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VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: D.C. TRIP
Last month Vice President of WIFT NSW, Aisha Amjad, was invited to Washington DC to participate in an interfaith conference.
 While she was there, she had the chance to catch up with the then President of Women in Film and Video D.C Mary May and also had the opportunity to attend an event – the special trailer screening of a documentary called Ageless.
Ageless, a critique on America’s attitudes towards women and ageing, was inspired by the Director, Heather Gwaltney’s own struggle with aging and how she and people she spoke to were reacting to ageism and sexism in current media and advertising. “The media programs women that they are never young enough, sexy enough or good enough,” says Gwaltney, now 40. “And although use of the media this way is normalized, it’s rarely discussed openly and on public platforms…It’s almost as if women talk about aging, they will have to admit that they are in fact aging.”
Subject matter expert, Donna Wagner, Professor of Gerontology, says in the film that women in her cohort (Baby Boomers) “are addressing ageism in a personal way by denying their own aging.” Gwaltney, also a former Adjunct Professor, adds, “But it’s not just about middle aged women. Former students of mine have told me that they ‘are feeling this in their 20’s’.” Bekah, another woman featured in the documentary, states, “It seems that there’s almost a war, an all out attack, against aging and showing any signs of it.”
Gwaltney is using this documentary to entertain, educate and advocate by distributing the movie for public use, as well as, use in the classroom and within advocacy organizations. Her hope is that by watching the documentary, women will “own their aging” and hold the media accountable for representing women in realistic ways. Most importantly, it’s intended to inform and inspire women of all ages.
 Here Aisha speaks about her experience meeting with Women in Film and Video DC President Mary May and its members, as well as the Director of the documentary Heather Gwaltney:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to see how our sister chapter in D.C operates and the fantastic work they are doing in supporting women, organising events and creating strong networks. I was impressed by their collaboration with like-minded women’s organisations such as ‘Femcity’. Femcity DC is about innovatively connecting ambitious women in Washington DC and celebrates the power of women. Its aim is to unite, inspire and empower women by supporting worthy causes through innovative means.
I hope to be able to implement some of those initiatives here, and look forward to meeting with our WIFT NSW members about the exciting times ahead and hopefully steering our organisation into a new direction. As WIFT NSW celebrates its 30th year, we can reflect on the past, but also re-engage and reinvigorate as we go forward. I also look forward to forging new and constructive partnerships with more international chapters so that we may benefit from a local and global outlook on promoting the participation of women in film, Tv and media in general.
 On June 7, I was invited to attend a joint event by FemCity and Women in Film and Video D.C, which was a special screening of the Ageless trailer and a Q&A with the Director, Heather Gwaltney.
If you watched Miss Representation last year, this is kind of like the sequel, but addressing Ageing and Ageism in America.
While I was shocked to hear and see how prevalent Ageism is over there, I thought how relevant the movie is in addressing this as a global issue. In fact even in Australia, the media has been blamed for creating a type of discrimination based on age as well as sex, as we have seen over the last couple of weeks with Melissa Doyle’s departure from Sunrise amid speculation viewers (mostly male) found her colleague at Channel 7, Samantha Armytage more attractive.
Mark Twain once wrote, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” However what the documentary shows is that increasingly Age does matter, and people do mind as you age, particularly in the public eye.
The documentary however is also a celebration of women of many ages and generations, who have shunned the media’s definition of beauty and embraced ageing with wisdom, humour, humility and style!
I cannot wait for the documentary to come out here, which is slated for a 2014 release, and stay tuned for details as we hope to screen it here in Australia. To find out more about this documentary you can visit the website: www.agelessthemovie.com
As the documentary ends on a positive note, so too do I want to end with a positive message, particularly in light of the debate about sexism and ageing in Australian media recently:
There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.
–Sophia Loren
Aisha Amjad
Vice President, WIFT NSW
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WIFT NSW is on a Volunteer Run - and we need you!
Are you interested in getting more involved? Please contact our volunteer coordinator with your areas of interest to find out more. Upcoming opportunities for volunteers include:
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WOW Film Festival - call for entries for the 20th WOW Festival is around the corner and we are looking for a variety of people with various skill sets, from organisation and event management, to graphic design, social media and publicity and we're always looking for general hands on. The WOW team is vibrant, fun and provides a sensational experience in film festivals. Join us today!
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SMPTE Expo - WIFT NSW has been partnering with Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) since 2009 and we're super excited by this years' Expo. Volunteering with us for the Expo is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and be part of the Expo.
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Yamba, NSW - 27, 28 and 29 July 2013 -
Clarence Valley Women's Inc. & Yamba Cinema
We're very excited to partner with the Clarence Valley Women's Inc and the Yamba Cinema to bring you a selection of short films from the 18th WOW Film Festival. Don't miss it!
Yamba Cinema, 13 Coldstream St, Yamba NSW 2464 | (02) 6646 3430 | Times to be confirmed. Check the website for details.
20th WOW FESTIVAL
The World of Women - WOW Film Festival is a short film festival that promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers in the Australian film industry and internationally. It is a festival that offers emerging and established filmmakers the opportunity to screen short works giving a thematic perspective of ... “seeing the world through the eyes of women”. We will be announcing call for entries very soon! Watch this space!
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+ William Roberts Lawyers' Media & Creative Arts
+ SMPTE Expo
+ Women in Film, TV & the Arts
+ AFTRS Short Courses *discounts for WIFT members*
+ Metroscreen's Upcoming Projects
WILLIAM ROBERTS LAWYERS' MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTS SERIES
23 July 2013, 4:45pm | L22, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney
Join William Roberts Lawyers for the William Roberts Lawyers’ Media and Creative Arts Series with:
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The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts
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The Hon. David Bradbury MP, Assistant Treasurer
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Adam Flynn, Principal Legal Counsel at National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
The series will provide you with legal updates and insights into the constantly evolving areas of media and creative arts law. Check the flyer for details.
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DATE |
23 July 2013 |
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TIME |
4.45pm |
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VENUE |
William Roberts Lawyers
Level 22, 66 Goulburn Street
Sydney NSW 2000 |
RSVP essential as places are limited. RSVP now to reserve your spot by emailing info@wiftnsw.org.au.
SMPTE EXPO 2013
23-26 July 2013 | Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
 The Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE)'s biennial Conference and Exhibition is the pre-eminent event for suppliers, technologists and content creators in the motion-imaging, sound and broadcast industries. Maintain your competitive edge through exposure to the latest technologies, workflows and creative tools; and through ideas, key trends and case studies in the Conference programme.
Exhibitors represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including showings from the sectors of Acquisition & Production, Post-Production, Management & Systems, Delivery & Distribution, Telecommunications, Displays, Content & Programming, Radio and Industry Resources.
Visitors are drawn from all segments of the industry encompassing the traditional industries: television, motion picture and film, broadcast and video production, plus emerging new technologies.
SMPTE is a must-attend event for your 2013 calendar. Check the website for details.
Engineer your success by being part of this exciting industry event!
WOMEN IN FILM, TV & THE ARTS
30 July 2013, 6:30pm-8:30pm | ACS, 26 Ridge St North Syd
 You are invited to an exclusive event with Australian Author Alison Nancye. Her new novel "Note to Self" was picked up by a publisher in New York and after successfully touring in U.S.A. throughout June where "Eat Pay Love" Author Elizabeth Gilbert has already given her a plug, Producers in L.A. are now in talks about turning Alison’s novel into a feature film.
The evening includes:
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Signed copy of novel “NOTE TO SELF”.
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Author Talk & Q & A. Hear Alison’s incredible personal story of what she overcame to create great success in the American market in arts & entertainment. Ask your own important questions.
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NOTE TO SELF dreaming workshop where attendees will be led on a journey by Alison Nancye to connect with your own important ‘notes
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self’ in your career and life overall.
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Drinks & Door Prizes.
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Great Opportunity to Network & Share Stories.
What: Inspiring Event & Workshop:
Women in Film, Television & Arts
When: Tuesday, 30 July, 2013, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: ACS HQ, Level 2, 26 Ridge Street North Sydney
Cost: $49
Places are limited. To reserve your tickets, contact
Toni Elford, Agent: toni@alisonnancye.com or 0414956983.
Check out the flyer here.
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FILM & TV SHORT COURSES @ AFTRS OPEN
***All WIFT NSW members are eligible for a 10% industry discount***
 We have lots of great new courses for Writers, Directors, Producers, Cinematographers plus even Production Stills photographers. Courses include: INTRO TO SCREENWRITING in August, WRITING FOR TV (Part 2): FROM CONCEPT TO SCRIPT and SCREENWRITING FOR FILM. If you want to write for TV also check out the new PILOT DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WITH ELLEN SANDLER plus BEYOND THE TV WRITERS STUDIO as well as WRITING FOR FACTUAL TV and BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS. Caroline Spencer teachers CHALLENGE PRODUCING at the end of July. Aspiring directors shouldn’t miss ADG Approved THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, for Cinematographers there’s MODERN CINEMATOGRAPHY with Ellery Ryan, Rodney Witham will teach you all you need to know about PRODUCING ANIMATION and Alina Gozin’a’s unique PRODUCTION STILLS MASTERCLASS returns in September.
All WIFT members are eligible to a 10% industry discount.
For a full list of AFTRS OPEN current courses visit: www.open.aftrs.edu.au | Booking and queries: 1300 065 281| open@aftrs.edu.au
METROSCREEN'S UPCOMING PROJECTS
Indigenous Information Session
6 August 2013, 6:30pm | Paddington Town Hall, NSW
 Are you Indigenous and want to work in film or TV? Metro Screen is offering free short courses, scholarships, story development, digital and film funding and special documentary funding for broadcast with NITV for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s. RSVP to the free Info Session 6 Aug to find out how we can give you a head start. Find out more.
The Storyworlds Seminar
9 August 2013, 1:30pm | Paddington Town Hall, NSW
 Expert panel at Storyworld Seminar on 9 August will walk you through how to develop, produce and gain investment for interactive multiplatform stories. With lots of case studies including: ‘Precinct 13 for NBC/Universal’ and ‘Storm Surfers’ plus funding body reps will provide valuable insider insights. Buy a ticket if you are working or aspiring to work in the interactive multiplatform arena, just $25 or $20 with a group of five or more. Find out more.
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+ Natalie Miller Fellowship Applications Open
+ Australian Independent Music Video Awards
+ LA Femme Film Festival
+ Athena Film Festival
NATALIE MILLER FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications close 16 September 2013
 Applications for the 2013 Natalie Miller Fellowship grant of $10,000 opened on Monday, July 1, 2013. The grant provides financial assistance to women working in the screen industries, to pursue professional development in their fields through attachments, internships, secondments, travel and other means.
The NMFellowship is open to Australian women working in the screen industry who have demonstrated initiative, entrepreneurship, excellence and the potential to inspire and provide leadership. While the grant is not available for production investment, the Fellowship encourages applications from producers, distributors, exhibitors, businesswomen, entrepreneurs and others.
All applications for the NMFellowship must be received by 5pm on Monday, 16 September and the recipient will be announced in November, 2013.
For guidelines and an application form visit the website: www.nataliemillerfellowship.com
For all media enquiries about the Natalie Miller Fellowship, contact:
T: 02 8399 0626
E: info@nixco.com.au
About the Natalie Miller Fellowship
The Natalie Miller Fellowship was founded in recognition of the unique contribution of Natalie Miller AO, OAM, an inspiring mentor and role model who continues to make an enormous contribution to film distribution, exhibition and production.
The Natalie Miller Fellowship is funded from private donations made to the Natalie Miller Fellowship Endowment Fund and through the generous support of Film Victoria.
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AUST. INDEPENDENT MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Entries Close 31 July 2013
 The Australian Independent Music Video Awards are undertaken to provide recognition and incentive to filmmakers and musicians creating original new works. Now into their second decade, the Awards are one of the few truly independent music video awards that is not owned/controlled by media or corporate entities and of growing world recognition. Read more
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LA FEMME FILM FESTIVAL
Entries close: 16 July (Late), 16 August (Extended), 23 August (I Forgot)
 LA Femme Film Festival will support and nurture the artistic entertainment productions of women for the benefit of an international and domestic audience. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and sexually diverse Festival devoted to women in key positions of film productions internationally. A woman needs to be involved in one of the three film positions: Director, Producer, Writer. Submit via WAB.
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ATHENA FILM FESTIVAL
Entries Close: 15 September 2013
 Films have power. They create conversation. They reveal truths. They inspire. But for far too long, Hollywood has told only half the story: what is missing are the stories of women as change agents and heroes in their own right. The Festival aims to expand the definition of what it means to be a female leader, highlighting the many ways that women can and do make a difference. Submissions for documentaries, features and shorts are now open and are being accepted until September 15. Check the website for details.
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