On 5 November, the third edition of the Women and the World International Film Festival begins with its flagship Black Tie Opening Gala

WWIFF 2026 OPENING GALA

Black Tie Opening Night at Ham Yard Hotel

5 November 2026 | 7:00–11:00 PM | London

Get your gowns and tuxedos ready.

On 5 November, the third edition of the Women and the World International Film Festival begins with its flagship Black Tie Opening Gala at Ham Yard Hotel, in the heart of London.

An exceptional evening bringing together international cinema, culture, diplomacy and public life — with filmmakers, prominent figures from the creative industries, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community, cultural leaders, international guests, the WWIFF 2026 jury and special guests all coming together for Opening Night.

Previous editions of WWIFF have welcomed distinguished guests from the worlds of film, diplomacy, culture and British royal circles.

This November, the Red Carpet is ready again.

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Opening Film - LILLY, Directed by Rachel Feldman (USA)

Starring Academy Award-nominated Patricia Clarkson, LILLY brings to the screen the remarkable true story of Lilly Ledbetter — an ordinary woman whose fight for equal pay became a landmark battle for women’s rights in America.

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Your Opening Gala Access includes:

▪️ Black Tie Gala at Ham Yard Hotel

▪️Official WWIFF Red Carpet & Step-and-Repeat

▪️ Professional photography & Getty Images photographers

- Premium drinks during the reception

▪️ Elegant canapés

▪️ WWIFF 2026 jury & special guests

▪️ Filmmakers, cultural figures & diplomatic guests

▪️ Official WWIFF Opening Ceremony

▪️ Official Opening Film

▪️ Networking throughout the evening

▪️ Opening Night After-Party

This is not simply a film screening.

It is access to the full WWIFF Opening Night experience — four hours inside one of the festival’s flagship evenings, surrounded by an international crowd from cinema, culture, diplomacy and the creative industries.

Dress beautifully. Step onto the Red Carpet. Have the photographs. Enjoy the hospitality. Meet the people in the room. Discover the film selected to open WWIFF 2026. Stay for the party.

THE EVENING

7:00–8:00 PM — Red Carpet Reception

Premium drinks, canapés, photography & networking

8:00–8:30 PM — Official WWIFF Opening Ceremony

8:30–10:00 PM — WWIFF Opening Film (LILLY - USA)

From 10:00 PM — Opening Night After-Party

📍 Ham Yard Hotel, London

📅 Thursday, 5 November 2026

🖤 Dress Code: Black Tie

EARLY BIRD ACCESS IS NOW AVAILABLE.

A limited number of places are available at the Early Bird rate.

SECURE YOUR PLACE AT WWIFF 2026 OPENING NIGHT.

See you on the Red Carpet. ✨

Description supplied by the event organiser.