by FilmInk Staff
More than 50 women, allies and gender-diverse screen practitioners came together in Adelaide for an evening celebrating connection, community and Australian screen stories.
Screen Vixens and Women in Film and Television South Australia (WIFT SA) brought together more than 50 women, allies and gender-diverse screen practitioners for the inaugural Women in Screen Drinks in Adelaide, held during Adelaide Film Festival.
Hosted at The Howling Owl, an Adelaide Film Festival venue partner, the event welcomed practitioners from across South Australia’s screen industry for an evening of connection, conversation and community. The Women in Screen event is a welcoming and all-inclusive space with aims to forge new connections, strengthen existing relationships and celebrate the people and stories shaping Australian screen culture.
The gathering also supported the Australian premiere of The Forbidden Aunt (2026), a feature-length documentary written, directed and filmed by Serbian-Australian filmmaker Bojana Novaković, and produced by Screen Vixens member Danielle Redford.
Screen Vixens founder Leonie Marsh said: “I’ve long admired the South Australian screen community from afar, and with so many OG Vixens based in Adelaide, it was an absolute delight to finally be there in person and receive such a warm welcome. As our industry becomes increasingly shaped by AI and digital connection, I believe it’s more important than ever that we create opportunities to come together in real life, build relationships and strengthen our professional networks. Our Women in Screen Drinks are about bringing people together across the sector, and partnering with like-minded organisations such as WIFT SA makes those connections even stronger. I’m so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make our first Adelaide gathering so special.”
South Australian representative for WIFT SA Sarah Lancaster said: ‘We are delighted to collaborate with Screen Vixens and create a new annual event for Women in Screen in Adelaide. With enormous thanks to Screen Vixens founder Leone Marsh and WIFT Australia Chair Leanne Tonkes for travelling to SA for our inaugural gathering, and to the Adelaide Film Festival for hosting us during this year’s program of fabulous film and industry events. South Australia’s wealth of screen talent is on display right across the festival and WIFT SA congratulates all members and female filmmakers showcasing new work this year.’
With a dynamic and passionate screen community across Adelaide and South Australia, Screen Vixens and WIFT SA look forward to creating more opportunities for women and gender-diverse screen practitioners to come together in person, share ideas, learn through collaboration, create new work and celebrate female-led screen stories.
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/
