WIFT-T Showcase 2020 WORTH THE WAIT
The 11th annual WIFT-T Showcase will celebrate nine compelling new works that will make you laugh, cry and think.
On September 11th, we returned to CBC Barbara Frum Atrium for our annual Reception@TIFF. Our most popular and well-attended networking event, WIFT-T Reception@TIFF is our tribute to women in all areas of Canada's screen-based media industry.
One part celebration, one-part fundraiser, Reception@TIFF is a highly anticipated soiree that garners a lot of attention and support for our growing organization. This year was no exception. From a glamourous red carpet to a M.A.C. Cosmetics pop-up lounge, hors d'oeuvres and desserts catered by the best in the city, an open bar, and a guest list that includes top Canadian talent and decision makers; WIFT-T Reception@TIFF had it all.
Onstage remarks were presented by Jocelyn Hamilton, Chair, WIFT-T Board of Directors; Helene Granqvist, President, WIFT International and WIFT Sweden; Sally Catto, General Manager, Programming, CBC Television; and Alex Lalonde, Chair, Foundation for WIFT-T. Joining Alex and Jocelyn on stage were twenty-one women who have benefited from WIFT-T programming and the Foundation for WIFT-T over the past year.
"In 2017, women and men benefited from 226 hours of industry and business-focused programming; 6 tuition-free bursaries; 5 industry-partnered mentorships; 40 WIFT Connect mentoring matches; 15 community awards; and 23 networking opportunities," shared Alex Lalonde, Chair, Foundation for WIFT-T. "Change is happening and we look forward to even greater strides in achieving gender parity, respectful and safer working conditions, and an industry that is inclusive in every way."
WIFT Stars: For a third year we ran our exciting WIFT Stars campaign and broke our fundraising record. Thanks to your support and our special ambassadors—Alex Lalonde (Chair, Foundation for WIFT-T) and Zoie Palmer (actress, Wynonna Earp, Dark Matter, Lost Girl)—we raised over $3,000!
If you purchased a WIFT Star or a WIFT Star Bundle, please contact us for a digital copy. Also, congratulations to our WIFT Stars draw prize winners: Anne Loi and Kate Drummond. Anne won a 2-night stay at the luxurious Fairmont Le Château Montebello and Kate won a 1-year WIFT-T membership.
Silent Auction: Thank you to our amazingly generous 2018 Silent Auction donors! We received a dynamic variety of items and experiences this year, and raised over $6,000. Funds raised through the WIFT Stars campaign and Silent Auction will be used to further the mandate of the Foundation for WIFT-T.
Door Prize: D'Alessio Law Group and Firecracker Department—a podcast hosted by actress Naomi Snieckus (Mr.D., CBC)—donated flip flops and tote bags to the first one hundred guests.
“The WIFT-T event is one of my favourites during TIFF. I have some of my most, candid and inspiring discussions with passionate female filmmakers there, and I want to focus on that and not how much our feet hurt from the week of TIFF events! We came up with the idea of giving away sandals to all the women there and we are so lucky to have the support of the dynamic women at D’Alessio Law Group.”
—Naomi Snieckus
This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners:
Our gratitude also to our Animation Partner, Art + Soul Design; Production Partner, AV Canada; Hospitality Partners: A La Carte Kitchen & Catering, Phancy Foods Catering, Vert Casse-Croute Catering, Shelley's Catering, Jelly Modern Doughnuts, Cupcakes & Studmuffins, Mary MacLeod Shortbread, Women's Bakery (Fred Victor Catering), Steam Whistle, and Colio Winery.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers and of course — you, our incredible guests. See you all next year!
Photos can be found in our Flickr gallery here.
