by FilmInk Staff
The Gold Coast Film Festival is thrilled to announce the return of its Women in Film Lunch, presented by Screen Queensland on Friday May 1, 2026 from 12noon, an event dedicated to celebrating the women who are not just making waves in the industry, but changing its course.
This year, the Women In Film Lunch will be one not to be missed, welcoming special guests Sophia Zachariou and Kylie Washington, two of the industry’s most respected leaders playing a significant role in shaping the future of Australian screen content, both locally and on the global stage.
Sophia is Executive Producer, Scripted, at BBC Studios Australia Productions and a respected creative leader in Australian television drama. She recently produced the global hit The Office Australia and works across scripted series including Ghosts Australia and Return to Paradise. With a background spanning production, development and screen investment, Sophia is passionate about creating bold Australian stories that connect with international audiences.
Kylie is one of the most influential leaders in Australian television and the driving force behind BBC Studios’ production business across the ANZ region. Since launching the local arm in 2018, she has overseen close to 800 hours of content, including major hits such as Dancing With The Stars and Top Gear Australia. Known for her ability to bring big ideas to life, Kylie is helping take Australian stories to audiences around the world.
Hosted in the breathtaking Lakeside Room at HOTA; Home of the Arts, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives as you walk the red carpet and engage in conversations with some of the industry’s brightest minds.
Luke Wheatley, CEO of the Gold Coast Film Festival. “Women in Film is a cornerstone event for the Festival and an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution women are making across every level of the screen industry. To welcome leaders of the calibre of Sophia Zachariou and Kylie Washington to our festival is incredibly special as they are shaping the stories we see on screen and opening doors for the next generation of talent.”
Jacqui Feeney, CEO Screen Queensland says “Screen Queensland is proud to continue its support for the Gold Coast Film Festival and the Women in Film Lunch, an event that champions the creativity, leadership and impact of women across our screen industry. Queensland is home to an incredible depth of talent and it’s vital we continue to create spaces where female voices are amplified and achievements recognised. Bringing together leaders from the BBC like Sophia Zachariou and Kylie Washington recognises an important partnership to Queensland in the global screen economy and inspires the next generation of storytellers to see what’s possible.
True to its name, the Women in Film Lunch “passes the Bechdel Test with supersonic flying colours,” highlighting the voices, talent, and vision of Queensland’s leading women in cinema. Whether you come for the inspiration, the conversation, or the company, the Women in Film Lunch promises to leave your creative cup overflowing.
Tickets are on sale now to Opening and Closing Night Red Carpet Galas and our incredible featured events through www.gcff.com.au and the full program for GCFF will be available from Thursday April 2.
The Gold Coast Film Festival 2026 is possible thanks to the support of our Major Partners Screen Queensland, Invest Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland along with venue partner HOTA, Home of the Arts.
