FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WOMEN IN FILM AND TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES

NEW GRANT FOR WOMEN FILMMAKERS OR EMERGING WIFTI CHAPTERS

Applications are now being accepted for the

�WIFTI Devorah Foundation 2006 grant

Cannes, France.� At a reception hosted by Women in Film and TV, United Kingdom & Women In Film and Television International (WIFTI) at the 2006 Cannes International Film Festival, Founder of the WIFTI Devorah Foundation Ina Fichman announced the opening of applications for its 2006 grant.� An award of $1500 is given on an annual basis to support special projects, training, professional development and/or mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming women filmmakers and/or emerging WIFTI-member film and television communities around the world.� The deadline for applications is November 10, 2006.�� WIFTI is a global network of over 35 Women In Film and Television chapters worldwide, with more than 10,000 members on six continents.

WIFTI Devorah Foundation grants can be used for individual professional development� opportunities (including, but not limited to travel grants to attend festivals or workshops, mentorship opportunities, skills development, marketing expenses for films/videos from first-time filmmakers);� special projects to assist a group of women in an emerging film community (including, but not limited to training programs, special screenings); or for new/emerging Women in Film and Television chapters to assist in the launch and formation of their group (in this case priority will be given to chapters outside of North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand). The award is not meant to finance film or video projects. For more information about WIFTI and to access the online application form, go to http://www.wifti.org.

The first award recipient of the $1500 WIFTI Devorah Foundation grant� was announced during the closing ceremonies at the October/November 2005 WIFTI World Summit in Los Angeles, California - The new WIF chapter in Poland was the beneficiary of this first award.  The 2005 awards committee included NYWIFT President, Carey Graeber; WIFV Washington DC President, Doreen Blunt; WIFTI Board member Joan Beveridge, WFTV-UK; and WIFTI Devorah Foundation founder, Ina Fichman, Montreal.�� According to Malgorzata Radkiewicz ,PhD, of Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, the WIFTI Devorah Foundation grant was used to establish & organize the new WIFTI chapter in Poland: �Before getting the grant, we had to manage on our own.� Having the financial support form the WIFTI Devorah Foundation, we will be able to establish the Polish chapter officially.� There can be no doubt that the grant will be used for the great purpose which is establishing The WIFT Poland.�

ABOUT THE WIFTI DEVORAH FOUNDATION

Founded by former WIFTI Chair and TV/Film Producer Ina Fichman, the WIFTI Devorah Foundation is a tribute to her late Grandmother Deborah Tietolman who generously supported those in need with grace, dignity and compassion.� A fitting tribute to a worthy woman, the WIFTI Devorah Foundation helps other worthy women achieve their goals and dreams in our Industry

ABOUT WOMEN IN FILM AND TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

WIFTI is a global network comprised of over 35 Women In Film and Television chapters worldwide and more than 10,000 members.� All are dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video and other screen-based media.� To accomplish this goal, WIFTI provides networking and learning opportunities such as the biennial World Summit, scholarships, a film finishing fund, a presence at major worldwide film festivals, as well as offering help and encouragement to women who aspire to work in the film and TV industries. www.wifti.org

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