The Women’s Film Festival is a forum that inspires and cultivates a movement to celebrate and unite the power of women and self-identifying women in the film and entertainment industry.
“There’s a need for a festival that affords women of any background the chance to be showcased in a truly empowering light.”
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
In October 2014, two strangers chatted about film in the bathroom of a West Philly restaurant. Phuong Nguyen (co-founder), a veteran of the Asian American Film Festival, and Layne Marie Williams (co-founder), a University of the Arts grad, exchanged business cards and went their separate ways.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the course of the following months, Nguyen and Williams constructed a powerhouse team of pioneering women and front-footed male allies. Thus, The Women’s Film Festival was born. We aim to create artistic platforms for the presentation of work by and about women, our marquee annual event being The Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia, PA. The festival draws audience members from all over the region, as well as filmmakers, poets, activists, inventors, actors, designers, and artists of every discipline who embrace the power of female expression. The Women’s Film Festival encourages and supports women of all backgrounds to embrace leading roles in front of and behind the camera.
The Women’s Film Festival is an annual festival during Women’s History Month in March that showcases work made by and/or about women. The Women’s Film Festival is the only event of its kind in Philadelphia that celebrates and elevates women in film and television.
Since October 2014, The Women’s Film Festival has presented hundreds of culturally relevant films and exciting programming to broad and diverse audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region. Main venues include the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, Prince Theater, Caplan Theater at the University of the Arts, and the Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square.
Contact us at mail@thewomensfilmfestival.org to learn more
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you!
Meet our team
Our dedicated team brings together a wide range of professionals and passionate individuals — from experienced filmmakers and creative artists to skilled organizers and community advocates — all working together to make the festival a success.
Phuong Nguyen
Co-Founder & CEO
Dafna Yachin
Screening Committee
Suzi Nash
Creative & Programming Director
Nayelli Rios
Administration
Sabrina Apollon-Henry
Guest Coordinator & Screening Committee
STARFIRE
MC
Amanda Johnson
Screening Committee
We’ve partnered with some of the best community organizations and companies
FAQs
What is The Women’s Film Festival?
The Women’s Film Festival (TWFF) is an annual event in Philadelphia that celebrates and amplifies the voices of women and self-identifying women filmmakers through powerful storytelling and community engagement.
When and where does the festival take place?
The festival is held annually in Philadelphia, PA. Venues, dates, and schedules vary each year — please check our official schedule or follow us on social media for the latest updates.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online through our official website once the schedule is announced. We also offer festival passes, individual screening tickets, and discounts for students and seniors.
Who can submit a film?
Submissions are open to all filmmakers, but the work must center on women’s stories or be directed, written, or produced by women or self-identifying women creators. We welcome a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives.
thewomensfilmfestival.org 