5 Films to Watch for Women's History Month
The stories shared by Geena Davis and other actresses in the documentary THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (2018) about ‘uncovering what’s behind the discrimination & under-representation of women in Hollywood,’ were nothing new to most women working in the entertainment industry. The Geena Davis Institute and other organizations’ research have done excellent work in their attempt to close the gender gap with very specific statistics and data.
For example, according to the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film:
In 2022, female characters comprised 33% of protagonists, up 2 percentage points from 31% in 2021, and 38% of major characters, up 3 percentage points from 35% in 2021. Females accounted for 37% of all speaking characters, up 3 percentage points from 34% in 2021. 80% of films featured more male than female characters.
For many women, the battle has only just begun. This October will be six years since the New York Times published its investigation of Harvey Weinstein. Not long after the article was published, the hashtag #MeToo, originally coined by activist and abuse survivor Tarana Burke in 2006, started gaining major traction on social media. After decades of living in the shadows, people were suddenly being forced to listen to survivors’ stories of abuse. Although progress is being made, women who speak out are still facing backlash, and the industry is very much transitioning in terms of women being given the same opportunities as men.
The Woodstock Film festival has a long history of supporting women working in the film industry through its Spotlight on Women in Film & Media program, showcasing many outstanding women-directed films each year. The popular film festival annual panel ‘Women in Film: Then and Now’ started in 2004, and over the years, has gathered notable high-profile women directors, producers, and actors to begin a dialogue. With each new year, it has blossomed, becoming part of a wave of advocacy for women in the media. We ask ourselves, where did we come from, how far we have gotten, and what can we manifest for the future?
For this year's Women’s History Month, here are five incredible films to watch by women filmmakers (mostly about women) that were official selections of Woodstock Film Fest 2022.
SKATE DREAMS
Directed by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Jessica Edwards (MAVIS!)
SKATE DREAMS is the first feature documentary about the rise of women’s skateboarding. It profiles a diverse group of women whose pursuit of self-expression and freedom has helped create an international movement. The story spans the trailblazing pioneers of the 1980s and the next generation of Olympic contenders as they defy industry gatekeepers and fight for professional equality. SKATE DREAMS showcases the charismatic personalities and indomitable spirits of these amazing talents on and off their skateboards.
MAMA IRENE, HEALER OF THE ANDES
Directed by Bettina Ehrhardt and Elisabeth Möhlmann
The documentary follows Mama Irene in her everyday life, highlighting her healing methods and passion for serving each patient who knocks on her door: from local women who travel hours or days by foot through the Andes to a medical doctor from India seeking a cure for the illness that Western Medicine had failed to help.
We accompany Mama Irene on ancient spiritual ceremonies such as the Snow Star Festival, where thousands of pilgrims gather in Sinakara Valley high in the Peruvian Andes to honor the local glacier. The film depicts Mama Irene’s secret healing practices, never before filmed. This is a story about a woman who overcomes tremendous trauma and obstacles and continues to grow and inspire at age 84.
THE RETURN OF TANYA TUCKER
Directed by Kathlyn Horan
THE RETURN OF TANYA TUCKER follows Tanya’s richly creative, utterly captivating, bumpy ride back to the top as Brandi Carlile encourages her to push past her fears to create a new sound and reach a new audience. Trailblazing, hell-raising country music legend Tanya Tucker defied the standards of how a woman in country music was supposed to behave. Decades after Tanya slipped from the spotlight, rising Americana music star Brandi Carlile takes it upon herself to write an entire album for her hero based on Tanya’s extraordinary life, spurring the greatest comeback in country music history.
THE QUIET EPIDEMIC
Directed by Lindsay Keys
After years of living with mysterious symptoms, a young girl from Brooklyn and a Duke University scientist are diagnosed with a disease said to not exist: Chronic Lyme disease. The Quiet Epidemic follows their search for answers, which lands them in the middle of a vicious medical debate. What begins as a patient story evolves into an investigation into the history of Lyme disease, dating back to its discovery in 1975. A paper trail of suppressed scientific research and buried documents reveal why ticks—and the diseases they carry—have been allowed to spread quietly around the globe.
EXPOSURE
Directed by Holly Morris
As the arctic polar ice cap melts, reaching the north pole has become increasingly dangerous. yet an expedition of ordinary women from the arab world and the west strap on skis and haul heaving sledges toward the true north, against all odds and polar advice.
Award-winning filmmaker, Holly Morris, captures it all, from frostbite and polar bear threats to sexism and self-doubt in this intimate story of resilience, survival, and global citizenry — on what may be the last-ever expedition to the top of the world.
Submit your film to the 24th Annual Woodstock Film Festival, and participate in what Ethan Hawke calls “a festival that isn't trying to sell you anything, but simply and beautifully celebrating the art & craft of filmmaking.” The Woodstock Film Festival is an Oscar®-qualifying festival in the short film categories - Live Action Short Film, Animated Short Film, and Documentary Short Film.
PS: We LOVE our new stickers from our favorite sticker maker! If you are looking for durable, weather-resistant vinyl stickers to promote your project or business, look no further than Sticker Mule. Plus, the shipping is free, and they have a fast turnaround time!