Experienced

programming, tailor-made for you

shaping the industry

Build Your Legacy

You are the leaders of our industry. Many look to you for guidance and rely on your depth of knowledge. Because of you, we can.

At WIFT Toronto, we are committed to building on your legacy and recognizing your many trailblazing achievements. We are honoured to have you in our community as collaborators, mentors, and partners.

Let us help you stay connected with your peers, be current on the latest trends, and provide ways for you to engage with and mentor the next generation.

See our Programming Central page for a list of all our programs.

make it happen

Trailblazer

Learn how our targeted programming can keep you connected to your peers, plugged in to the latest trends, and at the top of your game.

Connect with your peers and meet fresh talent. Share your knowledge with a mentee.

Be in the know and stay on top of the industry's latest trends, tech, and business practices.

Celebrate your colleagues, be honoured for your achievements, join our board.

Help new generations of women shine. Donate to WIFT Toronto. Become a mentor.

stay in the know

Connect

Your long and impactful career is an inspiration to many. You are well-respected by your peers and the next generation of industry leaders look to you for guidance as they pave their own way.

Learn about the many exciting and impactful ways WIFT Toronto ensures that you're current on industry trends, and accessible to your colleagues and potential mentees.

connections

"Fantastic presentation on social media...now I might actually join Facebook!"

~Michelle Nolden, Actress, Director, Writer

Executive Breakfast Series

A popular event among our Experienced members, the WIFT Toronto Executive Breakfast Series returns in 2020 with three complimentary and exclusive sessions exploring the latest trends and best practices in the screen-based media industry.

“Female filmmakers should network with each other... They open up resources and expertise, and allow them to build a network early in their career.”

~ Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute

New Member Orientation

Recently joined WIFT Toronto and ready to make the most of your membership? Come to our New Member Welcome Orientation.

“There is huge value in being on a set and watching other directors work. It is particularly significant for women because we don't get the chances men do.”

~Mentor Gail Harvey, director, Lost Girl

WIFT Connect

"We build our careers through our peers." – Deborah Osborne, 2016 WIFT Toronto Crystal Award Winner for Mentorship. Get matched 1-1 with a WIFT Toronto member through this exclusive mentoring program.

"WIFT Toronto’s Reception@TIFF is the only party of its kind recognizing women working in the screen-based industry."

— Unity360, Entertainment industry news

WIFT Toronto Fundraising Reception@TIFF

The hottest ticket of the year! Celebrate women’s success in media during the Toronto International Film Festival . One free ticket for each member!

"Get out there and meet people. It's amazing how many seasoned people in the industry will agree to meet up and chat with an aspiring filmmaker."

~ Chad Archibald, Founder, Black Fawn Films

WIFT Toronto Network

Mix and mingle with other WIFT Toronto members. Meet new people and build your network, all while interacting with inspiring industry experts.

“It’s important to support one another and learn what each other are doing.”

~Michelle Crespi, Executive Director/Producer Lifestyle, Bell Media, and winner of WIFT-T's 2016 Creative Excellence Award

survival of the fittest

Learn

Much has changed in our industry. The advent of digital media, major policy developments, and new business practices have altered how we create, consume, and share content. To lead effectively, you will need to acquire new skills, expand your knowledge, and stay current.

Our intensive continuing education programs and industry panels are designed to equip you with the tools and network you need to remain at the top.

higher learning

I was able to make important connections for moving my projects forward and build relationships for future collaborations.

— Jordana Aarons, producer (2016 recipient)

Banff World Media Festival Scholarship

An exciting career-accelerating opportunity for a mid-career professional looking to make key connections at a leading international marketplace.

This course truly gave me the edge when speaking to production accountants.

— Frances Ewaniuk

Intermediate Production Accounting & Tax Credits

This 3-day workshop provides you with in-depth and practical information on production financing and accounting.

"One of the most useful workshops I have taken in the industry!"

~AnnaMaria DeMara

Introduction to Entertainment Law

A 3-day workshop designed to demystify legal issues in media content production. Learn your rights, protect your IP, negotiate the best deal for YOU!

"By far, the most beneficial professional development program I’ve taken in my career."

— Suzanne Chapman, production executive, Cineflix Media; MLP 2016

Media Leadership Program

The c-suite awaits you! The Media Leadership Program is a proven and successful 96-hour professional development intensive designed to enhance your strategic leadership skills.

Ontario Creates IDM Fund Futures Program

Designed to assist and fast-track applicants applying to Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund programs. Let us help you submit a winning application!

"A great way to get practical and "hands on" learning, and prepare a strong pitch for investors and other stakeholders!"

~Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, WIFT Toronto

Pitch Workshop

Get practical tips and insights on pitching from the Decision Maker’s POV.

Scripted Digital Series Incubator

The Scripted Digital Series Incubator is a four-day intensive program for writers and producers focused on script development, casting, audience development/discoverability, pitching, and financing for digital platforms.

“Female filmmakers should network with each other... They open up resources and expertise, and allow them to build a network early in their career.”

~Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute

WIFT Toronto Industry Speaker Series

Get inspired, make connections, and learn new skills in a single evening. An after-work speaker and networking series for screen-based media professionals providing useful and insightful career development strategies and tools.

“The traditional ways to make a film, the traditional ways to share a film, have all collapsed. There are no gatekeepers, per se, any more, and anything can be done.”

~Ava DuVernay, director, screenwriter, film marketer, and film distributor, The 13th, Selma

celebration time

Advance

We are in awe of your contributions to the industry. Your creativity, fearlessness, and innovation are qualities we greatly admire.

spotlight on success

"The Crystal Awards creates a wonderful opportunity to recognize women and their accomplishments, as well as inspire others."

~Lucie Lalumière, Founder & Principal, Lalumière Media

WIFT Toronto Crystal Awards

Bell Media Studios presents the 2020 WIFT Toronto Crystal Awards in Association with Entertainment One and Company 3

"This is an amazing event! Please come and say hello and watch some great talent!"

— Alex LaLonde, Former Chair, Foundation for WIFT Toronto

WIFT Toronto Showcase

Our annual WIFT Toronto Showcase highlights the creativity, talent, and diversity of our community. The 12th annual WIFT Toronto Showcase will take place virtually on May 4, 2021.

“Take risks. Shake things up. Don’t stay someplace because it’s comfortable or feels safe. Stretch!”

~Lisa Sherman, former EVP, General Manager, LogoTV, Viacom

take action

Get Involved

It is because of leaders like you that we now have a more equitable and welcoming industry. Your tireless advocacy, dedication, and tenacity are appreciated. Thank you for leading the charge.

We know there is much more work to be done. Find out how you can inspire more change.

“Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change.”

~Shonda Rhimes, producer & screenwriter, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy