by FilmInk Staff
More than 100 women and gender-diverse screen practitioners attended the annual industry event during Sydney Film Festival, following an In Conversation with Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Ari Wegner and Screen Australia’s Aimée Lindorff.
Screen Vixens and Women in Film and Television NSW hosted a record Women in Screen gathering during Sydney Film Festival, with more than 100 women and gender-diverse screen practitioners in attendance.
The event followed an In Conversation with Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Ari Wegner and Screen Australia’s Aimée Lindorff, bringing together practitioners from across the Australian screen sector during one of the country’s key festival moments.
First launched in 2017 as a small networking gathering, Women in Screen Drinks has grown into an established fixture of the Sydney Film Festival calendar and one of its longest-running events dedicated to women working across the screen industry.
The 2026 event brought together writers, directors, producers, crew, executives, advocates and emerging practitioners, reflecting the continuing demand for industry spaces that support connection, visibility and long-term career pathways.
Screen Vixens founder and producer Leonie Marsh said the growth of the event showed the ongoing value of women-led spaces in the screen sector.
“Community matters now more than ever so creating spaces for women to connect and champion each other in real life is crucial” Marsh said.
“What began as a small gathering in 2017 has grown into a significant Sydney Film Festival moment for women across the screen industry. The strength of the turnout this year shows how valuable these live spaces are, not only for connection, but for building the relationships and visibility that grow and sustain careers.”
WIFT NSW Chair Nadine Torney said the record attendance reflected the importance of peer support, advocacy and career pathways for women and gender-diverse practitioners.
“These spaces are vital to increasing women’s participation across film and television, and to strengthening pathways for directors, writers, producers, crew and emerging screen leaders,” Torney said.
“They are also part of building a more inclusive and representative Australian screen industry, one that better reflects Australian culture and the communities whose stories are being told.”
With Women in Screen Drinks set to mark its 10th year in 2027, Screen Vixens and WIFT NSW are proud to work with Sydney Film Festival and look forward to celebrating this milestone at one of Australia’s most iconic cultural platforms for screen culture.
About Screen Vixens
Screen Vixens is Australia’s professional community for women independent screen producers, dedicated to advancing gender equity through connection, professional development and peer support.
Website: www.screenvixens.com
About WIFT NSW
WIFT NSW is part of Women in Film and Television Australia, Australia’s peak advocacy body for women and gender-diverse screen practitioners. WIFT NSW supports practitioners through mentorship, professional development, access to industry networks, events and leadership pathways.
Website: https://www.wiftaustralia.org.au/
