Women's Voices Now

Women's Voices Now Women’s Voices Now uses film to drive positive social change that advances girls’ and women’s rights globally.
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At Women’s Voices Now, we challenge perceptions and stereotypes that limit the advancement of women and girls around the world. Using the power of film, we contribute to a culture shift that supports consistent and sustainable progress toward gender equality. We do so through our WVN online Film Festival, our youth development program Girls' Voices Now and our free online Film Collection.

06/03/2026

If you couldn’t join us during this year’s festival, the Awards Ceremony is now available to watch online — bringing together the culmination of this year’s films, conversations, and recognitions. 🎬

The ceremony celebrated our festival winners across categories, honoring the filmmakers whose work stood out for their storytelling, impact, and vision.

We also presented the Women Making Waves Award to Carmen Marquez, recognizing her contributions as a journalist and storyteller dedicated to bringing important, underrepresented stories to wider audiences.

From category winners to special honors, the evening reflected the heart of the festival — uplifting powerful voices and the work shaping the future of documentary film.

▶️ Watch the full Awards Ceremony on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ds5yfgvvJA

06/01/2026

If you weren’t able to join us during the festival, you can still experience some of the conversations that shaped it. 🎬

This Industry Chat features Tal Harary and Shiran Milamdovsky Somech, moderated by Promira Banerjee, in a discussion on the responsible use of deepfakes in documentary filmmaking and how emerging technologies can support storytelling while maintaining integrity, transparency, and care.

The panel explores the evolving relationship between innovation and ethics in today’s film landscape, and what it means to use new tools responsibly in documentary work.

▶️ Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3BOl4idpc

05/29/2026

Some of the most meaningful moments from this year’s festival happened through conversation. 🎬

Our Jury Panel brought together voices from across the film industry to discuss storytelling, the filmmaking process, and the importance of supporting independent cinema and diverse perspectives in film.

From creative insight to industry experience, this conversation offered an inspiring look into the power of film and the people helping shape its future.

Now you can watch the full panel discussion on our YouTube channel.

▶️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/zzD7rbEnyFQ?si=HB5L8xo5IiId94xb

05/27/2026

The festival may be over, but the conversation continues. 🎬

Our Festival Kickoff featuring Brit MacRae is now available to watch on YouTube.

As Co-Founder of KINO and part of the team behind *Undertone* — the independent horror film that turned a $500K budget into a breakout $19M box office success — Brit shared insight into independent filmmaking, pay equity, and the realities artists face within today’s entertainment industry.

These conversations don’t end when the festival does. We’re excited to continue sharing the voices, stories, and discussions that made this year’s festival so impactful.

▶️ Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/mV-Zpv1NtUM?si=3jq-Ii4awMX_21jA

Today, our European Liaison Vjosa Çerkini will be leading “Breaking Stereotypes,” an open workshop taking place in Vlora...
05/25/2026

Today, our European Liaison Vjosa Çerkini will be leading “Breaking Stereotypes,” an open workshop taking place in Vlora, Albania in collaboration with University Media Laboratory – Media Lab UNIVLORA.

This session is part of ongoing work led by Vjosa, whose practice centers on media, storytelling, and the ways public narratives shape perception across communities.

In this workshop, students are invited into a reflective space to think critically about how stereotypes are formed, reinforced, and challenged through media and language.

📍 University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”
📅 25 May 2026 | 11:00–13:00

For updates and more information, follow

05/22/2026

At the Cannes Film Festival, our European Liaison, Vjosa Cerkini, represented Women’s Voices Now at the Women Panel: What Our World Needs Now — a conversation focused on the tools, access, and industry structures needed to finance, produce, and sustain creative work.

Film is more than entertainment. It is a powerful vehicle for empathy, perspective, and change. When women and girls are behind the camera, new stories — and new possibilities — emerge.

Thank you to the partner organizations who
helped create space for these global conversations at Cannes. ✨

05/20/2026

As this year’s festival comes to a close, we want to share our deepest gratitude. To our filmmakers, thank you for trusting us with your stories and sharing them with honesty and care. To our jury and guest speakers, thank you for your time, insight, and presence in shaping this work. To our team 🤍 your dedication behind the scenes made every part of this festival possible.

And to our audience, thank you for showing up, watching, and holding space for these stories. These films exist because you engaged with them. The curtain may close, but the impact continues.

Extended access is available until May 27 at www.wvnfestival.com 🎬

Submissions for our 2027 film festival will open on August 1st. Stay tuned!

05/18/2026

This year’s festival brought together 39 films from around the world—each one sharing powerful stories of identity, resilience, and change.

From urgent social issues to deeply personal journeys, our filmmakers used storytelling to spark connection, conversation, and empathy.

We are so grateful to every filmmaker who shared their voice and helped build this global community.

✨ The festival is still available to watch until May 20 (Extended pass access is through May 27): www.wvnfestival.com

✨ You can also now view the 2026 Award Ceremony: https://wvnfestival.com/wvn2026/winnersp

Thank you for being part of this year’s festival. We can’t wait to continue this work with you.

Until next year 🤍

05/15/2026

🏆 The 2026 WVN Film Festival Award Winners have officially been announced.

This year, we were moved by stories filled with courage, tenderness, and truth—films that stay with you long after the screen fades. We’re deeply grateful to every filmmaker who shared their work with us and trusted us with their stories.

You can now learn more about each winning film and the awards they received, and continue watching them with a ticket before the festival closes on May 20 (May 27 with the extended pass).

✨ Discover the winners: wvnfestival.com/wvn2026/winners
🎟️ Get tickets: www.wvnfestival.com

There’s still a little time left to experience these stories—but only for a little while longer.

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