Navigating the Film Festival Circuit: Strategy & Planning

Wednesday, June 3 | 6:30–8:00 PM (Virtual)

Description:
Kick off this two-part WIFVNE series with an essential conversation designed to help filmmakers approach the festival circuit with clarity and intention. Featuring festival experts and seasoned filmmakers, this session dives into how to strategically plan your festival run—what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to turn screenings into real momentum.

We’ll explore:

• Choosing the right festivals for your film
• What makes a submission stand out
• Common mistakes filmmakers make
• How to evaluate festival value and fit
• Building momentum and leveraging screenings toward distribution opportunities

Whether you’re preparing your first submission or refining your strategy, this session offers practical, actionable insights into what actually moves the needle for your film.

Pricing (per session):

$10 WIFVNE Members

$15 WIFT-US Members (email Membership@wifvne.org for CODE)

$20 Non-Member - Public

Location: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Navigating the Film Festival Circuit: Real Talk from Filmmakers

Wednesday, June 10 | 6:30–8:00 PM (Virtual)

Description:
Part two of WIFVNE’s festival series pulls back the curtain from the filmmaker’s perspective. You’ve built your festival strategy—now hear from filmmakers who’ve lived it. This candid, straight-talking conversation explores the realities of the festival circuit: the wins, the disappointments, and everything in between.

You’ll learn how to spot red flags, make smarter submission decisions, and focus your budget on festivals that truly support your work. From costly missteps to worthwhile opportunities, this session will help you navigate the festival landscape with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Pricing (per session):
$10 WIFVNE Members | $15 WIFT-US Members | $20 General Public

Location: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration

Cast Yourself: Using Independent Filmmaking
Tuesday June 16th at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Eastern
 On Zoom

The actors building real momentum right now aren't just waiting to be discovered. They're making films. Cast Yourself is a workshop for actors who are ready to do the same. In a friendly, collaborative environment, you'll discover the project idea that's right for you and leave with a real creative vision and the confidence to actually pursue it. When you make your own work, everything changes.

Ticket Prices:

• WIFVNE Member: $10
• WIFT-US Member: $15
• Non-Member (public): $20

Register here: https://www.wifvne.org/event-6666078

Your host is WIFVNE Member Corrie Legge an actor, voiceover artist, creative productivity coach and all-around multi-passionate artist dedicated to the art of storytelling. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. As a coach, Corrie helps multi-passionate storytellers and performers overcome artistic blocks and see their creative dreams to fruition without sacrificing the holistically fulfilled life they deserve.

Learn more at her website.

WIFVNE and Brew

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 3:30–6:00 PM | Shannon View Inn, 1901 Post Rd, Warwick, RI | Free (cash bar)

Monthly Rhode Island networking event (every 3rd Wednesday) in partnership with RI Film Collaborative and RIC Film Society.

New location this month! Join WIFVNE for a casual and creative evening of conversation and connection at Shannon View Inn. Whether you're new to the scene or a seasoned pro, come unwind and connect in a welcoming, film-friendly atmosphere.

Open to all!

RSVP at wifvne.org

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE AT A NEW LOCATION GOING FORWARD.

In Person ONLY event ! 

June 25, 2026 | Vagrants | 6:00pm - 8:30pm

230 Somerville Ave, Somerville MA (Vagrants Office)

Ticket Price:

(Includes: Foods, Drinks, Networking, Panel, Q&A and more!)

Free Parking at the Target parking lot nearby

WIFVNE Member: $20

Non-Member (Public): $40

Seating is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

Join Women in Film & Video New England (WIFVNE) and Vagrants for Forget the Ad: Why the Best Brand Work Today Looks a Lot Like Film. The event explores how forward-thinking brands are embracing cinematic storytelling to connect with audiences in more authentic, emotionally resonant ways. 

This in-person event brings together marketers, producers, filmmakers and creative directors who are blurring the lines between branded content and film to create work that audiences actually want to watch.

We’ll kick off with networking (food & drinks), followed by a moderated panel and audience Q&A, and close with additional time to connect with fellow attendees.

• 6:00–6:30 pm – Networking and check-in

• 6:30–7:45 pm – Panel conversation + Q&A

• 7:45–8:30 pm – Networking and close

Attendance is capped at approximately 50 people, with a 50% discount for WIFVNE members.

Conversation Focus

This panel will dig into how brand work is evolving beyond the traditional advertisement toward richer, more narrative-driven content that looks and feels like film.

Panelists will discuss how they collaborate across marketing, production, and directing roles; what successful brand storytelling looks like today; and how filmmakers can navigate opportunities in this space.

Moderator and Confirmed Panelists

The discussion will be moderated by Kim Divincenzo, Lifestyle & Documentary Director, WIFVNE Board Member.

Confirmed panelists include:

• Whitney Bogosian (Producer, Arnold) – A producer working at the intersection of agencies, brands, and creative talent to bring complex campaigns to life.

• Sara Robin (Filmmaker, “Your Attention Please”) – A director and storyteller whose work exemplifies how cinematic craft can elevate branded and commissioned projects.

• Samantha Valletta (Director / Actor / Producer) – A multi-hyphenate creative bringing an on-camera and behind-the-camera perspective to brand-centered storytelling.

• Abby Peterson (Creative Director, Connelly Partners) – A creative leader shaping concept, tone, and narrative for campaigns that increasingly resemble short films.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for:

• Filmmakers and directors interested in branded content and creative partnerships with brands

• Producers and production professionals working with agencies, studios, or in-house brand teams

• Brand marketers and creative directors eager to collaborate more deeply with film talent

• WIFVNE members and the broader New England creative community curious about where advertising and filmmaking are heading next

You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how to position yourself in this evolving landscape, the language brands and agencies use when they talk about “film-like” work, and practical takeaways for your next collaboration.

WIFVNE Table Read Tuesdays are back for 2026! 
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 6:30PM

Table Read Tuesdays takes place monthly, spotlighting fresh voices in film and television and performed by WIFVNE member actors. Join us for these lively readings followed by a discussion with the writer.
Admission is $5 for the general public and free for WIFVNE members.
Reserve your spot and support emerging writers and performers in our community!

This week's Spotlight: x, Written by: x

Register here if you are a table read actor or want to enjoy listening in: https://www.wifvne.org/event-6552139

Interested in participating? WIFVNE members can submit scripts or sign up to be a reader by emailing tablereads@wifvne.org.