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Our membership is growing, particularly in the last few years, due in part to the fact that the New York entertainment industry is growing. There are more productions, expanded tax incentives, and therefore more opportunities. The women that work in the NY industry are often the only woman in the room, be it in an office or on set. NYWIFT provides an oasis for them. It’s a place where they can come to a networking party or panel and be surrounded by like-minded women who understand the challenges of being that lone woman alongside the boys. We have created a supportive community – our members can not only network, grow professionally, and find job opportunities among one another, but they have a unique opportunity to commiserate and join forces. It’s a “safe space.” Plus, we have some members who are guys, and it’s great to have them in the room listening and offering support as well, so it feels less like “us” against “them” and we can focus on moving forward together.
Participants in the 2017 Production Workshop for First-Generation and Immigrant Women at Maspeth Town Hall, presented by NYWIFT in collaboration with Third World Newsreel as part of NYWIFT’s Women Filmmakers: Immigrant Stories series. Photo: Easmanie Michel
NYWIFT members at NYWIFT Designing Women, 2015. Photo: Rowena Husbands
HERS • SUMMER 2017 | 55