Breaking the Frame: The Magic of Which Witch Productions Chicago’s Women in Film Night
By Bella Kovar
According to a study done by San Diego State University in 2025, only 26% of professional positions held in behind-the-scenes filmmaking are held by women. Even more haunting, a minuscule 8% of film directors on sets are women. The art of telling stories through the screen has consistently been a field of work dominated by men ever since the invention of the camera.
It is a discouraging thought that even in the year 2026, so many films lack the crucial component of a woman’s perspective. I find myself thinking lots about the potential and beautiful stories that women could tell through the lens, and then mourn the thought of such films never getting made because of a systemic lack of opportunity. Conversations and forward-thinking organizations which recognize the lack of female voices in movies must help bring forth the change needed.
Which Witch Productions, a Chicago-based and femme-run production company, is dedicated to prioritizing the voices of women and queer people in the filmmaking world. Not only do they do this through creating films and music videos alike, but also through organizing events which emphasize the importance of connection. For the past four years, Which Witch has hosted a Women in Film Night gathering, which has garnered much praise and invited the creative sphere of Chicago to come together for networking, artmaking, and much-needed fangirling over the impact of good movies. The witches behind the curtain, Karlie Finn, Isabella Siska, Hannah Hershfeldt, and Alexa Venereo, have successfully cultivated an environment of excitement while proctoring the opportunities for lifelong friendships and creative partnerships. The turnout and ensemble of vendors and panelists get larger each year.
Credit: Lucha Photography
Last summer, there were about 150 attendees. Last Saturday, July 11th, just over 200 people came together for WIF night. The convention was held at Kinowerks, one of the former studios of the Wachowski Sisters, now turned into an event venue, including eight vendors to support independent artists and seven accomplished and inspiring panelists to provide valuable conversation. The vendor lineup is comprised of tattoo artists, tarot readers, jewelry makers, and more. The panelists this year were topical, talented, and brought forth all types of experiences to discuss—including Sam Bailey, one of the directors of the hit Amazon Prime show Off-Campus, and Emma Thatcher, whose debut feature film, Provo, screened at sixteen different film festivals. The schedule of the evening varies from DJ sets to a chance to grab a drink, and allows artists a moment to add their information to a networking bulletin board.
Credit: Lucha Photography
This year’s WIF night was the most successful yet, which sets up the next annual event to have even more exciting surprises, while simultaneously aiding the rise of female filmmakers!
Follow @WhichWitchProductions on Instagram for updates on future events and opportunities. I’m also working with them on my next short film, Nebulous. Stay tuned!
