As we find ourselves (only) 30 days into America’s new administration, the majority of female-led crowdfunding projects across the web rightfully continue February’s themes of tribulations and resilience. This particular ensemble of films explores, in one way or another, the relationship between societal pressure and consequences.
“The Last Clinics,” a docuseries from Maya Cueva and Leah Galant, the same team that directed the Emmy-winning short documentary “The Provider,” highlights the last remaining abortion clinics throughout the United States. By doing so, the filmmakers aim to not only further conversations surrounding women’s healthcare, but also comment on the very real consequences of its governmental restraints and dwindling presence.
Angela Atwood’s “Lady Hunters” partakes in a different kind of societal conversation: rape culture. Through a dark comedy lens complete with a vigilante mom squad, Atwood’s short explores what happens when women take the failing justice system into their own hands.
Miryam Rabinowitz’s “Still Feeling” also explores sexual trauma, but does so through its unyielding connection to art. In its own way, “Still Feeling” highlights how individual victims respond to both their own experience and pervading cultural norms.
Finally, Marina Michelson’s psychological thriller, “Biophilia,” addresses various questions surrounding sustainability, climate change, and gender dynamics. After a sheep dies under her watch, this film’s female protagonist — a city girl-turned-farmer — is determined to prove her worth within this rural community.
The Last Clinics (Docuseries) — Directed by Maya Cueva and Leah Galant
“The Last Clinics” aims to, first and foremost, “take you to the front lines of reproductive healthcare access to meet abortion providers, clinic workers, and the communities they want to protect.” While each episode will focus on different clinics across the United States, the pilot episode is particularly crucial, as it highlights the last remaining clinic in the Rio Grande Valley along the U.S./Mexico border. The state of this clinic gravely affects those seeking health care in this area — the next nearest clinic is roughly 250 miles and various border checkpoints away.
Go to their Seed&Spark page to help Cueva and Galant make one more post-election trip to finish their pilot episode.
Lady Hunters — Written and Directed by Angela Atwood
In Angela Atwood’s dark comedy, upon learning that a famous rapist has been released from prison, three enraged mothers become a vigilante death squad and arbiters of justice. This project promises great action and a space to laugh at the world’s absurdity. More importantly, though, its protagonists speak to the very real situation in which many of us now find ourselves: first-time, ordinary people who must step up, speak out, and take action.
Check out the “Lady Hunters” campaign on Indiegogo to contribute to the film.
Still Feeling (Documentary)— Directed by Miryam Rabinowitz
“Still Feeling” features artists who are “elevating their experiences of child sexual trauma through artistic expression.” By highlighting testimonies from Israel, Los Angeles, Canada, and Chicago, this feature-length documentary highlights both different forms of art and cultural experiences. As a sexual assault survivor herself, director Miryam Rabinowitz hopes to provide both viewers and other survivors with a means to understand art as an extension of trauma, as well as a sense of validation and community.
Support “Still Feeling’s” all-or-nothing campaign on Kickstarter.
Biophilia — Written and Directed by Marina Michelson
At its surface, “Biophilia” follows Rachel, a female farmer, as she becomes determined to prove herself after a sheep dies under her care, but Marina Michelson’s psychological thriller sounds as though it will feature many layers. The project tackles issues of sustainability and climate change “with a decidedly feminist bent.” By doing so, this film aims to “make a visceral, visually resonant film that honors the work of living off the land… and immerse the audience in a woman’s experience.”
Find out how you can help this film “buzz with life and smell of sweat” by checking it out on Seed&Spark.
To be considered for Women and Hollywood’s biweekly crowdfunding feature, please write to womenandhollywoodinterns@gmail.com. All formats (features, shorts, web series, etc.) are welcome. Projects must be by and/or about women.