Great news and another major step that empowers women in the filmmaking industry. The Worldwide Women’s Film Festival (WWFF) announces Panavision as the primary sponsor for the Best Cinematography prize. The winner will be awarded a camera package valued at $60,000 from Panavision.

Women in the motion picture industry

Let’s admit it. The majority of the filmmakers are men. It doesn’t matter which segment. It could be cinematography, directing, or post. Most of the professionals in the motion picture are men. However, recently, we start seeing significant progress of women participating in the process of filmmaking, which is excellent. For instance, we wrote about the first film shot on Fujinon’s PREMISTA large format lens, Rhinestone Blue, which was directed by Aisha Schliessler (daughter of Tobias Schliessler, ASC). Furthermore, we are all familiar with the stunning film, Zero Dark Thirty, directed by Kathryn Bigelow.  However, there is still a strong need for encouraging women to take more critical roles in this industry.

Panavision as a significant supporter for Women in the filmmaking industry

Panavision, a motion picture technology company, led by CEO Kimberly Snyder, is a good reference for how to support women to become an essential part of the filmmaking closed guilds. The company has been contributing to the effort of integrating women in the motion picture industry for a long time. This effort includes the sponsorships to many initiatives that motivate women to take a fundamental part in the filmmaking world. 

Furthermore, ForbesWomen has reported the partnership pf Panavision and Moms-in-Film. The last is a non-profit organization founded to energize the career of mothers and parents in film and television by providing community, funding, and advocacy. According to Snyder, the partnership’s goal is to support moms and parents across the business, who are juggling a demanding career in filmmaking, while caring for their family.

Panavision and Worldwide Women’s Film Festival (WWFF)

Yesterday, Panavision announced that it would donate a Platinum camera package valued at $60,000 to the winner of the “Best Cinematography presented by Panavision” award for the 2020 Worldwide Women’s Film Festival (WWFF).

I am so excited that Panavision has agreed to provide this tremendous award…In addition to this recognition and support, we are super-thrilled that Panavision will be participating at the festival to present the award

WWFF co-founder Eva Louis

The Worldwide Women’s Film Festival educates, supports, and empowers women in the collaborative endeavor of filmmaking while we shine a light on women’s stories and diverse experiences.

“I am so excited that Panavision has agreed to provide this tremendous award,” says WWFF co-founder Eva Louis. “In addition to this recognition and support, we are super-thrilled that Panavision will be participating at the festival to present the award.”

“Panavision joins WWFF in championing the many creative and leadership roles women contribute toward the films showcased in this festival,” says Panavision Marketing Executive Mike Carter. “We are pleased this award will be used to help support another independent filmmaker to achieve their vision.”

The festival, now in its third year, is open for submissions through Oct. 31 to feature-length and short films with a woman in at least one key creative role of writer, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and composer. There are 26 award categories, including best feature, short, documentary feature, cinematography, visual effects, original music score, sci-fi, web series, audience awards, and more.

We are pleased this award will be used to help support another independent filmmaker to achieve their vision

Panavision Marketing Executive Mike Carter

The entire festival runs Feb. 7-9, 2020, at the Harkins Shea 14 Theatres, 7354 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale, AZ.

Final thoughts

It’s wonderful to explore women making significant progress and break the glass ceiling regarding the filmmaking industry. In 2017 Nancy Schreiber ASC became the first woman to receive the ASC president award (see picture above), which opened the door for other women to dream and do what they desire the most: making films. Initiatives like the WWFF, combined with a strong back of industry leaders, will promise the right progress needed for integrating women in all filmmaking industry segments and disciplines.

The submission deadline of the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival (WWFF) is October 31, 2019.

Submit your films at www.wwfilmfestival.com, and you might win the $60,000 camera package from Panavision.