On Saturday night at Soho House during the Toronto Film Festival, Variety and Chanel hosted their annual Women in Film Dinner, gathering prominent actors and filmmakers to honor female talent in the industry. Among the high-profile attendees were Shailene Woodley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ethan Hawke, Jessie Buckley, Zachary Quinto, and Edgar Ramirez, marking a notable moment for those involved with the Shailene Woodley Toronto Film Festival.
Event Highlights: Support for Emerging Female Screenwriters
Guests like Bob Odenkirk, James McAvoy, and Ben Foster, who arrived with their TIFF films Normal, California Schemin‘, and Christy respectively, enjoyed a curated menu while celebrating this year’s recipients of Chanel’s Women Writers’ Network. This program is designed to support women and non-binary alumni from the TIFF Writers’ Studio, aiming to launch diverse careers in screenwriting and filmmaking.
Voices Championing Representation and Inclusion
Speeches from Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, and Chanel Canada CEO Gregoire Collignon emphasized progress for women working behind the camera. Setoodeh stated,
“We understand the importance of representation. Everyone who goes to the movies wants to see themselves reflected on the big screen,”
Setoodeh said.
“So this is really critical work by Chanel. In the six years that we’ve done this event, we have seen first-time screenwriters meet some of the industry’s biggest actors and directors. We’ve seen producers get to know upcoming talent, and we’ve seen connections at this dinner fuel year-round collaborations.”
For Cameron Bailey, who is marking the 50th anniversary of TIFF, male allies are essential to sustaining progress. He added,
“Yes, you’re three dudes up here talking about supporting women. But if men don’t support women in film, change does not happen. So we are here because we are committed to the goals of this program. … We are in a celebratory mood. There’s a lot to celebrate over the last five decades of what we do. And part of it is the change that we have made. The evolution we have made in terms of representation. … We are committed to ensure that women and non-binary creators are empowered to lead the future of cinema.”
Prominent Figures and Brand Ambassadors in Attendance
Among the attendees were Chanel brand ambassadors including Shailene Woodley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, as well as director Alice Winocour, and performers Anyier Anei, Ella Rumpf, Katharina Stark from Franz, and London rapper Little Simz. Their presence highlights the event’s commitment to diversity and emerging talent within the film industry.
Bob Odenkirk’s Film Aims to Foster Dialogue on Representation
Bob Odenkirk, accompanied by his wife Naomi Odenkirk, discussed his film Normal, a dark comedy with a small-town sheriff character, drawing comparisons to Fargo. He plans to screen it for law enforcement to encourage conversations around inclusivity. Odenkirk remarked,
“I know a lot of cops, and I want them to see this movie. It’s important for them to see this type of representation onscreen.”
Impact and Future of Women-Led Storytelling at TIFF
This dinner not only honored talented female and non-binary creators but also reinforced the growing recognition of their roles in shaping cinema’s future. As the Toronto Film Festival celebrates its milestone anniversary, initiatives like Chanel’s Women Writers’ Network suggest an ongoing commitment to inclusion and support for diverse voices. With influential figures attending and pledging support, the industry appears poised for gradual but meaningful change ahead.
