15th Annual Women's International Film Festival

Celebrate the 15th Annual International Women’s Festival: A Call to Action for Change

Mark your calendars for the 15th annual International Women’s Festival, proudly sponsored by Women-In-Media-Newark. This year’s festival is not just an event—it’s a powerful movement, a celebration of women’s voices, and a call to action. We invite you to join us from July 25th to August 5th, as we honor the brilliance of women directors and writers who courageously tackle critical issues faced by women around the world.

A Celebration of Resilience and Creativity

For fifteen years, Women-In-Media-Newark has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of women through film and media. This festival provides a platform for female filmmakers to tell their stories—stories of resilience, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of women. It’s an opportunity to witness the power of storytelling and to support the talented women behind these impactful films.

Diverse Stories, Unforgettable Experiences

This year’s festival features 22 films over six days, spanning five continents and exploring a wide range of topics. From cultural and political activism to motherhood, crisis, religion, migration, human sexuality, and more, these films offer a global perspective on the issues that matter most to women.

Here’s a glimpse of what each day has to offer:

  • July 25th: Dive into the hot topics of divorce, homelessness, and nature. The highlight of the day is an intimate look at the thousands of women who have disappeared in Juarez, Mexico.
  • July 26th: Experience the complexities of motherhood and migrant culture, Black women’s health concerns, the LGB+ experience, and the challenges faced by women in STEM in Brazil.
  • July 27th: Focus on women’s sexual and reproductive health in Africa, artists' self-perspectives, and the political landscape for Black women. The day concludes with a panel discussion on women’s reentry from prison, moderated by Dr. Pamela Jones.
  • August 1st (Virtual): Explore the aftermath of domestic violence, self-discovery, and the vaccine rollout in South Africa during COVID-19.
  • August 2nd: Delve into abortion, women’s healthcare, and the intersection of art and social activism in a women’s prison.
  • August 3rd: Highlight mental health, women’s healthcare, and women’s reentry into society from the prison system.
Each film is carefully curated to offer insights and spark discussions on these critical issues. Look for themes of empowerment, resilience, and transformation as you engage with each story. Click the link below for a complete schedule of film screenings: Schedule 2024 – Woman in Media – Newark (WIM-N)  

Honoring Trailblazers

We are honored to recognize the contributions of remarkable women who have made significant impacts in their fields. This year’s honorees include:

  • Kirsten Mider (July 25th)
  • Dorothy Knauer and Linda McDonald Carter (July 27th)
  • Anasa Ma’at, Yvonne Onque, and Salamishah Tillet (August 3rd)

Their full bios can be found on our website here.

Engage and Support

Your support is crucial to the success of this festival. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Attend the Festival: Join us at various venues, including the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, NJ, the Newark Public Library, and the New Jersey Historical Society. We also have a virtual day on August 1st to accommodate those who cannot attend in person.
  • Complete the Evaluation Survey: Help us improve by sharing your feedback.
  • Spread the Word: Share information about the festival on social media and with your networks.
  • Donate: Contribute to the “Donations” jar in the lobby to help sustain this vital platform. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are also seeking sponsors.
  • Access the Digital Program Journal: Scan the QR codes at the registration desk or visit www.wim-n.com/program24 for the full festival program.

Testimonials from the Heart

Past attendees have been deeply moved by the festival experience. Jane Doe shares, “The International Women’s Festival opened my eyes to the incredible talent of women filmmakers. Each film was a powerful reminder of the issues women face, and it motivated me to get involved in advocating for change.”

John Smith remarks, “Attending this festival was a life-changing experience. The stories told by these women directors are both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s crucial that we support this platform and amplify their voices.”

Join us in celebrating the 15th annual International Women’s Festival. Together, we can amplify the voices of gifted and talented women directors and writers, advocate for change, and create a world where women’s stories are heard and valued. We look forward to seeing you there!