A BRIEF HISTORY OF WIFTV

The Women In Film and Television Vancouver Society was founded in 1989 by Peggy Thompson, Sharon McGowan and Barbara Janes under the name Vancouver Women In Film and Video Society. The membership was 100+.   The National Film Board provided support by donating the first meeting space.  Initially, the organization’s mandate was to shed light on the number of women working in the motion picture industry and to provide them with top-notch professional development.

The first major endeavor was the Producers Workshop series: A three-year educational program aimed at increasing access to information about funding to increase the number of indigenous productions being created by women. The best and brightest guest speakers were invited to co-write the first Producers Workbook.  This launched the careers of many of Vancouver’s top female producers, directors and industry managers. WIFVV assisted in raising the profile and stature of professional women in the industry.

A "Directors Series" followed in the early 90"s, and a new array of events and programs for the growing membership were added yearly.  In 1995, "Moving Up!” a mentorship program" was started to attract young women to the industry. Men were also welcomed in a membership category called "Friends of WIFVV."  Next WIFVV presented Flash Forward, a career boosting workshop, and The Spotlight Awards, an event honouring women working in the film industry. 

In 1999 WIFVV hired its first coordinator, in a permanent office — membership rose dramatically and continues to do so. WIFTV is one of 35 chapters affiliated with Women In Film & Television International.