Call for Entries: WIFT ElevateUs Mentorship

Entries have opened for WIFT (Women in Film & TV) Australia’s ElevateUs Mentorship Program.

Partnering with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce, the program will nurture talent, foster diversity.

2024 Mentors include visionary Indian-Australian distributor Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Stan Commissioning Editor, Donna Chang, entrepreneur and Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney, and Wiradjuri woman and Head of Commissions at NITV Marissa McDowell.

Liz Tomkins, Chair of the Board at WIFT Australia, said, “Through this program, we aim to create meaningful connections between emerging talents and established professionals, sculpting a future where diversity and inclusivity are the bedrock of success and ushering in positive, lasting change within the industry.”

Rosie Lourde, Chair of the Gender Matters Taskforce, said, “ElevateUs aims to empower both parties to the mentorship relationship and support them to get the most out of the experience, with impact far beyond the program.”

Screen Australia Director of Content Grainne Brunsdon adds, “ElevateUs is a meaningful program for women and gender-diverse practitioners to build their knowledge, skills and networks within the screen industry. Initiatives like this go a long way in helping our industry become more inclusive for all.”

Thanks to the support of the Gender Matters Taskforce, Stage32, Screen NSW, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, and the Cuthill Family Foundation, ElevateUs promises to provide mentees with unparalleled access to experienced mentors, offering guidance, industry insights, and practical advice tailored to the mentees specific career goals, whether above the line, below the line or in adjacent industries such as distribution and marketing. The program aims to connect talents at all levels within the industry, offering a unique platform for knowledge sharing, relationship building and professional development.

ElevateUs will run for three months, offering a structured framework including regular mentorship sessions, panel events, and exclusive industry insights. Prospective Mentors are invited to complete a Mentor Registration form, while all women and gender-diverse practitioners in the Australian screen industry, regardless of your area of interest or your skill level, are similarly encouraged to apply to participate as a mentee. There is no cost for participation and the details of the program can be found online along with the registration forms at www.wiftaustralia.org.au/elevateus.