Women in Film and Television Vancouver’s Board of Directors would like to share the news that after eight years of leading the organization into a period of tremendous growth and stability, Executive Director Carolyn Combs is stepping down. Carolyn will remain with the organization until August and is moving to Toronto to be closer to family.
“Carolyn has been a driving force behind WIFTV. Her passion for supporting filmmakers has been demonstrated through her hard work creating and delivering valuable programming; growing our Vancouver International Women in Film Festival; and keeping advocacy as the central focus of all that our organization offers. The entire WIFTV board of directors wishes Carolyn continued success in all future endeavours,” says WIFTV President Shannon Kaplun.
During her time at WIFTV, Carolyn expanded the Spotlight Awards, and created (with Doreen Manuel) the Coyote, Raven, Spider, Wendigo Tricksters and Writers; Screenwriting for Indigenous Women Program. The WIFTV Mentorships, Matrix and William F. White events, the From Our Dark Side Genre Competition and Producer’s Workshops are all thriving. And now that WIFTV is producing webinars, she has managed that transition as well.
“Working for WIFTV over these past eight years has meant a great deal to me. The challenges have been real; but so have the accomplishments. I cherish the many colleagues with whom I have worked, the friendships I have made and the support I have received within this community. I will continue to be a member of this important organization as we work together to meet ongoing challenges,” says Carolyn Combs.
In addition to being the public face of Women in Film and Television Vancouver Carolyn is also a talented director. Her feature film Bella Ciao! starring Carmen Aguirre, celebrates Vancouver’s Commercial Drive and its artistic and politically active community.
“Bella Ciao!…a poem to the notion that art and resistance nourish each other.” — Adrian Mack, The Georgia Straight.
Women in Film and Television Vancouver is currently looking for an Interim Managing Director. See the full posting here. The Board of Directors thanks Carolyn for her outstanding work and wishes her all the best.