Limerick-based lecturer named president of prominent film and TV coalition

A LIMERICK-based university lecturer has vowed to continue championing and empowering women in the screen industry following her election as president of an international film and TV coalition.

Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) announced the election of Chair of WFT Ireland, Dr Susan Liddy, who teaches at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, to the new role.

WIFTI is a coalition of Women in Film Chapters as well as other women’s media organizations around the world. There are more than 50 WIFT and WIFT-partner chapters on six continents, all working for the same goal: gender balance in the media industry.

The presidency was previously held by Swedish producer Helen Granqvist since 2018. The two women will work together for the coming months as co-presidents until Dr Liddy assumes the helm in August 2023.

Dr Liddy said: “I’m honoured to be chosen to lead WIFTI in the years ahead and I look forward to working with our international colleagues, in uniting chapters and affiliated organisations, to elevate and amplify the role of women in film and television.

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She saluted Helen Granqvist who she said has worked tirelessly to build a global organisation that is united in a vision of female empowerment and advancement.

Dr Susan Liddy has led WFT Ireland as Chair since 2018. In addition to her work with WFT Dr Liddy serves on the board of the Irish Film Institute, the Writers Guild of Ireland and Raising Films Ireland.

She lectures in the Department of Media and Communication Studies in MIC, University of Limerick.

Dr Liddy is the Founder and Director of Catalyst International Film Festival, Limerick – a festival that prioritises films from underrepresented groups, in front of and behind the camera.

The MIC lecturer added: “Our goal remains firm: to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the screen industries everywhere.”