The Women’s International Film Festival and Conference returns on June 2–7, 2015 to North Beach to celebrate its 10th anniversary with an array of films, panels, events and star power attending. With 75 films, all made by women, the event attracts industry and audience participants from around the world to empower and celebrate women’s voices and visions.  Held at the historic Deauville Beach Resort, the Festival provides opportunities for industry professionals to network, hone their skills and showcase their work through screenings, lectures, discussions, workshops and have the opportunity to meet industry peers from around the world.

“We decided to celebrate the 10th year Anniversary of the Festival in North Beach, opposed to any other location on Miami Beach, because North Beach has become the SoHo of Miami Beach,” said McCormack Lyons. “The rich history, culture, residents, and businesses in North Beach played a huge factor in our decision in choosing the area as the host location for the Festival.”

Indeed. North Beach has been attracting a lot of attention from the City of Miami Beach, developers and businesses as the next “it” area.

The Festival prides itself on programming unique experiences for its guests and – with women representing over 7% of film directors – they hope to enhance the opportunity for women’s voices to be heard .

“We differ from other film festivals because we have successfully, over the past decade, provided a safe and open, yet structured, forum for women writers, film makers and producers, to express their messages through feature films, documentaries, visual and performing arts,” said McCormack Lyons.

A sanctioned Miami Beach Centennial event, the Festival plans on incorporating the City of Miami Beach milestone into the fold.

“For our celebration, we will open with a great film featuring Daryl Hanna,” said McCormack Lyons. “The conference part of the Festival will kick off with the cast and Executive Producer of the TV Series “Being Mary Jane” starring Gabrielle Union. We will have a tribute to our Founding Honorary Chair and Actress/Activist Ruby Dee, that will occur during our Sunday brunch, and the Festival will close with the US Premiere of “Strangerland” starring Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman.”

WIFF will have panels with Renee Graziano (VH1’s Mob Wives), Raven Goodwin (Being Mary Jane) and K. Foxx (Radio Personality) as well as leading TV executives.

The Festival has incorporated and hired many of the local business in Miami Beach as well as its surrounding area to assist with marketing, branding, and promoting the festival and North Beach.

“We have students from the local schools and universities to assist with hospitality for our attendees throughout the festival & conference,” said McCormack Lyons. “When planning an event it’s important to incorporate local businesses and engage the community at large.”

The Festival boasts various after parties, VIP receptions, and special events that will occur during WIFF.

“We are really excited about our “Being Mary Jane” Reception hosted by Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) Network,” said McCormack Lyons. “We also look forward to the Tribute Sunday Brunch to Ruby Dee with a keynote address by Vivica A. Fox.”

Movie ticket are $15 for adults and $10 for members or students. The festival has one day, two day, and three day passes available at www.WomensFilmFest.com. Miami Beach Chamber Members and North Beach Residence will get a 20% discount off tickets.