- Guneet Monga, Academy Award-winning producer, started the India chapter of Women in Film (WIF)
- WIF is an international organization that advocates for gender equality in the entertainment industry
- The announcement was made at the 'Golden Lens' symposium in Hyderabad
Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga inaugurated formally the India chapter of Women in Film (WIF), a global body dedicated to promoting gender parity in the entertainment and film industry.
The inaugural function was organized at the 'Golden Lens' symposium, conducted by the Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO), and held at ITC Kakatiya. The launch was met with an enormous response by over 200 members.
Emphasizing the gender imbalance in Indian cinema, Guneet said, "Less than 10 percent of Indian film directors are women, though we make over 1,500 films a year. That has to change." She added that WIF's India chapter plans to establish an effective support system for women in film, providing peer networks, mentorship, and lobbying for policies that further women as leaders in the film industry.
Looking back on her own life, Guneet said, "I lived in a rented house for 20 years, wishing for one of my own for my parents. Life gave me 10 'Nos' before one 'Yes.' But I decided to rejoice in every 'No,' because each took me closer to my dream."
Ahead of the session, Guneet also spoke to the media and expressed her admiration for Hyderabad. “Hyderabad feels like home,” she said. “I’d love to collaborate with top talents from Tollywood—and yes, the Biryani never disappoints,” she added with a smile.
YFLO Chairperson Pallavi Jain, who chaired the discussion, introduced Guneet with a motivating statement: "As Chairperson, my conviction has always been that knowledge is power. Guneet exemplifies that reality. Her story reminds us that when a woman pledges to grow, learn, and lead, the world takes notice."
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, during which YFLO and FLO members had queries regarding problems in regional cinema, obtaining funding for independent films, and increasing women's presence within the industry. Guneet concluded on a strong note: "No one builds anything alone. We grow by lifting others. That's the spirit Women in Film will carry—not just in Mumbai, but across every part of India."
