Back at Cannes in 2025, I had the incredible pleasure of announcing the education partnership between Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) and Stage 32… and I’ve been thinking about that moment ever since.

Being on the ground, surrounded by filmmakers from every corner of the world, I was struck by just how aligned our communities are. The impact of both organisations, side by side, felt genuinely powerful. Not symbolic. Not aspirational. Real.

Coming all the way from Australia, these moments of in-person connection are rare and deeply meaningful. We so often work across time zones, screens, and borders that when we do gather physically, it reminds us why we do this in the first place.

If I cast my mind back to my earliest ambitions as a filmmaker, I realise something hasn’t changed: I have always wanted to connect globally. I studied at Cal State Long Beach (**cough**20 years ago**cough**) and have made a conscious effort throughout my career to remain in conversation with international creatives, because I truly believe the work we do transcends borders. Storytelling, at its best, speaks to anyone, anywhere.

When the world shut down, like so many others, I was searching for connection and momentum, which is when I discovered Stage 32. I was delighted to be able to use the platform not only for networking but also for education. And when Stage 32 launched their certification programs, I jumped at the opportunity to complete my Line Producing certification.

So naturally, I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to help spearhead a partnership conversation between WIFTI and Stage 32.

I joined WIFT Victoria and WIFT Australia early in my filmmaking journey. It mattered to me to be connected to other women who believed in celebrating one another and championing one another. My first experience of WIFT International was at the Summit in Auckland, followed by an event called The Power of Inclusion. It was there that something crystallised for me.

This wasn’t rhetoric for the sake of it.

This was collective action that rallied for systemic change.

A group of like-minded people working toward a world where equality is the standard and not the exception.

And it was intoxicating.

That experience continues to shape how I show up, both at home and on the global stage. I’m deeply proud to be an active, meaningful member of WIFT within my local community while also contributing to its international vision. As a producer, my mission has always been to create work and working environments that are collaborative, equitable, and grounded in respect (and fantastic vibes!). Serving under the WIFT banner allows me to extend that practice beyond individual projects and into the broader industry by advocating for sustainable change while championing the voices of women and underrepresented creatives worldwide.

Fast forward, and I’m proud to say that I serve as President of WIFT Victoria and as Australia’s representative on the WIFT International Board. And right now, we are deep in preparation for our next major global gathering: the WIFTI Summit in Ireland, taking place 4–7 February, ahead of the European Film Market in Berlin.

The Summit brings together filmmakers, producers, executives, creatives, and advocates from around the world to share experiences, challenge norms, and build tangible pathways forward. It is a space for conversation and action.

And this is where the WIFTI x Stage 32 partnership truly comes alive.

This collaboration is about education without borders and meeting people where they are, while inviting them into a larger global conversation. One of the things that excites me most about the WIFTI x Stage 32 partnership is how tangible and accessible it is. It has been designed to support and empower creatives wherever they are in the world, and by becoming a member of your local WIFT chapter, you’re not only connecting with a community in your own region, you’re gaining access to a global ecosystem of opportunity.

Each month, I’ll be sharing what’s happening across WIFT International chapters worldwide, reflecting on my own practice as a producer, spotlighting initiatives that are creating real change, and opening up conversations around how we can grow together.

This partnership is an open invitation. Whether you’re engaging with Stage 32 for education and connection, considering joining your local WIFT chapter, or thinking about attending the WIFTI Summit in Ireland, please know that everyone is welcome.

I’m so excited about what we’re building together, and I can’t wait to continue the conversation. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a place for you in a global filmmaking community, I can say this with absolute certainty: there is.

Yours in film, Lauren

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