Women In Film & Media
Conference 2026
Breaking Down Barriers
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here.
Be in the room where careers, collaborations and
what's next begin!
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Two Exciting Days
Where Careers, Collaborations & Opportunities Begin
The Women's International Film Festival (WIFF) returns to New York City for its 20th Anniversary with its biggest gathering yet - a two day conference and five-day film festival celebrating women across film, television, music, and digital media.
For two decades, WIFF has brought women together to learn connect, collaborate and create opportunities - and this year we're bringing that community together for an even bigger experience.
Join filmmakers, producers, executives, creators, musicians, content professionals and industry leaders for two days focused on the conversations, connections and opportunities shaping the future of our industry.
From hands-on workshops and dynamic industry conversations to connector events designed to help you build meaningful relationships, WIFF is where you come to learn what's changing, meet the people who are shaping what's next, and discover where you fit in.
IF YOU'RE A WOMAN WORKING IN FILM, TELEVISION, MEDIA, MUSIC OR DIGITAL - YOU NEED TO BE IN THE ROOM.
When
October 21-22, 2026
Where
Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Who
Filmmakers, content creators, musicians, TV producers, and industry executives and leaders.
What
Two days of workshops, conversations, networking and industry insights Five days of film, culture and community. Full program and speakers coming soon.
Designed to Connect.
Built to Inspire.
The Right Conversation Can Change What Happens Next.
The relationships you build in two days can influence your career for years.
For two decades, WIFF has connected emerging creators and established professionals with the people, ideas, and opportunities that help move careers forward.
This year, some of the greatest minds from major studios, streaming platforms, music, media, and tech will gather to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.
👭 MEET INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Connect with executives, producers, creators and decision-makers through WIFF's signature connector events and networking experiences
💡 LEARN WHAT'S NEXT
Gain insight into the issues shaping the industry - including funding, distribution, AI, production, technology and the future of storytelling
🎬 CONNECT WITH COLLABORATORS
Meet filmmakers, writers, producers, creators and other professionals who could become your next collaborator, partner or creative connection.
👯♀️ BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST
The people you meet at WIFF don't disappear when the conference ends. Build relationships that cn continue long after you leave New York
SOME OPPORTUNITIES HAPPEN BECAUSE YOU WERE IN THE ROOM.
👇 Get your Conference Pass now to meet some of the most powerful women in the industry with our connector events
The relationships you build in two days can influence your career for years.
For two decades, WIFF has connected emerging creators and established professionals with the people, ideas, and opportunities that help move careers forward.
This year, some of the greatest minds from major studios, streaming platforms, music, media, and tech will gather to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.
👭 MEET INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Connect with executives, producers, creators and decision-makers through WIFF's signature connector events and networking experiences
💡 LEARN WHAT'S NEXT
Gain insight into the issues shaping the industry - including funding, distribution, AI, production, technology and the future of storytelling
🎬 CONNECT WITH COLLABORATORS
Meet filmmakers, writers, producers, creators and other professionals who could become your next collaborator, partner or creative connection.
👯♀️ BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST
The people you meet at WIFF don't disappear when the conference ends. Build relationships that cn continue long after you leave New York
SOME OPPORTUNITIES HAPPEN BECAUSE YOU WERE IN THE ROOM.
👇 Get your Conference Pass now to meet some of the most powerful women in the industry with our connector events
21
Speakers
Some of Our Speakers
Vanessa E Williams
Actress//Producer
Vanessa has starred in numerous films and television series. She is best known for her roles as Maxine Joseph-Chadway in the Showtime drama series, Soul Food, for which she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Williams is also known for her role as Anne-Marie McCoy in the first and fourth of the Candyman films, and as Rhonda Blair in the first season of the Fox prime time Melrose Place.
April Weeden
Stunt Woman/ Coordinator
Taking the stunt world by storm, April Weeden has built a resume of unparalleled accomplishments. As one of Hollywood's leading African American stunt women, and stunt coordinators, she has stunt doubled for numerous high-profile celebrities including Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Newsone, Regina King, Kelita Smith, Yvette Nicole Brown, Brandy, Jenifer Lewis, Pam Grier, Vanessa L. Williams, and Gabrielle Union, to name a few.
Meital Dohan
Actress
Meital is an Israeli actress and musician. Her work on US-television began when she appeared as Yael Hoffman on the Showtime series Weeds. She went on to have roles in The Sopranos and as Aurora in the Sony Pictures web-comedy Woke Up Dead. Dohan has starred in the film Foreclosure and in the thriller Monogamy, which won the Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival. Her roles in TV and film have led to two Israeli Oscar nominations and an Israeli Tony Award
Sam Selolwane
SVP RCA Music
Sam is a passionate music executive who has been an integral part of building the urban radio campaigns for artists such as: Chris Brown, H.E.R., SZA, Usher, Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Davido, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Rocky, Khalid, G-Eazy, Alicia Keys as well as new comers Doja Cat, Mulatto and Foushee just to name a few. Industry awards include: Billboard Women In Music Executives , Variety Magazine New York Women’s Impact Report, Variety Magazine Hitmaker of the Year, Billboard Magazine Top 40 Under 40, and more.
Olivia Brown
Actress
Olivia Brown is an American actress, best-known for her role as detective Trudy Joplin in the NBC crime drama series Miami Vice. Brown made her big screen debut appearing in an supporting role in the 1982 action comedy film 48 Hours. She later appeared in Streets of Fire, Throw Mama From the Train, Identity Crisis, All Tied Up, and more. She had recurring roles on Hill Street Blues, Designing Women, Lois & Clark, Beverly Hills 90210, Moesha and 7th Heaven.
Saundra Sauntiago
Actress
Sandra is versatile American actress, born to Cuban and Puerto Rican parentage. She worked in television, movies and on the Broadway stage. Her famous role was that of Metro-Dade Detective Gina Calabrese in Miami Vice. You can also catch Saundra on many episodes of Gotham, True Detectives, and Blue Bloods. She also portrayed the recurring role of Marciela in the Fox series, Gang Related.
Jen Grisanti
Television Executive
International speaker and 3-time author Jen Grisanti is an acclaimed Story/Career consultant, 13-year writing instructor for NBC/Universal and former 12-year studio executive. Grisanti started her career as an assistant to Aaron Spelling where she climbed the ranks and eventually ran Current Programs at Spelling Television, including Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, and Charmed. She became Vice President of Current Programs at CBS/Paramount. where she covered numerous shows, including Medium, Numbers, NCIS, 4400, and Girlfriends.
Yvonne McCormack Lyons
Founder WIFF-TV
Yvonne is the Founder of The two-time Award-Winning Women's International Film Festival, and WIFF-TV streaming platform for content made By Women For Women. For more than 17 years McCormack has worked in television both in front of and behind the camera as producer, host and journalist. She is a former Board Member of United Nations Women, speaks internationally about the impact of media on girls, and is an advocate for equity and inclusion for women and people of color in the media.
Check Back Often For New Speakers Added
Get Your Conference Pass
Be Part of WIFF's 20th Anniversary in New York City
Limited Passes Available. Be Among The Women Shaping What's Next. Get Your Pass Now Before They're Gone.
Conference & Festival Pass (Most Popular)
$499/$599
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- Everything most attendees need:
- Entry to All Conference Panels and Workshops
- Entry To Opening Night Film & Q&A
- Entry to All Films During Festival
- Entry to Conference Networking Receptions
- WIFF Swag Bag
- WIFF T-Shirt
- 3 Month Subscription to WIFF-TV
- Pay over time in two easy installments!
That's two payments of $250 - Prices Listed Above Are For Early-Bird (Thru Sept 30, 2026) or Standard Prices (beginning October 1, 2026).
- New for 2026!. Bring Two Friends and Get Rewarded
$100 Refund OR Exclusive VIP Upgrade) - Click The Link Below To Get Your Ticket!!
Conference & Festival VIP Experience
$799/$929
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- A More Intimate, High-Access Experience
- Everything included in the Conference Pass Plus...
- Exclusive VIP Networking Lounge
- Access to Special Mentorship Circle Sessions with industry leaders
- Entrance to Opening Night VIP Red Carpet Party
- Priority Entry & VIP Seating
- Access To Awards Brunch
- Exclusive Reel Moments Live: Conversations With Featured Guests & Q&A
- Premium Swag Bag
- Six-month subscription to WIFF-TV
- Entry to WIFF-TV Launch Party
- VIP Credentials
- New For 2026. You can pay over time in two easy installments! (2 payments of $400)
- Prices Listed Above Are For Early-Bird (Thru July 31, 2026) or Standard Prices (beginning August 1, 2026).
- Click the link below to get your ticket!!
Online Conference & Film Festival Pass
$129/$155
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- For Those Who Can't attend in person
- Experience WIFF From Whereever You Are
- Online pass to select conference sessions
- Exclusive link to watch films online for a limited time through WIFF-TV
- Opening & Closing Keynotes
- One-Month Subscription To WIFF-TV
- Recorded replay access for 30 days
- Digital Networking Community
- Early Bird Pricing Available For A Limited Time
2026 Ticket Policies:
50% refund thru September 30th. No refunds from October 1st . Ticket Transfers allowed thru October 10.
Why Should you Attend The WIFF Conference?
Advance Your Career
Gain practical insights, industry knowledge, and real world strategies to help you navigate today's rapidly-changing media landscape
In-depth Workshops
Don't just take notes. Walk away with practical tools and insights you can apply immediately.
Networking Events
Meet potential collaborators, mentors, partners, and decision-makers through experiences designed to foster genuine connection.
Hear From Industry Voices
Hear directly from executives, producers, filmmakers, creators, and innovators shaping the future of media.
Exclusive Experiences
From contests, swag bags and free treats to keep you quenched — because inspiration deserves a little fun.
Live Q&A
Ask your questions directly, engage with industry professionals and get real answers to the issues affecting your career or creative work.
DONT' JUST HEAR WHAT'S NEXT. BE IN THE ROOM.
Come For the Knowledge.
Stay For the Connections.
Leave With What's Next
event schedule
Speaker Announcements
Begin Soon
Join The Priority Access List 👉
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re assembling one of our line-ups yet.
Be the first to receive:
✔️ speaker announcements
✔️ special events,
✔️ Early ticket opportunities.
✔️ Exclusive Screenings
✔️ Networking Events
✔️Festival Updates
Sign Up Now
Imagine The Possibilities!
Every year, WIFF sparks new collaborations, launches new projects, and creates lasting professional relationships.
We know that knowing or meeting the right person can make all the difference. Growing your connections and building relationships can be difficult if you're new to an industry, an introvert, or just simply busy. That's why we create specific programs to facilitate meeting new people.
Imagine where your WIFF experience could take you!
We know that knowing or meeting the right person can make all the difference. Growing your connections and building relationships can be difficult if you're new to an industry, an introvert, or just simply busy. That's why we create specific programs to facilitate meeting new people.
Imagine where your WIFF experience could take you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Conference That Builds Relationships
Click on one of the links above to purchase a ticket. You’ll get an online receipt and ticket with a code that you can bring with you. You may print it out or have it ready on your phone at the registration desk where staff will scan it and give you your pass for entry into the event.
No. The event will not be available on Youtube. If you cannot attend in person, you can purchase an Online Participation ticket. You’ll get a special link to watch the sessions live from your computer or through an app on your mobile phone or tablet.
You can expect to get a receipt sent immediately to your email. You’ll also get a ticket that you should bring with you to the event. In return we’ll give you tickets for entry as well as your gift bag, pass to the film festival and opening night film. You’ll also get tickets to the official WIFF-TV launch party.
Contact us Here