Amy Poehler is working to bring a feminist teen character to the big screen. Hers and Brooke Posch’s Paper Kite production banner has acquired the film rights to “Moxie,” an upcoming YA book by Jennifer Mathieu. The book won’t hit shelves until September 19, yet it’s already found a fan in the former “Parks and Recreation” star, the Houston Chronicle reports. We haven’t been lucky enough to read the manuscript yet, but “Moxie” sounds all kinds of awesome.
The story follows a Texas teen “who, inspired by stories of her mom’s Riot Grrrl youth back in the ’90s, starts producing a zine and sparks a feminist revolution at her school.” An intergenerational female-led story with characters who self-identity as feminists? Count us in, especially when the soundtrack is sure to feature the music of Riot Grrrl bands like Bikini Kill.
No word on who will write or direct yet, but “Moxie” is one of those cases where it feels especially necessary to have women working behind the camera. (Dream scenario: Poehler, who has written and directed episodes of “Parks and Rec” and has other writing and directing credits on the small screen, makes her big screen directorial debut with “Moxie.” And pens the script.)
“Mathieu’s film agent shopped the manuscript around before Thanksgiving, and Poehler’s production company, Paper Kite Productions, expressed interest right away,” the Chronicle writes. “Paper Kite made an offer and sealed the deal a couple of weeks ago.”
Poehler’s admiration of Mathieu’s work is reciprocated. The Houston-based author admitted that she “cried” when she first talked to Poehler on the phone. “Not on the phone — I kept it together — but I cried after the phone call,” she clarified. “She is such an idol of mine.” Mathieu described the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actress, writer, producer, and director as “a model of what it means to be a strong, smart creative woman who stands up for other women.”
“I don’t write stories to lecture kids,” Mathieu explained. “But I’d be lying if I didn’t also say that I hope this book will serve as an entry point for some young readers to explore the idea of gender equality.” Poehler assured Mathieu that the adaptation would be faithful to the text. “She really got what I was trying to say with the book, and she kept saying she would want to protect the story,” the author revealed.
“Feminism has brought a lot of joy to my life,” Mathieu said. “It’s enhanced my relationships, helped me stand up for myself.” “Moxie” sounds like a powerful coming-of-age story, and one that will potentially serve as some of its readers and viewers’ introduction to feminism. Leslie Knope would be proud of Poehler’s involvement.
