Mumbai, Attend India's Premier Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Film Festival This March
The Wench Film Festival promises an otherworldly experience, captivating audiences with the thrilling realms of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. As India's first festival dedicated to these genres, WFF has become a beacon for filmmakers who explore the darker, fantastical corners of storytelling. The eagerly awaited 4th edition, scheduled from Feb 29 to March 3, 2024, is poised to deliver a cinematic adventure that transcends the ordinary.
The festival's anticipation builds with the release of film reveals, masterclasses, and ticket announcements on Jan 29, creating a buzz among cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers alike. The event boasts an inclusive platform for BIWOC, LGBTQ+ women, and non-binary filmmakers, redefining the narrative landscape by providing opportunities for underrepresented voices.
#PitchItTillYouMakeIt, an open call for submissions, invites creators to contribute their spine-chilling masterpieces to the festival. The unique name, "Wench," is reappropriated with historical context, shifting from its derogatory connotations to its original meaning, symbolizing a girl child. This reclamation aligns with the festival's broader mission of empowering women and non-binary individuals in the film industry.
The evolution of the festival is evident in its logo, transitioning from the initial universal symbol (∴) to a new design featuring three diamonds representing clarity, resilience, and brilliance. These elements symbolize the essence of WFF, where creativity thrives, and the shards of light in the logo metaphorically speak volumes, transcending verbal communication.
At the helm of this transformative journey is Sapna Moti Bhavnani, a multifaceted entrepreneur and filmmaker. Her impactful contributions range from the creation of Mad O Wot, a renowned hair salon, to producing award-winning documentaries like "Sindhustan." Sapna's commitment to empowering the female gaze led her to establish Wench Films and subsequently the Wench Film Festival in 2021. Through two successful editions, the festival has spotlighted 174 women, emphasizing its dedication to diversity and innovation.
The festival's vision goes beyond mere screenings; it aims to shape perspectives by shifting the gaze. This philosophy is embodied in its slogan, encapsulating the essence of WFF as a platform for female filmmakers who transcend normative roles and genres. The festival actively supports, encourages, and celebrates women and non-binary storytellers through film screenings, discussions, and professional development opportunities.
WFF stands out as a fantastic film festival, exclusively showcasing fantasy, sci-fi, and horror films, including documentaries, narratives, and hybrids. By incorporating International Women's Month into its programming, the festival intertwines its cinematic offerings with a commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment.
As the festival gears up for its fourth edition, audiences can expect a spellbinding journey into the fantastical and the macabre, where stories unfold beyond the ordinary, challenging norms, and reshaping the landscape of cinema. Lights, camera, fright – the Wench Film Festival promises an unforgettable experience for those daring enough to explore the realms of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.
Find out more about WFF here.
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