As joint sponsorship partners, Barco, IMAX and Vista Group will serve as ‘Champions of the Programme’, supporting UNIC’s mission to achieve a more diverse and inclusive cinema industry. UNIC’s Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme aims to help address the gender gap amongst decision-making positions in the industry, giving talented, up-and-coming female professionals the opportunity to receive mentoring from top women executives. Launched in 2017, the programme counts 156 alumni from 110 companies in 30 countries to date.
Welcoming today’s announcement, UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte commented:
“Huge thanks to Barco, IMAX and Vista Group for their continued support of the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme. Their commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry is invaluable and together, we can continue to empower the next generation of female leaders and drive meaningful change.”
“As a mentor in last year’s program, it was inspiring to connect with other female entertainment industry leaders to provide a unique opportunity for learning, networking and development to up-and-coming women in cinema across Europe. We’re proud to continue our support of the UNIC's Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme mission again this year, as they bridge the gap to create a more diverse and inclusive industry,” said Natasha Fernandes, Chief Financial Officer at IMAX.
“As a proud sponsor for UNIC, we’re delighted to support the Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme and its role in championing gender-balanced leadership,” said Anna Ferguson, Chief People Officer at Vista Group. “Promoting diversity and inclusion aligns with our company values and we’re thrilled that this programme extends opportunities across the wider industry.”
“Supporting the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme is crucial for Barco Cinema as it aligns with the company's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the cinema industry. By backing this initiative, Barco Cinema helps address the industry’s gender imbalance at senior levels, empowering talented female professionals through mentorship and networking opportunities. This support not only enhances the growth and confidence of women in cinema exhibition but also contributes to better governance and business success across the industry. Ultimately, Barco's involvement in the program underscores its dedication to creating a more equitable and innovative cinema landscape.” said Gerwin Damberg, EVP at Barco Cinema.
The 2025-26 programme runs for a year from June, following its launch at CineEurope. Applications for the next edition are now closed. If you would like to find out more about being a mentor or a mentee for next year’s edition, please contact lgaltier@unic-cinemas.org.
Notes for editors
The UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme is a 12-month cross-sector, international mentoring scheme for women in cinema exhibition.
Launched in 2017, the Programme is rooted in the belief that gender-balanced leadership in cinema exhibition is imperative for business success, better governance and equity in the industry.
Find out why mentoring matters, in our mentors’ and mentees’ own words here.
More information here.
The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC)
The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and neighbouring regions. More information at www.unic-cinemas.org
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe. IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,807 IMAX systems (1,735 commercial multiplexes, 11 commercial destinations, 61 institutional) operating in 90 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970”.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX LIVE™, and IMAX Enhanced® are trademarks and trade names of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
About Vista Group International
Vista Group International Ltd (Vista Group) is a public company, founded in New Zealand in 1996 and listed on both the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges in 2014 (NZX & ASX: VGL). Vista Group is a global leader in providing tech solutions to the international film industry. With brands including Vista, Veezi, Movio, Numero, Maccs, Flicks and Powster, Vista Group’s expertise covers cinema management software; loyalty, moviegoer engagement and marketing; film distribution software; box office reporting; creative studio solutions; and the Flicks movie, cinema and streaming website and app.
About BARCO
Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk (Belgium), is a global company leading in visualization, networking, and collaboration technology. Its innovative solutions drive advancements in the healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment markets. At the heart of Barco’s success are over 3,000 dedicated ‘visioneers’, each passionately contributing to driving change through technology.
Listed on Euronext (BAR), Reuters (BARBt.BR), and Bloomberg (BAR BB), Barco realized sales of 1,050 million euro in 2023. For further insights, please visit http://www.barco.com or connect on X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Barco. Visioneering a bright tomorrow. © 2024