Explore 23 Diverse and Inclusive Film Festivals Around the World

The Athena Film Festival, founded in 2011, is a joint project of Barnard College’s Athena Center for Leadership and Women and Hollywood.

It aims to celebrate and elevate women’s leadership and advocacy for inclusion on screen.

Each year, the festival showcases diverse, nuanced stories of women leaders through narrative films, documentaries, and short films.

Athena’s commitment to disrupting barriers in the entertainment industry is evident through its curated films.

These films largely focus on narratives driven by or centered around women, aiming to reflect global and inclusive perspectives.

The festival has screened over 540 films to date, with 90% directed by women, reinforcing its mission of gender inclusivity.

The Athena List is an annual highlight, featuring unproduced screenplays that focus on female leadership.

This initiative mirrors the Black List concept, bringing attention to compelling stories that deserve a platform.

Aside from film screenings, Athena Film Festival hosts thought-provoking conversations and creative development programs year-round.

These programs serve as a continuous effort to promote and support women in filmmaking.

The Athena Film Festival stands as a key player in transforming the cinematic landscape to be more inclusive and representative of women’s experiences and leadership.

23) Black Women Film Network Summit