(She/Her)
PRESIDENT

Lauren Simpson began her film journey at Cal State Long Beach, and completed her studies with a Bachelor in Film and Television and an MBA. With experience at Filmlnk Movie Magazine and Event Cinemas, she excelled as an International Service Producer, creating impactful global content. As founder of Iris Arc Pictures, she produced 'Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism', which premiered at the Overlook Film Festival, won Audience Choice Awards at Sitges and MIFF and is out now on streaming services worldwide.

Lauren joined WIFT Victoria because she’s passionate about driving meaningful change and advocating for gender equality. Lauren envisions a future where inclusivity is the norm and through representation and celebrating each other we can shape a world where everyone’s potential is recognised.

(She/Her)
VICE-PRESIDENT

Katie is a film programmer and event producer working in the wonderful world of film exhibition. Throughout her screen career, Katie has worked alongside global film distributors, established and emerging film festivals and everything in between.

With a background in film, art history, graphic design and philosophy, Katie’s education and work experience has been focused on understanding how we tell and share stories across different genres and mediums.

Katie joined WIFT Victoria with a passion to grow the community in a way that is inclusive, accessible and united in its enthusiasm for all sectors of the screen industry.

(She/They)
SECRETARY

Jess Budin is a writer, producer and sketch comedy performer based in Melbourne, Australia. They attained their Bachelors degree at RMIT University in 2016, during which they produced young-adult YouTube series "Words from Wilde", and crewed and wrote for various RMITV/Channel 31 television productions, including "Offbeat", "The Leak" and "Mainland Tonight." Since then, Jess has crewed and written on a number of independently led projects, and served on the board and content committee of RMITV, and as WIFT VIC's first Student Ambassador in 2023.

Jess is also active in live comedy and theatre, writing and performing via the Women in Comedy scholarship with The Improv Conspiracy Theatre, and producing, writing and performing with Scary Goats Theatre. Jess recently attained her Master of Screenwriting degree at the Victorian College of the Arts, and has been inducted to VicScreen's Key Talent Placement Register for comedy television writing. 

(She/Her)
TREASURER

Powered by a love of animation, music, and film, Sharon’s passion for the entertainment world was sparked on the floors of Supanova, Oz Comic‑Con, and Animaga. Those events revealed the creativity and community behind the industry and inspired her to get involved.

A bubbly, team‑driven collaborator, she thrives on keeping the energy high. As Treasurer, Sharon is excited to bring her financial skills to the team—helping keep projects thriving, fun, and full of imagination.

(She/They)
MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Alex is an independent filmmaker with a focus on projects that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and stories. They’ve worked as an Impact Producer for the Who I Am national tour and co-created the verbatim theatre production Thrive: Queer Voices Out Loud (2023). They have over 15 years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector, and advocating for human rights and gender equity. Alex is currently the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Castlemaine Documentary Festival and Membership Coordinator for Women in Film and Television Victoria.

Alex joined WIFT Victoria to be part of a supportive, collaborative community that values diversity and gender equity. Through WIFT Vic, Alex has met many incredible members who have inspired them to keep creating and pushing for positive change within the industry.

(She/Her)
WEBSITE MANAGER

Bec is originally from Perth, WA, where she graduated from the WA School of Art and Design in Film, TV and Broadcasting. She relocated to Melbourne in 2017, transitioning from a career rooted in acting and producing to focus on writing, theatre, and recently cyber security. Her creative work spans short films, web series, podcasts (Bytes with Bec and Benji) and theatre projects, showcasing her passion for storytelling across mediums. Outside the arts, Bec applies her expertise in cyber security, blending technical insight with creativity to drive impactful change.

Bec is a long-time advocate for women in creative industries, and is proud to support WIFT Victoria, contributing her unique perspective and diverse skill set to the community.

(She/Her)
BOARD MEMBER

Jessica Hutchinson an award winning actor, writer, director and producer based in Melbourne, Australia.

Her career spans two decades across theatre, film, television, motion capture and video games. Jess trained under Sue Maslin (Executive Producer, The Dressmaker) at Compton School’s Creative Leadership program and was part of the inaugural Victorian cohort of the AWG First Break initiative.

Jess joined WIFT Victoria with a passion to give back to the industry with positive impact. Jess wanted to be part of the change makers, and has found herself in the most supportive community of incredible and like-minded creatives from all walks of life.

(She/Her)
BOARD MEMBER

Lucinda Bruce is an Australian film producer with over 40 credits across development, production, and post-completion strategy.

With a background spanning acting, broadcasting, and production, she brings a collaborative, experience-led approach to storytelling. Her projects have screened internationally, earning multiple nominations and awards, including an AACTA Award nomination.

In 2017, she founded Lady of the Light Productions, producing diverse content from genre films to mainstream features, with a focus on sustainable, audience-led filmmaking.

(She/Her)
BOARD MEMBER

Ria Patel is an actor, writer, and dancer, lead in How to Talk Australians directed by Tony Rogers, exploring the immigrant dream and Australia–India relations. She's worked with brands including Toyota, Ford, Kmart and Reddy Express but Libra is close to her heart; advocating for representation and breaking taboos around period pain. Ria is also a yoga teacher, mental health advocate, and has judged the Young Australian Film Festival previously. She believes storytelling has the power to connect, comfort and challenge the audience to evoke change in the world and within themselves.

Ria joined WIFT Voc to amplify the voices of WOC and holding space for creatives. Stories have always shown up for Ria, and she wants to show up for others with stories. Alongside WIFT, Ria wants to help the community feel connected and empower everyone with resources for their artistic journey.

She/Her
BOARD MEMBER

Eva Justine Torkkola is a Melbourne-based writer, director and producer of Ukrainian/Finnish heritage. A University of Melbourne double Master’s graduate in Directing and Screenwriting, Eva was chosen as one of 20 emerging directors for the International Filmmaking Academy in Italy mentored by Jane Campion and featuring Francis Ford Coppola (2019) and was one of 25 international filmmakers selected for a Film Accelerator in Spain with Werner Herzog (2024). She is a MIFF Accelerator Lab alumnus and an Australian Writers’ Guild and Australian Directors’ Guild nominee.

Being part of the incredible, supportive network at WIFT VIC has been central to Eva’s practice and ongoing passion for the film industry.

“I deeply value the sense of community, connection, and care it offers to creatives in screen. I’m excited to contribute to events that foster positive change and greater inclusivity within the industry.” - Eva

She/Her
BOARD MEMBER

Yvette Turnbull is a Melbourne-based, queer female filmmaker dedicated to amplifying LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation. With a passion for moving audiences and making them laugh, Yvette’s work is a delightful blend of warmth and quirkiness. Embracing collaborative and inclusive filmmaking practices, she brings a holistic approach to storytelling, honed from her background as a theatre maker.

Transitioning from Production Designer to Director, Yvette infuses her projects with a distinctive visual flair, creating visually unique and emotionally resonant films. Her design-led artistry and approachable nature make her a beloved and distinct voice in the local film industry.