Women's Festival Turns Five

Happy fifth anniversary to the Women's International Film Festival, held this year in Miami, Florida and chaired by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). Actress Vivica A. Fox, who stars in the upcoming thriller Junkyard Dog, will be headlining the festival, which features 68 films from more than 30 different countries. In addition, the event offers a "Women's Empowerment Series" hosted by the University of Miami, that will present films dedicated to women's issues.

Yvonne McCormack-Lyons, President and Executive Director of WIFF, said, "[This] event comes on the heels of the first woman in 82 years to win the prestigious Oscar for Best Director, Katherine Bigelow. We're excited about the strides women are making in the industry and look forward to showcasing the visions, dreams and voices these woman offer the cinematic world."

According to WIFF, women represent a mere 5 percent of filmmakers globally.

This year’s films will feature notable actors from around the world such as Ali Zahoor (The EastEnders), Hassani Shapi (Star Wars I &II and James Bond: The World is Not Enough), Narinder Samra (Silver Street), Christopher Villiers (Bloody Sunday).