New York City|Local Event
11th Annual Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF 26)
The 11th Annual Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF 26) returns to New York City September 25–27, 2026, at Regal Union Square. Now in its eleventh year ITWIFF is one of NYC's most celebrated independent film festivals, dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, gender-expansive, and BIPOC filmmakers from around the world.
This year ITWIFF brings New York City 70+ films, 40 world premieres, and 30 screenplays alongside free panels, workshops, and unforgettable parties.
Featured Films
- It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story — A biopic written and directed by Taylor Blackwell, starring Blackwell alongside Alan Tudyk (Rogue One, Firefly), chronicling the life of iconic comedienne Judy Tenuta.
- General Admission — Directed by Kaily Morgan Smith, starring Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries) and Cedric Yarbough (Reno 911!, Speechless). A comedy following a woman's search for healing after heartbreak.
- So Much for Solidarity — Directed by Alexandra Christensson, starring Dylan Arnold (Halloween, Chucky). A drama about confronting the past to face the future. New York Premiere.
- Tea With Friends — Directed by Farah Halime Hope, starring Ruby Bentall (Poldark). A UK-set thriller following a new mother's unraveling grip on reality. New York Premiere.
- Woman Reclining on Grass — Directed by Claudia Doumit (The Boys), starring Pete Gardner (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). A comedic drama about a family, a lost masterpiece, and one final hurdle. New York Premiere.
- Simple Somewhere Else — Directed by and starring Amatus-sami Karim. A drama testing one woman's self-determination against law, love, and ethics.
- JULES — Directed by Tiffany Abney. A romantic drama starring Renelle Nicole, Mike Merrill, and Eric Lynch.
Free Events — No Ticket Required
Opening Night Celebration and After Party
Friday, September 25 | 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
The Winslow | 243 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Kick off ITWIFF 26 with an unforgettable Opening Night celebration. Mingle with filmmakers, film lovers, and industry pros. Cash bar available. Pass holders receive two complimentary drink tickets.
Free Feature Film Screenings
Reservation Redemption
Saturday, September 26 | 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Regal Union Square
One juror away from the death penalty at 17, a lost Colville tribal member known as "Chief" discovers his culture and identity and makes a change that inspires fellow Native inmates toward the Red Road.
A Mess of Memories
Sunday, September 27 | 12:30 PM – 1:47 PM | Regal Union Square
Four estranged siblings reunite to clean out their mother's hoarded house, confronting buried family secrets and healing old wounds before they lose their childhood home.
NextWave Film + Media Summit — Free Panels and Workshops
Saturday, September 26 | Regal Union Square
Open to all. No pass required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Pitch Perfectly: Pitching and Packaging Your Film
Presented by GreenHause
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Taught by Gautam Singhani, Line Producer behind the Emmy-nominated Bono: Stories of Surrender and the Oscar-nominated The Barber of Little Rock.
Building Cinematic Worlds
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Featuring Caroline Duncan (Emmy-nominated Costume Designer), Joe Giganti (Editor, Succession), Kalina Ivanov (Production Designer, The Penguin), Stefanie Maridueña ACE (Editor, America's Sweethearts), and Canella Williams-Larrabee (Line Producer, The Night Agent). Moderated by John Gibson, VP of Public Affairs and Industry Relations at the Motion Picture Association.
Connect and Cocktails: NextWave Mixer
Saturday, September 26 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Regal Union Square
Connect with filmmakers and industry professionals. Cash bar available.
Screenplay Competition Virtual Table Read
Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Streaming live on the ITWIFF YouTube Channel — free to watch from anywhere.
Closing Night Awards Ceremony and Party
Sunday, September 27 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Nine Cases | 86 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003
Celebrating the outstanding filmmakers and films of ITWIFF 26. Open bar and light bites. VIP and All-Access pass holders included.
Tickets and Passes
- VIP All-Access Pass: $150
- All-Access Pass: $70
- Single Screening Ticket: $17.50 in advance | $20 at the door
Free events open to all with no ticket required.
Website
imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org
Tickets
imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org/passes-tickets-2026
Contact
info@imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org
Social Media
📘 facebook.com/imaginethiswomensfilmfestival
📸 instagram.com/imaginethiswomensfilmfestival
🐦 twitter.com/ImagineThisWFF
▶️ youtube.com/channel/UCP2S1nh0V1U7u3xD0BbFZzA