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International Women's Day screening

International Women's Day screening brought to you by Women in Film and Television Victoria and Deakin University.

"I need to have my hands on the DNA of a film". Kathryn Bigalow

A special evening for staff and students of Deakin University who work hard in bringing stories to life was staged on Thursday the 12th of March, 2015 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square as part of International Women's Day.  Ten female filmmakers from Deakin University who have graduated were showcased in collaboration with WIFT Vic to showcase the talent of women in the film and television industry and to celebrate the achievements of these women.  A Wiftvic is a membership based non-profit organisation made up of women who are either working or wanting to work in the film and television industry.
 WIFT's aim is to encourage and support women already working in the industry and to also assist more women get into the industry, in particular areas where women are under-represented.

To have a voice on screen that touches audiences, locally, nationally and Internationally is a unique feat in itself.  'Make it Happen' is the overall 2015 theme for International Women's day, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women around the globe at a time when women are still questioning why wages are not equal, or domestic violence is still an occurance...and closer to home why female directors are not equally represented. Events, such as this one,  send a powerful message to all women, that together and with appropriate support, women can generate confidence to make the changes they so desire. 


When this idea was first suggested to Deakin University there was nothing but enthusiasm for this event, clearly indicating that their graduates are an important extension to their philosophical and nurturing outlook on learning.  Having studied at Deakin University there are a few words that I always use to describe the general feel of the University, innovative, diverse, and all-inclusive.  Testament then, as to the high calibre of films that were showcased on Thursday night by filmmakers that had the opportunity to be supported whilst at Deakin to create films that are timeless in quality.  Nadia Tass, esteemed filmmaker and new Adjunct Professor at Deakin University was one of the key note speakers alongside Professor Brenda Cherednichenko, Pro Vice- Chancellor, Faculty of Arts and Education.  I moderated the panel discussion and I noted that the one important theme that was raised throughout the discussion was the opportunity that Deakin University has provided for women to make films, but also to help forge the professional networks and relationships that have been imperative for their future careers in the film and television industry.



The filmmakers that showed their films were as follows: Sandi Austin, Mr Wasinski's Song, 2001, Rachel Wilson, Trapped II, Quiche, Escapes, 1992, Emma Sullivan, The Beginning of the End, 2014, Fiona Eagger & Elisa Argenzio, The Gorilla of Africa, 1994,  Fiona Eagger, The Seal, 1994, Cristina Pozzan, Miles of Music, 1985, Message to my girl, 1984, Taryn Logan, Microwave Minute, 2014, Sheersha Perera, She, 2008, Jessica Batsas, How to Desexualise a Woman's Image on the Screen, 2014, Maria Theodorakis, Car Lady and Bike Girl, 2006.

I want to congratulate all the Deakin Alumni filmmakers, Deakin University staff, WIFT board members and WIFT members alike who all collaborated in making this screening a success.  I can't imagine a world without film, and for someone who also makes films,  I can't imagine not having my hands on the DNA of a film, constantly and daily.










Stella Dimadis
March 2015.

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