For the womaniya

Guneet Monga Kapoor on leading Women In Film’s India Chapter and advocating gender equality in the entertainment industry

There is no better moment for Women In Film (WIF), Los Angeles, to announce the launch of its India chapter than at the Cannes Film Festival. This initiative is part of the worldwide Women In Film and Television International (WIFTI) network, which is dedicated to promoting gender equality in the film industry.

“The Women in Films International Summit in Helsinki in September 2023 motivated me to create a similar peer group in India, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their contributions are recognised,” said Guneet Monga Kapoor, who will lead the India chapter. WIF: India’s mission is to achieve parity and provide opportunities for women pursuing careers in the screen industries. To support its programming, an advisory council of industry leaders from across India will be established. The chapter will focus on research, mentorship, and creative labs for women filmmakers. Although WIF: India will operate independently, it will collaborate with the Los Angeles-based WIF.

Monga points out that despite the progressive times, comprehensive studies like the O Womaniya—a 2023 report by Ormax Media suggests that there is still a lack of gender diversity across key filmmaking departments; “only 12 per cent of head of department positions are occupied by women out of the 156 films that were studied. WIF: India Chapter is dedicated to championing gender equity in our industry,” she said before sharing her experience at the Asian University for Women in Japan’s annual fundraising event. “Together, we raised enough scholarships to support 29 young women on their educational journeys. Additionally, we raised ¥2.5 million for an immersive experience in Indian cinema. This will fund a trip to Mumbai, where these women can spend a day at Sikhya [Monga’s production house] and visit our film sets.” Believing that the step will not only empower women but will also give them opportunities. She said, “When women are alone in big boardrooms, how we represent each other, actually defines us. We are not each other’s competitors. We are each other’s companions. If one woman breaks open a door, she makes way for 10 more.”

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