Prior to last November, I didn’t even know the WIFT International Summit existed. Now, after attending, I’m here to tell you why it needs to be your top priority.
The unofficial theme of that first evening at the Woodlands Hotel was, “Should I stay or should I go?” As we were greeted with drinks and appetizers, I realized a handful of the women I was connecting with had only decided to attend two weeks prior.
Why the hesitation? For many, it was the fear of the unknown. For me, it was that coupled with the hurdle of logistics. Having missed the early-bird rates, I was searching for a roommate to offset costs and have someone to debrief with after a long day. After three emails to the organizers with plenty of questions, I finally got the answer that solidified my “Yes”: “Someone is looking for a roommate.” My advice? Just go. Be all in.
Many of us arrived alone and from far away—some as far as Australia—but that solitude didn’t last long.
The Luxury of Time
We’ve all been to conferences where a crowd swarms the stage the moment a talk ends, everyone rushing to deliver a 30-second elevator pitch. This was different. The panelists didn’t just speak and vanish; they stayed for the full three days.
Because there was no rush, the stress lifted and conversation flowed naturally. I found myself chatting for hours at dinner tables or sharing the dance floor with industry leaders. We weren’t just “pitching”; we were relationship building. The experience was enriched by local Irish culture: learning the history of the original Irish Coffee, taking a private tour of Troy Studios in Limerick, and sharing long lunches in local pubs.
Industry Insights: What’s Coming Next
The Summit was a masterclass in the future of our medium, with panels that dove deep into the shifting landscape of the screen industries. We explored everything from Market to Audience: Getting Your Project Seen, to the rapid rise of verticals and micro-dramas. Understanding these mobile-first formats and distribution hurdles is essential for any creator looking at what is coming next in media.
Three Major Takeaways
- Track Your “No’s” to Find Your “Yes”: Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor shared a brilliant piece of advice: Start an Excel sheet to track every “No.” Eventually, you’ll see a statistical pattern of exactly how many asks it takes to get to a “Yes.” The “Best Yes” is always coming.
- Don’t Judge the Process: In a private conversation, Guneet told me: “Don’t judge the process.” We often torture ourselves wondering if we are doing it “wrong” or if it should look differently. This was a permission slip to trust my unique path—and actually enjoy it.
- The Table is for Sharing: After the summit, I stayed an extra night in Limerick on the River Shannon. Even while exhausted from three days that felt more like a supportive women’s camp than a stiff summit, a chance encounter in a museum shop led to a three-hour conversation over pizza with another attendee. It taught me that sometimes you are invited to the table because others need to meet you, just as much as you need to meet them.
Our Mission Until Next Time
The next WIFT Summit may be a while away, but we don’t need a conference to build our community. Starting today, let’s commit to lifting each other up. Introduce yourself to a new member, have that conversation, and if you are traveling for a shoot or a festival, reach out to the local WIFT chapter while you’re on the road.
Let’s help each other find that next “Best Yes” together.
About the Author
Becky Hellwig is an impact producer, notably for the documentary Thy Neighbor, and sits on the Board of Directors for Women’s Voices Now. A member of GIPA, WIFT Germany, and WIFV, she serves as a bridge for filmmakers navigating international partnerships and advocacy-driven engagement.
