When the Levee Breaks  (left) & 25 or 6 to 4  (centre)


Women in Film & Television: Martini Madness 2008

Date and Venue 24 September 2008 | Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Reviewer Susan Peake


For those of you who may not be familiar with yet another acronym, WIFTV, Women in Film and Television, is an internationally affiliated non-profit society committed to advancing and celebrating women in screen-based media. On Wednesday evening last, two of its board members, Robyn Wiener and Tracey Mack hosted the 10th annual Martini Madness event to kick off the 2008 Vancouver International Film Festival.

The purpose of this get-together is to provide a networking opportunity for those connected to the industry, and by all accounts, success was achieved. The wet weather did not prevent those interested from braving the elements and showing up. The fabulous old mansion was the quintessential venue, with its many nooks and crannies, to provide a ‘house party’ setting for the close to 500 schmoozers, with business cards in hand.

Women’s fashion ran the spectrum from lovely strapless gowns to more funky attire such as the shirtless suit and tie complemented with a fedora. Men, too, were an eclectic looking group, as would be expected from the world of entertainment. But, regardless of the differences in appearance, all were happily working the rooms and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Entertainment included ‘Tony’ and ‘Tina’ of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding’ fame – Dane Szohner and Sabrina Prada – who put on an enthusiastic show in spite of the limited floor space and acoustics. As well, Leena Manro and Ingrid Nilson had many of us kicking up our heels to a fun Bollywood beat.

In a standing-room-only environment, all one had to do was stand at the bar and within minutes someone would be chatting you up – from TV personalities to technicians, to producers, to writers. Well-known women in filmmaking included Anne Wheeler and Peg Campbell, while reFor those of you who may not be familiar with yet another acronym, WIFTV, Women in Film and Television, is an internationally affiliated non-profit society committed to advancing and celebrating women in screen-based media. On Wednesday evening last, two of its board members, Robyn Wiener and Tracey Mack hosted the 10th annual Martini Madness event to kick off the 2008 Vancouver International Film Festival.

The purpose of this get-together is to provide a networking opportunity for those connected to the industry, and by all accounts, success was achieved. The wet weather did not prevent those interested from braving the elements and showing up. The fabulous old mansion was the quintessential venue, with its many nooks and crannies, to provide a ‘house party’ setting for the close to 500 schmoozers, with business cards in hand.

Women’s fashion ran the spectrum from lovely strapless gowns to more funky attire such as the shirtless suit and tie complemented with a fedora. Men, too, were an eclectic looking group, as would be expected from the world of entertainment. But, regardless of the differences in appearance, all were happily working the rooms and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Entertainment included ‘Tony’ and ‘Tina’ of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding’ fame – Dane Szohner and Sabrina Prada – who put on an enthusiastic show in spite of the limited floor space and acoustics. As well, Leena Manro and Ingrid Nilson had many of us kicking up our heels to a fun Bollywood beat.

In a standing-room-only environment, all one had to do was stand at the bar and within minutes someone would be chatting you up – from TV personalities to technicians, to producers, to writers. Well-known women in filmmaking included Anne Wheeler and Peg Campbell, while representing the men, were Charles Martin Smith and John Dippong, to name just a few.

This was a sell-out event, once again, and one would have to conclude that women are alive and well in the film and television industry. What a wonderful way to kick-start this city’s international film festival - a party I won’t want to miss next year!

© 2008 Susan Peake