Nashville Women in Film & TV Celebrate Another Successful Film Industry Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - June 27, 2019 - PRLog -- The second annual Southern Women In Film & Television (SWIFT) Summit, hosted by Nashville Women in Film & Television (WIFT) on the campus of Lipscomb University, successfully welcomed participants from all over the south, including Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Kentucky. The sophomore confab featured film industry panels, workshops, and networking events. Additionally, the group debuted a new awards gala and showcased designer fashions and exciting female songwriters, establishing SWIFT as an event for talented women in all arenas.

"Our Second Annual SWIFT Summit proved to be a premiere happening for our film industry," says Lynda Evjen, President of Nashville Women In Film & Television.  "Nashville is known for storytellers and our stories are becoming more important every day! We are growing and know that next year will be bigger and better than this year!"

The summit assembled industry professionals and celebrities from all across the country, and top names from all areas of the entertainment industry to discuss topics ranging from the rise of women directors, film financing to business opportunities for women in film and TV.  Speakers and panelists included on- camera personalities from media sponsor, Fox 17, Terra Reeves, Tatum Everett and Nikki Junewicz and Nashville based producers, Tamara Trexler (Lifetime), and Andrew Freeman (Huckabee)plus actors Ed Amatrudo (Nashville) and Jon Sewell (Still the King).  From New York and Los Angeles, visiting panelist included Malee Nerenhausen (Crash), Samantha Starr (21 Jump Street)and Carolyn McDonald (Buffalo Soldiers).

The new WIFT awards ceremony, the Alice Awards, is an homage to Alice Guy-Blache, the world's first female director.  Alice, now considered one of the best directors of all time, was a ground-breaking film maker - experimenting with sound during the silent era, with color-tinting during the black & white era, and with diverse casting when it was unthinkable.  This award was bestowed upon six women who embody the spirit of Alice Guy-Blache. The evening's honorees were Gospel superstar, CeCe Winans, actress Tina Gallo, country star, Irlene Mandrell of the Mandrell Sisters, iconic newscaster, Demetria Kalodimos,  Lois Riggins-Ezzell, executive director emeritus of the Tennessee State Museum and former CEO of Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, Lisa Erspamer.

"It was an honor to be presented the 'Spirit Award' by the lovely BB Buell," remarked actess Tina Gallo.  "BB and Steven Tyler are the parents of the beautiful actress Liv Tyler. I was so surprised and truly touched to be in the company of these beautiful outstanding lady honorees. Being recognized and acknowledged is such a joy, especially when it's an industry you're so passionate about... it's been an exciting weekend. Thanks so much."

The Summit also offered unforgettable social events, including the screening of theacclaimed feature film, Trafficked, followed by a Q&A with the film's producer, Conroy Kantor.  The opening night reception was briefly interrupted by a tornado that touched down in Nashville, but 85mph winds were not enough to damper the spirits of the exuberant SWIFT participants!

The Fashion Extravaganza featuring celebrity designer, Johnathan Kayne was one of the highlights of the weekend, and the Songwriter's Luncheon on Saturday showcased three of Nashville's most successful songwriters specializing in music for film & TV, Alissa Moreno, LO and Sarah DeFors.

"It was great to walk the runway in Johnathan Kayne for the Southern Women in Film & Television Summit," said local actress, Richa Chandra, who modeled a number of designer gowns. "It's always wonderful to see the President of Nashville Women in Film & Television, Lynda Evjen. I am so grateful for this city & community and the doors they have opened for me in film & TV."

The presenting sponsors for the event were Saunders Electric, Fox 17 and Lipscomb University College of Entertainment and the Arts. Additional sponsors and donors included APM Music, SAG-AFTRA, FilmNashville, Arbonne, Hummingbird Productions, Brightshore Media, Subway, Liberty Party Rental, Backstage Magazine, Bitetime, GoGo Gourmet, HMN Entertainment, TBN, Osteostrong, Global Songwriters Connection and Paul Winkler, Inc.

About Nashville Women in Film & Television

Nashville Women in Film and Television is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized and dedicated to advance professional development and achievement for women working in all aspects of film, television and all other screen-based interactive media. The organization is committed to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communications and media industries and to preserving the legacy of women within those industries.

For more info on Nashville WIFT, please visit: http://www.wiftnashville.org