OFFA's 5th Annual IWD Celebration of Women in Film, the Arts, and Sports

When: March 2, 2025

Where: Oakville, Canada

REGISTER

Join us on Sunday March 2nd at 2 pm at Film.Ca Cinemas for an International Women’s Day Celebration.

For our 5th year, we are shining a spotlight on the accomplishments of Women in the World of Film, Music, the Arts and Sport.  Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a VIP Ticket experience that includes: the eye-opening,, inspirational international documentary Maya and the Wave, a Mood-ivational emcee, live entertainment,, popcorn, beverages, complimentary SWAG BAGS, and amazing door prizes. PLUS, a live virtual Q&A!

BONUS - the first 100 VIP Pass purchasers get a complimentary book, Every Brain is Beautiful,  from award-winning author, Sara Furlong!

AFTERNOON HIGHLIGHTS
OFFA is proud to host an impactful, entertaining, awareness-raising and fun afternoon in honour of International Women’s Day 2025, on Sunday 2nd March, at 2 pm at our official event Partner, Film.Ca Cinemas.  Guest emcee and Oakvillian Carole Bertuzzi-Luciani will host once again, along with special live musical and dance performances by award-winning performers: Valerie Gordon, Mathangi Ingram, Lucy Ellis, and Cydnee Abbott.

Partial proceeds from this years’ VIP Pass ticket sales will be donated to: UWHH: Women United in support of Glow Programs. United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Women United members make a difference where they live, advocate for change, and create a brighter future for women and girls.

OFFA is excited to present an exceptional international film that highlights the amazing career of surfer and activist, Maya Gabeira. Maya and the Wave, from Director\Writer Stephanie Johnes.  Ten years in the making, MAYA and the WAVE tells the extraordinary story of Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf the giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal. She nearly drowns – and is ridiculed by the male big wave surfers who dominate the sport. Three spine surgeries and five years later, she surfs the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed. When her accomplishment is disregarded, Maya enlists the help of her fans to fight for recognition –and becomes the first female surfer honored with a Guinness World Record in big wave surfing. The screening will be followed by a live on ZOOM Q&A with Director/Producer Stephanie Johnes,  surfer Maya Gabeira, as well as Robin Pacquing, co-Founder of Lake Surfistas, live in the theatre.

Director & Producer: Stephanie Johnes
Executive Producers: Rashida Jones, Meena Harris, Alexandra Johnes, Julian Cautherley, Jena King, Ruth Ann Harnisch

SCHEDULE
1:00 PM: WELCOME – CHECK IN. Popcorn and Beverages offered at concession; VIP ticketholders have tickets in envelopes for these.  Photo opportunities in front lobby. Door prizes in theatre.

1:30 PM: Theatre doors open – check out information tables & door prizes, meet & greet in theatre. find your seat(s) and settle in.

2:00 PM: Emcees opening monologue, opening words, followed by live performances in-theatre

2:25 PM: Featured Film – Maya and the Wave

4:30 PM: Virtual Live Q&A with Director/Writer Stephanie Johnes and on stage with Robin Pacquing Co-Founder of Lake Surfistas Ontario

4:55 PM: Door prize Winners Announced – Closing comments

5:00 PM: Event end

ENJOY A VIP EXPERIENCE
Purchase a VIP ticket for $36 plus tax, with partial proceeds going to UWHH: Women United.

Your VIP Ticket includes:
- Wine and/or beer ticket
- Large popcorn and non-alcoholic beverage tickets
- Performances, Screening, Q&A, Door Prizes and Swag Bag (value of $100+)
- Complimentary virtual screening of Bangla Surf Girls.  An access code will be sent to all VIP passholders.
- 20% off OFFA’S limited edition VIP Festival Pass for the June 18-25th 2025 Festival which includes all GALA screenings, parties, and early access to film list and bookings. A code for this early bird discount will be emailed to you following the event.
- The first 100 VIP pass purchasers get a complimentary copy of award-winning Writer, Creative Director, and Author Sara Furlong’s book, Every Brain is Beautiful.