CALL THE SHOTS

Call the Shots is an annual event that, through film, celebrates and honours women’s achievements in thought, leadership, and action. Above all, through this event, the ICFF is able to showcase the ideas and valid experiences of women, which we believe are the powerful forces needed for change. Call the Shots: Female Power Through Film is unique in its approach to tackling various themes and subject matter, from the perspective of women who have achieved great success and become experts in their respective fields. This project represents, sustains, and promotes women's achievements and contributions to today’s evolving society. In every aspect, in every field, and in every sector - be it filmmaking, journalism, the arts or industrial entrepreneurship - our guests represent the Canadian and Italian-Canadian women making an impact on their community and society as a whole; a true celebration of excellence.

Previous Editions

2021

For the 2021 edition, ICFF honoured and celebrated women in the protective and public service industries through the areas of: Law Enforcement, Firefighting and the Navy/Military. These inspiring women offered their insights, experiences and words of courage and wisdom for female youth who are looking to take these same career paths. Being a woman in Law Enforcement, Firefighting and the Navy/Military service has no doubt, many challenges. Despite these obstacles, it’s important for women to join these fields. Following the panel discussion, ICFF was pleased to present the first episode of the TV Series, “Petra”, directed by Maria Sole Tognazzi which is inspired by the world famous female detective from Barcelona, Petra Delicado. This series truly represents the strong-willed women of our Call the Shots Panel, who like Petra, dedicate everyday to the well being of the public.

2020

The ICFF’s 2020 Edition of Call the Shots presented the screening of Una storia senza nome/The Stolen Caravaggio, and a 30-minute panel discussion on ``Telling The Story``; the convergence of print and film, or simply, how the story gets delivered. Our Call the Shots presentations are intended not only to entertain but also to stimulate and educate, as the ICFF is steadfast in its belief that ideas are a powerful force for change. The theme of ‘Telling The Story’ was highlighted by the presence of exceptional and accomplished women that have this in common: story telling. Their experience and expertise lies in script-writing, publishing, book writing and film work, and they bring to ICFF audiences their stories on how the narrative is conveyed.

2019

In 2019, ICFF Call the Shots committed to promoting the visibility of female driven cinema, in its content, and in its production. We unhesitantly dedicate ourselves in encouraging the professional development of women in the film industry, so that this assists in the removal of barriers to women accessing and participating in all aspects of the cinematic experience throughout North America. Gender equality in the film industry is something of a hot topic these days. It’s time to celebrate and recognize strong women on screen and use cinema as a medium to communicate ideals about gender equality. We want women to have the support of each other during a production, as well as developing a network for them to share experience and knowledge.

2018

The inaugural edition of ICFF Call the Shots was dedicated to honouring successful Italian-Canadian woman in Ontario. The evening presented the film, 7 Minutes, by Michele Placido which tells the true story of 11 hard working women in the entrepreneurial world. The screening was followed by a Q&A that highlighted the plight of immigrant women in Ontario as opposed to the often-told narrative of men. The panel encouraged young new-comers to take active roles in generating positive change in their communities. It was attended by Angela Marotta, Angela Gauthier, Teresa Cascioli, Anna Marie Castrilli, and was moderated by ICFF Artistic Director, Cristiano de Florentiis. The evening was a true celebration of female entrepreneurs and women empowerment.