FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Three Weeks Out: Imagine This Women's International Film Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

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70 films, 30 screenplays, and 41 premieres headline the festival's 11th year, alongside industry panels, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable networking

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NEW YORK, NY — With just three weeks to go, Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF) is counting down to its 2026 edition, screening September 25 to 27 at Regal Union Square (850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003). This year's official selections include 70 films, 30 screenplays, and 41 premieres. Now in its 11th year, ITWIFF continues its mission of championing women, non-binary, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers, with this year's lineup bringing together rising and established talent from across the film industry for a weekend of premieres, a virtual table read, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable networking.

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The 2026 Lineup

Highlights from this year's official selections include:

• It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story, a biopic written and directed by Taylor Blackwell, starring Blackwell alongside Alan Tudyk (Rogue One, Firefly) as it chronicles the life of iconic comedienne Judy Tenuta.

• General Admission, directed by Kaily Morgan Smith, starring Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries) and Cedric Yarbough (Reno 911!, Speechless), a comedy following a woman's search for healing after heartbreak.

• So Much for Solidarity, directed by Alexandra Christensson, starring Dylan Arnold (Halloween, Chucky) in a drama about confronting the past to face the future. New York premiere.

• Tea With Friends, directed by Farah Halime Hope, starring Ruby Bentall (Poldark), a UK-set thriller following a new mother's unraveling grip on reality. New York premiere.

• Woman Reclining on Grass, directed by Claudia Doumit (The Boys), starring Pete Gardner (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), a comedic drama about a family, a lost masterpiece, and one final hurdle. New York premiere.

• Simple Somewhere Else, directed by and starring Amatus-sami Karim, a drama testing one woman's self-determination against law, love, and ethics.

• JULES, directed by Tiffany Abney, a romantic drama starring Renelle Nicole, Mike Merrill, and Eric Lynch.

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Filmmakers and cast will be on hand throughout the weekend for post-screening Q&As, premiere celebrations, and receptions designed to connect audiences directly with the artists behind the work. Alongside the film slate, ITWIFF 26 will spotlight 30 screenplays from the festival's screenwriting program, including a virtual table read bringing selected scripts to life.

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Premieres, Parties, and Networking

Beyond the screen, ITWIFF 26 is built around connection. The weekend includes premiere screenings, festival parties, and dedicated networking opportunities that bring filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together across all three days at Regal Union Square.

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NextWave Film + Media Summit

As part of ITWIFF 26, the NextWave Film + Media Summit returns with a free workshop, panel, and networking on Saturday, September 26. Both events are free and open to the public.

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Pitch Perfectly: Pitching & Packaging Your Film | Presented by GreenHause

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This hour-long interactive workshop covers what it actually takes to get a film funded, from loglines and treatments to pitch decks and packaging strategy. Led by Gautam Singhani, NYC-based Line Producer & Post-Production Supervisor and Chair of the Producers Guild of America's Post Production Committee, whose recent credits include the Emmy-nominated Bono: Stories of Surrender and Oscar-nominated The Barber of Little Rock.

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Building Cinematic Worlds Panel

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Award-winning department heads break down how costume, editing, production design, and cinematography come together to build the worlds audiences believe in. Panelists include Canella Williams-Larrabee (The Night Agent, Raising Dion), Caroline Duncan (Sirens, When They See Us), Joe Giganti (Succession, Master of None), Kalina Ivanov (The Penguin, Little Miss Sunshine), and Stefanie Maridueña, ACE (Cheer, America's Sweethearts). The panel is moderated by John Gibson, VP of Public Affairs & Industry Relations at the Motion Picture Association (MPA).

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Sponsors and Partners

ITWIFF 26 is proudly sponsored by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), along with partners ISA, Arc Studio, GreenHause by Gotoma, Scriptation, The DCP Works, and Cutter Connections.

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About ITWIFF

Imagine This Women's International Film Festival is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to championing and amplifying the voices of women, non-binary, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers and storytellers. Co-founded in 2016 by Patrice Francois and Susie Francois, ITWIFF provides a platform that celebrates diverse narratives, fosters meaningful industry connections, and empowers filmmakers through screenings, educational initiatives, and professional development.

 

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