Women in Film and Television

Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV) — Elevating Women in Screen Media

Women in Film & Television Vancouver (WIFTV)—now evolving into the Gender Equity in Media Society (GEMS)—is a Vancouver-based non-profit society founded in 1989. As one of the 35 global chapters of WIFTI, it empowers women and gender-diverse creators in screen-based media through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive programming.

What They Do:

Professional Development That Works: WIFTV’s early Producer’s Workshop jumpstarted many careers and produced the Producer’s Workbook, now part of Vancouver Film School’s curriculum.

Breaking Barriers: In 2006, they launched the Annual Vancouver Women in Film Festival—one of only three Canadian festivals spotlighting women filmmakers—boosting visibility and opportunities in Western Canada.

Emerging TV Producers Program: The six-month initiative upskills women and gender-diverse creators with mentorship, strategy, and practical tools to succeed in the TV industry.

Why It Matters:

Despite being nearly 4% of feature-film directors and just 11–13% of writers/editors, women are underrepresented in the field. WIFTV combats this through education, advocacy, and visibility-building initiatives.

Name, Meet Action:
Today, WIFTV operates as GEMS—Gender Equity in Media Society—incorporated in the same year, continuing the mission to dismantle systemic barriers in funding, hiring, and promotion. Their wide-access programs, including GEM Fest and mentorship opportunities, reflect this evolution.

Core Impact Pillars:

Mentorship and Training: Accessible workshops and labs like Genre Film Lab and industry mentorship push creators forward.

Showcasing Talent: GEMS’ GEM Fest celebrates women and gender-diverse voices through screenings, panels, and networking.

Building Community: Whether you’re makers or allies, WIFTV/GEMS brings everyone into the conversation to reshape the media landscape.