Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary this September with a Fearless Lineup of Groundbreaking Films and Launch of NextWave: Film + Media Summit

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Featuring Over 97 Films, 63 Semifinalist Screenplays, 48 Premieres, and Stories from 20+ Countries

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New York, NY – August 1, 2025 — Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival (ITWIFF) proudly announces its milestone 10th annual edition, taking place September 11–14, 2025, at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W57 in New York City. This landmark year underscores ITWIFF’s unwavering commitment to spotlighting women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ storytellers through a curated program of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and new industry initiatives. With over 97 films and 63 semifinalist screenplays representing more than 20 countries and featuring 48 premieres, this year’s festival offers a powerful showcase of bold filmmakers. The four-day in-person celebration invites audiences to discover boundary-pushing cinema, engage in insightful conversations, and connect with a vibrant community shaping the future of film.

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“Reaching ten years is a meaningful milestone for us,” said Patrice Francois, Co-Founder and Festival Director. “When we launched ITWIFF in 2016, our mission was to amplify underrepresented voices and create space for inclusive storytelling. A decade later, that mission is more urgent—and more celebrated—than ever.”

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This year, ITWIFF expands its platform with the rebrand of its Girl Power Film + Media Summit as the NextWave: Film + Media Summit, a new series of industry-focused panels designed to foster dialogue between filmmakers and the creative professionals shaping today’s screen industries.

“NextWave is about building connections and offering filmmakers tools to navigate an evolving media landscape,” added Susie Francois, Co-Founder and Director of Operations. “We're excited to bring together an inspiring group of women leaders in production, design, and storytelling for this inaugural event.”

 

NextWave: Film + Media Summit Highlights

 

Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Bringing Your Vision to Life On Screen: Creative Forces Behind Film & Television
This panel brings together award-winning editors, producers, art directors, and costume designers to explore the collaborative and often invisible work behind the screen.

 

Panelists include:

• Cora Atkinson, Producer (Summer of Soul, 30 for 30)
   

• Erica Freed, ACE, Emmy-nominated Editor (Severance, Fosse/Verdon, Billions)
   

• Toni Barton, Production Designer (Fight Night, Archive 81, The Met’s Afrofuturist Period Room)
   

• Michelle J. Li, Costume Designer (Shiva Baby, Theater Camp, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens)
   

Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Power Behind the Picture: Women Producers on Building Stories
A deep dive into the work of women producers leading innovative, global, and socially resonant projects across platforms. Topics will include project development, team building, funding, and ethical decision-making.

 

Panelists include:

• Sarah Wainio, Producer (Teen Mom: Young + Pregnant, The Lost Kitchen, 90 Day Diaries: Ukraine)
   

• Gretchen McGowan, Head of Production, Goldcrest Films (Carol, Cat Person, Restrepo, Coffee and Cigarettes)
   

2025 Official Film Selections Include:

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August & Ebony (USA, 13 min)
Dir. Rejena Taylor | Starring Ayesha Harris, John Clarence Stewart
A queer family drama exploring identity, chosen family, and the complexities of motherhood.

 

Bench Seats (USA, 15:52 min)
Dir. Courtney DeStefano | Starring Sarah Jane Steele, Dan Lauria
A nostalgic memory from 1989 surfaces, forcing a woman to confront generational trauma and fractured relationships.

 

The Soul Trader (USA, 12 min) – New York Premiere
Dir. Susan Dynner | Starring Shane West, Donna Mills
A soul-stealing assassin must confront her past and protect her son in this genre-bending thriller.

 

Dandelion (USA, 19:59 min)
Dir. Fiona Obertinca | Starring Ava Lalezarzadeh
In 1970s Los Angeles, a rebellious teen and a weary social worker meet in a moment that changes them both.

 

The Errand (USA, 10 min)
Dir. Hayley Marie Norman | Starring Hayley Marie Norman, Malcolm Barrett
A woman must complete a final task before she can let go of the past.

 

Before You (USA, 10 min) – New York Premiere
Dir. Rachel McDonald | Starring Tala Ashe, Adam Rodriguez
A couple grapples with the emotional impact of ending a planned pregnancy.

 

Hermanos (USA, 10 min)
Dir. Lauren Melinda | Starring Jorge A. Jimenez, Joseph T. Campos, Grant Harvey
Inspired by true events, two young brothers are separated at the U.S. border after fleeing violence.

 

Betty Bird Goes to War (USA, 13:21 min) – New York Premiere
Dir. Stephanie Chloe Hepner | Starring Luna Lauren Vélez, Jackie Cruz
An artist confronts trauma and abuse in a surreal reckoning with her younger self.

 

Bark (USA, 16:32 min) – New York Premiere
Dir. Searit Kahsay Huluf | Starring Monica Potter
A grief-stricken woman spirals into obsession after kidnapping her ex’s dog.

 

Something Blue (USA, 9:58 min)
Dir. Samantha Nisenboim | Starring D’Arcy Carden, Chris Witaske
A comedic and poignant look at expectations, timing, and modern relationships.

 

And Now I Lay Me Down (USA, 27:14 min)
Dir. Samantha Nisenboim | Starring Jane Kaczmarek
A fading actress stages her final day on her own terms—until life has other plans.

 

I Want to Go to Moscow (USA, 12:35 min)
Dir. Sarah Baskin | Prod. Andrew Carlberg (Oscar-winner, Skin) | Starring Arielle Goldman
A disillusioned actor wrestles with aging and the desire for reinvention during a Three Sisters rehearsal.

 

Hold (USA, 13:58 min)
Dir. Josiah Junqueira Spencer | Starring Debra Monk
A mother and daughter reconnect through an unexpected phone call that stirs memories and loss.

 

C.O.M.A. (USA, 14:40 min) – New York Premiere
Dir. Elizabeth Rohrbaugh | Starring Natalie Gold, Jon Glaser
An intimate meditation on grief, connection, and healing between mother and daughter.

 

The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence of Menopause (USA, 9:58 min)
Dir. Samantha Nisenboim | Featuring Audra McDonald, Stacy London
A revelatory documentary exposing medical neglect and cultural silence around menopause in America.

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About Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival

Founded in 2016, Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival (ITWIFF) is a New York City-based organization dedicated to elevating the voices of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers. ITWIFF has presented films recognized by the Academy Awards, BAFTA, NAACP, and Independent Spirit Awards, and serves as a year-round platform for artist development, education, and community engagement.

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Film Guide, Tickets, and Passes

Festival passes and individual screening tickets, including VIP access to panels and networking events, are available now at:
www.imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org

 

 

Press Contact:
Nicole Pierre
Email: press@imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org
Phone: (845) 477-5441

 

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