Spirit W | Creativity is not a 9 to 5 job: WIFTI's Petrina D'Rozario

Petrina D'Rozario spearheads the shaping of Women in Film & Television Association India (WIFT) and is responsible for the development of the chapter’s strategy and network in Mumbai. A graduate with a distinction & double major in documentary directing and producing from South Seas Film School in New Zealand, she has been part of various co-productions for feature films, television and short films with Greece, Australia, New Zealand and India in the capacity of an associate producer, producer, executive producer and assistant director. She is currently based in Mumbai where her production house, Black Rose Films produces ad films.

With an aim to know more about the organization and her journey in the space that she is in, Adgully caught up with Petrina D'Rozario, the founder president of Women in Film & Television (WIFT) India.

WIFT was born with a mission to help in the development and achievement of women working in film, television and other screen based mediums.

Evaluating the growth of Women in Film and Television Industry, she said,
“Well if the increase in the number of women working in the industry is a barometer to “growth” then yes there has been a tremendous growth of women in film and 

television. But a mere quantitative survey is not enough to gauge the growth. For me personally seeing more women in decision-making roles, breaking that celluloid ceiling and more women centric films evaluate growth of women in film and TV.”

When asked about the two things about this field that made her choose this as her profession, D'Rozario said “Creativity and it not being a 9-5 job! To the outside world it’s all about the glamour since they don’t see the nights of sleep deprivation because it really is a 24/7 job!  I was always part of the theatrical team throughout school and loved the responsibility of putting things together for the school’s annual play. I had no idea it was called being a producer, so on a subliminal level I guess I had found my calling!”

Most importantly the question arises that from New Zealand how did she landed up with WIFTI; answering that she said, “I was told about WIFT when I was studying and working in New Zealand. I was introduced to the global organisation where they held events regularly to bring professionals from the industry to network with aspiring women who were looking to get a foot hold into the industry. WIFT is a non-profit organisation that was started in Los Angles in 1973 by four women over lunch with a vision to create a space for women working or wanting to work in the film industry. Today it has 50+ chapters around the world – some chapters more active than the others but all creating opportunities and a support structure for women in film, television and other screen based media.”

“Being a producer is hard-work, but the thrill of seeing something through gives me such a sense of achievement and I thrive on it. This professional comes with a lot of responsibility because you are part of a medium that can influence society through the stories you tell,” she added.

We are seeing a rise in filmmakers that have strong women centric storylines in mind and are not afraid to call it commercial cinema. As compared to earlier where a woman centric storyline meant it was art house cinema with no commercial gains. When asked about her overview on the growing women centric movies and TV Shows, in terms of whether they are creating an awareness about the issues evolving around women, she opined that with films like The Dirty Picture and Kahaani succeeding at the B.O the notion definitely seems like it’s being put to rest. She further adds that   we need to see the rise in the number of women technicians making films. There is definitely a rise in TV shows that are centred round a strong female protagonist, which is again a barometer to what is being appreciated and a reflection on what is out there.

Her vision for WIFT India is for it to become a strong support platform for women in films and TV throughout India. Adding and elaborating further, she said, “I reach out to those who can contribute their time and experience to the lesser privileged who have no connections, family or friends in the industry yet strive to hone their skills through internships and mentorships. My hope is to see a WIFT presence in states that have a strong film and TV industry and to conduct regular workshops and screenings in these cities. We hope to set up WIFT Kolkata, WIFT Bangalore, WIFT Pune, WIFT Assam, WIFT Chennai, WIFT Delhi, WIFT Kerala but this is only possible if the women filmmakers from these regions take the initiative to set it up. WIFT India will go all out to support it.”

According to her, both the learning and challenges never stop. If they do then somewhere your motivation is lost to excel at whatever it is you are doing! The biggest challenge she faces is  to get the message about this platform to those who don’t know about it without sounding like she is marketing the platform. “I agree it needs to grow organically, but it also needs to be visible to those who need the support and for those who can support for the platform, and for that I need all the help from the media to spread the word. Recently I was told what F.O.C stands for, after I looked blankly at a venue manager who I was requesting to hold a workshop asked me “will this be FOC?” and now I use it  quite shamelessly!,” she says.

What tops the list of strengths is her passion for what she does, with it her meticulous eye for detail, the ability to multi-task and of course her gregarious nature! “I never forget to thank those who help me achieve a super production.

Especially in a field where stress can make someone fly off the handle in a second, you need to know the anger was temporary – once the job is done the same person will come up to you and hug you!  Working on shoe-string budgets and delivering a project on time and beyond expectation is a moment I treasure and savour. Setting up WIFT India has been the biggest challenge and it’s overwhelming to see the support it receives when we reach out to people for their time and confidence,” D'Rozario said.

Speaking about some of her best professional endeavors, she said, “I enjoyed being part of a few very quirky UNICEF campaigns. My short film PYAAS made us all proud because inspite of not having enough money we had enough of friends in the industry who came forward and helped as best they could. That is the power of man-power! ”

The women on her advisory board are a source of inspiration to her and WIFT India is honoured to have their support. For instance Sooni Taraporevala won the Padma Shri for screenwriting, Zarina Mehta who in spite of being so busy with SWADES Foundation gives WIFT her time. For D’Rozario this sharing of time, knowledge and expertise is in itself an inspiration.

With such a passion and vision in life, D'Rozario would surely go a long way. Concluding the talk she said, “In the coming years I would want to be a part of meaningful films and helming the direction of WIFT in every state in India supporting and encouraging women who want to be a part of the industry!”

For information and records; Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) is a global network of over 14,000 members worldwide working in film, television, digital media and associated industries.  It is dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media. As part of the WIFT International network the WIFT Mumbai Chapter is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to provide a dynamic platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas, accelerate the professional development and recognize the achievement of women in film, television and other screen based media.

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