Contributed by WIFVNE member Alyson Muzila

Filmmakers, writers, actors, and producers were just some members of the film industry in New England that gathered Oct. 20-23 at the fifth Mystic Film Festival in Mystic, CT and Westerly, RI. A wide variety of films were screened at various locations, and workshops and panels added to the high value of the accessible and down-to earth festival.

WIFVNE sponsored a Women in Comedy Short Films block followed by a Q&A panel on Saturday. The event was kicked off by local comedian Emily Siero, followed by a tribute to well-known comedian and Connecticut native Ruth Buzzi (of Laugh-In fame), who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Four short films then screened, and WIFVNE president Sharon Contillo hosted the Q&A with the filmmakers in front of a full audience at the La Grua Center. Finally, audience members and festival goers, a number who are WIFVNE members from New England states, had ample time to network and connect.

It was a highly successful event, and WIFVNE looks forward to additional opportunities to showcase its local filmmakers and offer networking with film festival partners.