Wench Films is founded by filmmaker Sapna Moti Bhavnani, and she has been consistently outspoken about causes that she feels strongly about—be it violence against women, cruelty toward animals, or stereotyping communities. Over the period she worked in advertising, Bhavnani noticed that she had only been with four female directors. “I find this offensive. I don’t think that there is a shortage of women directors. Maybe the problem here is representation. Keeping that in mind, I decided to start Wench Films. The goal of it is to represent female talent to the world. Just so you know that we are also here,” Bhavnani shares.

The first edition of the festival supported by Whistling Woods International, and partnered by mid-day, kicked off yesterday and continues till March 14. It’s a mix of in-person screenings, panels, and Q&As to be held securely through online partners MovieSaints. The festival will feature 40 curated narrative and documentary features and shorts made by women. The festival will also feature live panel discussions (simulcast on Movie Saints, Facebook, and Youtube).