Now here’s a fest that recognizes the existence of women directors and the importance of female-led stories. 51Fest, presented by Women in the World and IFC Center, has unveiled the lineup for their inaugural event, which celebrates “the voice, vision, and stories of the female majority through compelling screenings and conversations, all by or about women.”
Set to be held July 18-21 in New York, the fest’s program will kick off with “Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story.” The a docu-comedy explores the aftermath of the controversial comedian’s infamous photo with a bloodied Donald Trump mask. Following the screening Griffin will participate in a Q&A with Tina Brown, CEO and founder of Tina Brown Live Media/Women in the World.
The fest will host the New York debut of Julianne Moore-starrer “After the Wedding,” and the actress and producer will appear in person for a post-screening conversation. The drama sees Michelle Williams playing the manager of an orphanage in Kolkata, who travels to New York to meet a benefactor (Moore).
Among the other titles in the program is Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ SXSW Audience Award winner “For Sama.” The documentary is a message to al-Kateab’s daughter, and the story of her life in Aleppo through five years of the Syrian revolution. After the screening Anne Barnard, who led coverage of the war in Syria for the New York Times from 2012-2018, will speak with the directors and subject Dr. Hamza al-Kateab.
The fest will host the world premiere of the first episode of Netflix’s “Unbelievable,” a drama inspired by a real-life sexual assault case. Kailyn Dever (“Booksmart”) stars alongside Toni Collette (“Hereditary”), Merritt Wever (“Godless”), and Danielle Macdonald (“Dumplin'”). Susannah Grant (“Erin Brockovich”) serves as showrunner, and Lisa Cholodenko (“The Kids Are All Right”) directed the episode being screened. Grant, Cholodenko, Dever, Wever, Macdonald, and executive producer Sarah Timberman will be present for a Q&A following the screening.
For the complete lineup and ticket information head over to the fest’s website.
