Pune: WIFT(Women in Film and Television) India announced its presence in Pune among WIFT Pune advisory working committee & patrons Shabnam Sukhdev, Randhir Khare, Sumitra Bhave, Gayatri Chatterjee & Usha Jhadav. Also giving their support was FTII Director Mr. D J Narain, Mohan Agashe and many who beat the rains to celebrate the launch of the WIFT Pune chapter.

The evening celebrated and honoured producer director Sumitra Bhave at a feciliation ceremony followed by the premiere screening of her film ASTU which won the National Award this year for best dialogues and best supporting actress.

She says,” I am a great optimist ! So, with women handling technical jobs in Cinema, I foresee the change in not only the content of the cinema but in the aesthetics of what is beautiful and what is entertaining! ”

WIFT India is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to provide a dynamic platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas, accelerate the professional development and recognize the achievement of women in film, television and other screen based media.

FTII Director, D J Narain, “We are thrilled to be part of this initiative as FTII has always been champions for casuse that supports women in film & tv.”

On this occasion Ms. Petrina D’Rozario, Founder President, WIFT India says, “I couldn’t think of a more apt cause and venue partner other than FTII and patron supporter than P.N Gadgil who is almost two millenniums old in Pune. Both have a history steeped so intrinsically in the heritage of this city and to have their support is overwhelming.  WIFT Pune is special for us. Launching in the city and on the same campus our veteran filmmakers have walked through as students once upon a time is a moment of pride for WIFT India.” adding to this Saurabh Gadgil said, “As WIFT launches its Pune chapter, P N Gadgil Jewellers wishes them the very best. We have been proud to be associated with a not- for -profit organisation that actively facilitates and encourages the participation of women in films and television industry. I am certain WIFT will create a lot of value for women based out of Pune and we look forward to continue our association with them.”

The essence of the initiative was aptly summarized by FTII outreach Advisor and National Award winner Shabnam Sukhdev, “if  we don’t support our cohort, then who will?”

Source: Lokesh Shastri