Films
Fighting to Be Heard: Crowdfunding Picks
Even as women fight for their own spaces in Hollywood, it’s important to remember the kinds of stories about women that are typically told. Many of Hollywood’s female-centered stories focus on...
Quote of the Day: Patty Jenkins on the Pressure and Responsibility of Directing “Wonder Woman”
“I can’t take on the history of 50 percent of the population just because I’m a woman,” Patty Jenkins told The Hollywood Reporter in an in-depth interview published earlier today. The...
Gabrielle Union to Topline and Produce Home-Invasion Drama “Breaking In”
If you can’t get enough of movies like “You’re Next,” “The Strangers,” and “Panic Room,” you’ll want to check out Gabrielle Union’s next project. The “Being Mary Jane”...
Trailer Watch: The Queen Rediscovers Her Love of Life in “Victoria & Abdul”
The trailer for “Victoria & Abdul” sees Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) tired of her royal duties and her life. She falls asleep at extravagant state dinners. She’s uninterested in the Prime...
Maggie Gyllenhaal to Star in Sara Colangelo’s “The Kindergarten Teacher”
Maggie Gyllenhaal is stepping into the classroom. The Oscar-nominated actress has signed on to topline “The Kindergarten Teacher,” a film based on a critically acclaimed 2014 Israeli drama of...
Ramona S. Diaz’s Sundance Winner “Motherland” Acquired by FilmRise
An intimate look into one of the world’s biggest and busiest maternity hospitals is coming to theaters. A press release announced that FilmRise has acquired North American distribution rights to...
STXfilms to Release Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein’s Amy Schumer-Starrer “I Feel Pretty”
STXfilms has snagged distribution rights to the Amy Schumer-led comedy “I Feel Pretty,” Variety reports. The project marks the directorial debut of “How to Be Single” and “He’s Just Not...
Trailer Watch: New “Rough Night” Clip Flashes Back to the Ladies’ College Days
Lucia Aniello’s “Rough Night” is darker than your average R-rated comedy. What begins as a bachelorette party reuniting a group of friends (Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell,...
Karlovy Vary Competition Lineups Announced, Program Is 26% Women-Directed
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has announced its 2017 competition lineups. Of 35 films screening in competition programs, nine are directed or co-directed by women, amounting to 26...
Cannes Interview: “I Am Not a Witch” Writer-Director Rungano Nyoni Talks Misogyny, Witches, and…
Cannes Interview: “I Am Not a Witch” Writer-Director Rungano Nyoni Talks Misogyny, Witches, and Shooting in Zambia “I Am Not a Witch” is one of the most original films about feminism I have...
Cannes 2017: Nicole Kidman, Sofia Coppola, & More Take Home Awards
Cannes 2017 has come to a close and, happily, honored several female directors, writers, and performers. While the 70th edition of the fest has been consistently marked with sexism onscreen and off,...
Quote of the Day: Jessica Chastain Calls Depictions of Women at Cannes “Quite Disturbing”
When we found out Jessica Chastain would be serving on the jury at Cannes this year, we knew the outspoken feminist would make a mark at the fest. Sure enough, the two-time Oscar nominated actress...
Women and Hollywood is Looking for Interns for the Second Half of 2017
Women and Hollywood is looking for two interns for the second half of 2017. The positions will begin on July 1, 2017 and end on December 23, 2017. Applicants must be willing to commit to six months...
Guest Post: What It’s Like to Attend a Film Fest with a Newborn
Jennica Schwartzman with her daughter Winslow at the Bentonville Film Festival Guest Post by Jennica Schwartzman “And the Best Narrative award goes to: Jamaica Schwartzman…” My name is Jennica...
Applications Open for the Canadian Academy’s Apprenticeship for Women Directors
Canada-based directors, this one’s for you: applications are now open for the Canadian Academy’s Apprenticeship for Women Directors. The program will offer intensive professional development for...
Quote of the Day: “Wonder Woman” Director Patty Jenkins on the Sexist Trickle-Down Effect in Film
Women don’t like superhero movies. That myth was one of the biggest obstacles Patty Jenkins faced as she directed the much-anticipated “Wonder Woman,” out June 2. In an interview with The...
Weekly Update for May 26: Women Centric, Directed, and Written Films Playing Near You
“Berlin Syndrome” Films About Women Opening This Week Berlin Syndrome — Directed by Cate Shortland While holidaying in Berlin, Australian photojournalist Clare (Teresa Palmer) meets...
Women-Only “Wonder Woman” Screenings Sell Out and Overcome Trolls
“Wonder Woman”: Warner Bros. Despite garden-variety protests from dudes on the internet, two women-only screenings of “Wonder Woman” at the Alamo Drafthouse theater in Austin have sold out....
Blake Lively to Star in Adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s “The Husband’s Secret”
Addicted to “Big Little Lies” and anxiously awaiting confirmation of a second season? Well, here’s something to help tide you over. The author who wrote the novel the HBO murder mystery is...
Summer 2017 Film Preview
“Girls Trip” By Joseph Allen and Kelsey Moore If the movies are any indication, then we are in for one hot yet refreshing summer. Some of the season’s biggest and action-filled flicks feature...
Cannes 2017: All Hail Jane Campion
Me with Jane Campion at Cannes Cannes Film Festival celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. Just remember that only one female director — Jane Campion — has won a Palme d’Or. She...
Lee Grant to Receive Split Screens Festival’s Inaugural Legacy Award
Actress, director, and author Lee Grant will be honored this year at the Split Screens Festival. According to an announcement from the television fest, Grant will receive its first Legacy Award,...
WIDC Launches Directory of Canadian Women Directors and Calls for Award Submissions
In honor of its 20th anniversary, Canada’s Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC) initiative has announced the launch of an online directory of its filmmakers. The alumnae directory includes...
Gina Prince-Bythewood to Direct Marvel’s “Silver Sable and Black Cat”
Gina Prince-Bythewood is getting a superhero movie. Variety reports that the “Secret Life of Bees” writer-director has signed to to helm “Silver Sable and Black Cat.” She’ll also rewrite...
Quote of the Day: Helen Mirren Explains Why She’s a “Declared Feminist”
The self-described “Nastiest of all Nasty Women” recently gave the commencement address at Tulane University, and her speech was characteristically candid, hilarious, and feminist — Helen...
Cannes Update: Gurinder Chadha’s “Viceroy’s House” Gets U.S. Distribution
“Viceroy’s House” has found a U.S. home. IFC acquired the U.S. rights to the period drama from “Bend It Like Beckham” director Gurinder Chadha at the Cannes market, The Hollywood Reporter...
Marlene Dietrich Retrospective Screening at the Metrograph in NYC
If you’re a fan of actress, camp icon, and anti-fascist Marlene Dietrich or want to learn more about her, you’re in luck. The Metrograph theater in New York City is hosting “Marlene,” a...
Release Dates Set for Elizabeth Banks’ “Charlie’s Angels” and Michelle MacLaren’s “The Nightingale”
Two upcoming women-directed projects have received release dates. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michelle MacLaren’s “The Nightingale” will hit theaters in summer 2018 and the...
Anne Hathaway to Topline Untitled Romantic Comedy from STXfilms
Anne Hathaway is getting back into the rom-com game. ComingSoon.net reports that the Oscar winner has signed on to star in an untitled romantic comedy from STXfilms penned by writing partners Abby...
WIF Launches Campaign Encouraging Audiences to See “Wonder Woman” Opening Weekend
We know where we’ll be next weekend — watching Gal Gadot kick ass on the big screen. After years of anticipation, Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” is opening in theaters. And we’ll be...
Toni Collette Options “The Best of Adam Sharp”
Toni Collette has nabbed the rights to Graeme Simsion’s novel and screenplay for “The Best of Adam Sharp,” Deadline reports. The romance marks Collette’s first project under her...
Cannes Update: Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider” Snagged by Sony Pictures Classics
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the North American rights to Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider,” a press release has announced. The company will also distribute the cowboy drama in Latin America,...
Cannes 2017 Women Directors: Meet Natalia Santa — “La Defensa del Dragón”
“La Defensa del Dragón” is Natalia Santa’s directorial debut. The film will premiere at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival on May 24. W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words. NS:...
Women Filmmakers Receive 66% of Doha Film Institute Spring Grants
In much-needed good news, Variety reports that Doha Film Institute (DFI) is awarding more than half of its spring grants to female filmmakers. In fact, women will receive about 66 percent of the...
Hedgebrook’s Screenwriters Lab Now Accepting Applications
If you’re dreaming of writing for the big screen, take note: Hedgebrook’s third annual Screenwriters Lab is now accepting applications. Selected screenwriters will be in residence for ten days...
Haifaa Al-Mansour to Direct “The Perfect Candidate”
“Wadjda” writer-director Haifaa Al-Mansour has lined up her next project. The trailblazing Saudi Arabian filmmaker will helm “The Perfect Candidate,” a drama about a young female physician...
Trailer Watch: Clone Club Preps for Its Final Fight in “Orphan Black” Season 5
Last time we saw the Clone Club sisters (all portrayed by Tatiana Maslany), they weren’t doing great. Resident Bad Clone Rachel had abducted Sarah’s family, Sarah and Cosima were severely sick...
Cannes Update: Rihanna, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae Team Up for Buddy Film
This is not a drill: Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o are starring in a buddy movie together. “Insecure” co-creator Issa Rae is writing the script. “Selma” helmer Ava DuVernay is directing. If...
Cannes Update: Amma Asante’s Amandla Stenberg-Starrer “Where Hands Touch” Acquired by Sony Pictures…
Cannes Update: Amma Asante’s Amandla Stenberg-Starrer “Where Hands Touch” Acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Amandla Stenberg is one step closer to breaking audience’s hearts yet again....
Cannes Update: Catherine Deneuve to Star in Julie Bertuccelli’s “Claire Darling”
“School of Babel” director Julie Bertuccelli has begun production on her next film, “Claire Darling.” According to Variety, Catherine Deneuve and her daughter Chiara Mastroianni have signed...
Elvira Lind’s Tribeca Winner “Bobbi Jene” Acquired by Oscilloscope
Elvira Lind’s “Bobbi Jene” has found a home. Oscilloscope Laboratories snagged the U.S. rights to the the award-winning documentary about American dancer Bobbi Jene Smith, a press release has...
Cannes Update: Joanna Hogg to Direct “The Souvenir”
“Exhibition” writer-director Joanna Hogg has a new project in the works. The British filmmaker will helm “The Souvenir,” a romantic mystery executive-produced by Sikelia Productions’...
Cannes Interview: Kristen Stewart Explains Why Directing Shouldn’t Be About Correcting
Kristen Stewart is crafting a great career for herself. She shot to international stardom in “Twilight,” but it’s what she’s done after the vampire romance franchise that really makes her...
Cannes Update: Jessica Chastain to Star in and Produce “Seducing Ingrid Bergman”
Jessica Chastain is set to portray an icon of the silver screen. The two-time Oscar-nominated actress will topline and produce “Seducing Ingrid Bergman,” Deadline reports. Chastain will play the...
Industry Double Standards: The Success of “Everything, Everything” and Failure of “King Arthur”
Stella Meghie’s “Everything, Everything” is beating box office expectations. Guy Ritchie’s “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” is bombing. But let’s be real, Ritchie will still get his...
“Mamma Mia!” Sequel Announced
Universal has realized it could never let go of “Mamma Mia!” Variety reports that a sequel for the 2008 musical hit is officially in the works. “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!” will hit...
The Cannes Conundrum
I feel very conflicted writing about the Cannes Film Festival. It would be easy if I wrote reviews and I could just talk about the movies — whether I like them or not, and whether they suck or...
Cannes 2017 Women Directors: Meet Cecilia Atan and Valeria Pivato — “The Desert Bride”
Cecilia Atan’s documentary series “Madres de Plaza de Mayo, la Historia” was nominated for the International Emmy Awards. “The Sea,” her first short film, screened at the Cannes Short Film...
Guest Post: Why My New Film “AWOL” Is More Than a Love Story
Guest Post by Deb Shoval “AWOL” was a long time coming, the kind of fabled first feature film journey that humbles, challenges, and educates — the kind of experience one hopes to...
Directors UK Launches New Mentorship and Career Development Program
Directors UK has launched a new initiative for its members. Directors UK Inspire: A Mentoring and Career Development Programme “aims to inspire and encourage directors across genres to seek...
Trailer Watch: Whitney Houston Struggles with Fame in “Whitney: Can I Be Me”
“Success doesn’t change you — fame does,” says Whitney Houston in a newly released trailer for “Whitney: Can I Be Me.” The documentary follows the icon’s personal and...