soon. Mark your calendars for September 25–27 at Regal Union Square, and get ready to celebrate bold new voices in film.
Follow along for more announcements:
Instagram: instagram.com/imaginethiswomensfilmfestival
Twitter/X: twitter.com/ImagineThisWFF
